NRL 2020: St George enforcer Tyson Frizell backs club interest in Corey Harawira-Naera.

Newcastle-bound St George Illawarra enforcer Tyson Frizell has backed the club’s interest in disgraced Canterbury forward Corey Harawira-Naera, and also sent an SOS to Sonny Bill Williams.

Newcastle-bound St George Illawarra enforcer Tyson Frizell may be leaving at season’s end but is still happy to play recruiter for the Dragons.

Frizell was in manager mode at training on Tuesday as he talked up the prospect of the Red V securing the services of disgraced Canterbury forward Corey Harawira-Naera.

Canberra is favoured to land Harawira-Naera if he gains a release from the Bulldogs, but the Dragons are also interested.

The New Zealand representative is keen to leave Canterbury following the club’s handling of the pre-season Port Macquarie schoolgirl scandal, but incoming coach Trent Barrett plans to make one last-ditch attempt to convince him to stay.

If Barrett’s pitch fails, it will open the door for the Dragons or Raiders to strike on Harawira-Naera’s signature.

Frizell would certainly like to see the Canterbury back-rower in St George Illawarra colours.

“Yeah, if the club thinks he is a good fit for the squad and the club,” Frizell said.

“He is a quality player and I don’t see why they wouldn’t go for a player like him.”

St George Illawarra are also interested in Corey Harawira-Naera if he gains a release from Canterbury. Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.

Frizell also cheekily sent out an SOS to Sonny Bill Williams after the Toronto Wolfpack pulled out of the Super League for the rest of 2020.

The Wolfpack’s decision has left the club’s former NRL players, including Williams, in limbo has NRL clubs like the Warriors circle.

Frizell is a huge fan of the man nicknamed ‘SBW’ and would love to have him at the Dragons.

“If Sonny wants to come this club it would be great for rugby league,” he said.

“He is an idol for a lot of backrowers and a lot of players in the game, especially around me age.

“Seeing a guy like him play coming through was pretty special, so c’mon Sonny.”

The Dragons will be without representative back-rower Tariq Sims for Saturday’s crucial clash against Cronulla after he copped a one-match suspension for dangerous contact on Canterbury’s Kieran Foran.

It's Tuesday. Here's the team 💁‍♂️ #NRLSharksDragons #redv

— St George Illawarra Dragons (@NRL_Dragons) July 21, 2020

Sims will be hard to replace, but Frizell has full faith in rising forwards Jackson Ford and Tyrell Fuimaono.

“They are definitely pushing for that spot and that is what we want,” he said.

“We want them to push the starters. Those guys coming through have had a couple of years under their belt now and they are looking to play some consistent first grade football.

“For me, that is where I want them to be.

“I want them to be chasing guys like Tariq and myself for that spot.”

Since defeating Cronulla 30-16 in round 5, the Dragons have won three of their past five clashes.

Frizell, though, is wary of a rejuvenated Sharks side that have claimed four victories in the past five games.

“They are a different side to the one we first played against,” he said.

“They are on a bit of a roll and they will be looking to get one up against us.

“There is a lot of improvement left in us for us to go anywhere in this competition.

“We are chasing the Sharks who are sitting at the bottom of the eight and that is where we want to be.”