Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has given Tyrell Sloan the freedom to test the player market

St George Illawarra tryscorer Tyrell Sloan is free to explore his future at a rival club despite being contracted with the Red V until the end of 2026.

St George Illawarra tryscorer Tyrell Sloan is free to explore his future at a rival club despite being contracted with the Red V until the end of 2026.

The major development has emerged in the wake of Sloan being dropped from the first grade team to face the Eels at WIN Stadium on Saturday.

Tyrell Sloan has been given permission to test the player market. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Sloan’s manager George Mimis is believed to have met with new Dragons CEO Tim Watsford on Tuesday where it was determined by the club that the 23-year-old would be granted permission to speak with rival clubs.

It’s understood the decision is unrelated to any interest that the club may have in unwanted Broncos star Selwyn Cobbo.

Former Queensland Origin representative Corey Allan and Christian Tuipulotu have been selected on the two wings ahead of Sloan to face Parramatta, with the latter again named to play in reserve grade.

With 39 tries in 70 NRL appearances, Sloan’s athletic ability in attack is undeniable. Yet it’s his application to defence that has led to the decision to commence the process of parting ways with the prodigious talent.

He was moved from fullback, where he has played the majority of his football since debuting in 2021, to the wing this season to both make way for high-profile recruit and veteran fullback Clint Gutherson and to develop his defensive capabilities.

Sloan’s four errors and defensive flaws under the high ball on the wing against the Sharks two weeks ago led to his selection in NSW Cup last weekend, during a bye round for the NRL side.

News of Sloan’s availability on the open market caps a turbulent 18 months for the footballer.

Upon his appointment as head coach of the Dragons in 2024, Shane Flanagan invested heavily in the development of Sloan’s defensive durability and physicality.

Sloan, one of the game’s most naturally-gifted ball runners, made no secret that he needed to strengthen the defensive side of his game in order to remain in the NRL.

“There’s moments there where I’m good, and there’s moments there where I’m bad,’’ Sloan during the 2023 pre-season.

“You are your own worst critic and sometimes I come out of a tackle feeling for myself and not just myself, but letting my team down.

“That’s my main focus. I want to be that person that, if there’s a line break, I can be depended on to make that tackle.”

Sloan has had his ups and downs in the Red V. Picture: Fox League

Ultimately, Sloan was moved from fullback to the wing this year following the arrival of Gutherson, who has spoken previously about wanting to help mentor the Dapto junior.

“He’s a footballer, so we will find a spot for him and just let him play,’’ Gutherson said earlier this year.

However, rival clubs will now have a chance to sign Sloan, with the Dragons poised to place their hopes in the outside backs on Matt Feagai, Nathan Lawson, Tuipulotu, Allan and potentially, a key recruit.

Originally published as Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has given Tyrell Sloan the freedom to test the player market