Tyrell Sloan could be on the move from the St George Illawarra Dragons as early as this week, with the club granting him permission to explore an immediate release.
The move comes as the Dragons accelerate their pursuit of Brisbane Broncos star Selwyn Cobbo, whom they are eager to sign before the June 30 mid-season transfer deadline.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Sloan has been deemed surplus to requirements under head coach Shane Flanagan, who is reshaping his squad for both the short and long term.
While no deal has been confirmed, one club has already emerged as a potential destination for Sloan: the Melbourne Storm.
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NRL legends Bryan Fletcher and Matty Johns discussed the scenario on SEN radio, suggesting that Sloan could thrive under Craig Bellamy’s system in Melbourne if Cobbo completes a shock switch to the Dragons this week.
“So what will happen (is) Selwyn, boom, straight to the Dragons this week. And then I can see T Sloan being the next Foxx (Josh Addo-Carr) down in Melbourne,” Fletcher said.
“I can see that Fletch. One thing with Melbourne and their scout Paul Bunn is he just goes after speed,” Johns added.
Fletcher and Johns both pointed to Bellamy’s history of turning raw, athletic backs into elite NRL talents, highlighting Josh Addo-Carr’s transformation into a representative-level winger during his time at the Storm.
Sloan’s own path at the Dragons has been turbulent in 2024, with inconsistent form leading to him being dropped to reserve grade earlier in the season.
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The club’s willingness to part ways with the 21-year-old suggests they are preparing for a significant backline reshuffle, potentially with Cobbo being groomed as a long-term fullback replacement for Clint Gutherson
Reports indicate Cobbo met with Dragons officials in Wollongong last week during Brisbane’s bye round, and Flanagan’s side is considered the frontrunner to secure the 23-year-old’s services.
The only obstacle now may be time, with the NRL’s mid-season transfer window closing in less than a week.
As for Melbourne, uncertainty over Xavier Coates’ availability and Will Warbrick’s return timeline could create just enough roster space if their salary cap allows it, for a late swoop on Sloan.