Dragons star granted option to leave club in surprise development

Sayantan Guha

Dragons star granted option to leave club in surprise development image

St George Illawarra’s Tyrell Sloan has been given the green light to speak with rival NRL clubs, despite being contracted at the Dragons until the end of 2026, in a shock twist that signals the end of his time in the Red V may be near.

The 23-year-old was dropped from first grade for this weekend’s clash with Parramatta, replaced on the wing by Christian Tuipulotu and Corey Allan, and will again line up in reserve grade.

The call was made after a meeting between Sloan’s manager, George Mimis, and new Dragons CEO Tim Watsford earlier this week.

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Defensive struggles spark exit door moment

While Sloan’s attacking flair remains unquestioned, 39 tries in 70 appearances, his form under the high ball and defensive lapses have cost him his place.

Against Cronulla a fortnight ago, Sloan made four errors and looked vulnerable on the wing.

 

News Corp reports the club's decision to let Sloan test the market is not tied to any pursuit of Broncos star Selwyn Cobbo. Instead, the Dragons appear ready to back younger options such as Matt Feagai and Nathan Lawson, alongside recent inclusions Tuipulotu and Allan.

Speaking during last year’s pre-season, Sloan acknowledged where he needed to grow. “There’s moments there where I’m good, and there’s moments there where I’m bad… I want to be that person that, if there’s a line break, I can be depended on to make that tackle,” he said.

Though moved from fullback to wing this season following Clint Gutherson’s arrival, Sloan now has the freedom to find a club willing to bet on his attacking potential.

Sayantan Guha

Sayantan Guha is a content producer for The Sporting News working across English-language editions.