£5 million is wagered by the St George Illawarra Dragons for an NRL star.
According to reports, the St George Illawarra Dragons made a surprise move for Jason Taumalolo, a star player for the North Queensland Cowboys and NRL. However, the players’ management rejected the move, which is estimated to be worth $10 million or £5 million.
The star forward is currently making about $1 million a season with the North Queensland Cowboys, who are nearing the end of a ten-year contract that will expire at the end of the 2027 season. The Cowboys made a significant move to keep the forward on the long term.
Although he has been working hard to rebuild the Dragons, new coach Shane Flanagan has not yet been able to sign the big names he has been chasing.
Rejecting the Saints to sign with the Cronulla Sharks in 2025 was Addin Fonua-Blake’s decision. Meanwhile, Thomas Dearden re-signed with the Cowboys and Joseph Manu is scheduled to join the French rugby union. It doesn’t appear that the Dragons have given his teammate Taumalolo much consideration either.
Heilum Luki, for whom the Dragons are said to have made an offer, is still unanswered. The Dragons are also interested in Kulikefu Finefuiaki, who will also be free agent at the end of 2024.
The future is bright for the NRL club.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA-MARCH 18: Josh Kerr of the Dragons plays defense during the Brisbane Broncos vs. St George Illawarra Dragons round three NRL match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia on March 18, 2023. Picture courtesy of Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
With their developing talent, the club has a bright future even though they are having trouble making transfers.
Over the weekend, Round 2 of the NSWRL competitions featured matches for the junior representative teams of the St George Dragons, Illawarra Steelers, and Illawarra South Coast Dragons.
The Steelers Tarsha Gale Cup and Lisa Fiaola Cup squads maintained their excellent starts to the season, while the ISC Dragons Andrew Johns Cup team secured their first victory of 2024. The comprehensive victories for the Steelers and Dragons SG Ball Cup teams see them occupy the top two spots on the competition ladder.
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Tariq Sims discusses his decision to sign with the Catalan Dragons and start learning French.
TARIQ SIMS has acknowledged that he always had a Super League stint in mind, and Catalans was the only Super League team he would ever play for.
The 34-year-old is the third Sims brother to attempt his hand at Super League play; Korbin played 32 games for Hull KR, while Ashton had stints with Warrington and Toronto.
Tariq had played for the North Queensland Cowboys, Newcastle Knights, St George Illawarra Dragons, and Melbourne Storm throughout his entire professional career up until this point.
The former backrower for New South Wales and Fiji international acknowledges that conversations he had over the years with former Catalans players had convinced him that he would only ever be a Dragon if he chose to move to the Super League.
“I always wanted to move to a Super League team, and Catalans was that club,” he stated.
“I won’t deny that the weather had some influence, but the seeds were planted many, many years ago by Clint Greenshields and Greg Bird. They were just talking about how great their time was and how they would come back here right away if they could. The choice was much easier as a result.
Even though it’s difficult for him, Sims feels he must learn French in order to respect his new employers after Sam Tomkins, a former fullback for the Catalans, gave his retirement speech in the language.
“It’s been a learning process because we are in France and there is a different language barrier, and I know very little French,” Sims continued.
“The group of players and coaches has been really helpful. They have excellent English and are very understanding. When necessary, they are aware of when to slow down. That was most likely the first French I learned while playing because all of our plays and calls are in the language.
They are very understanding when it comes to non-football matters. They assist us with words and phrases as we head out to supper. We’ve discovered that the best course of action is to throw caution to the wind, go for a walk, and engage with the locals. Everyone in Perpignan is incredibly kind and welcoming when you arrive.
It would be impolite not to learn the language since we are in France. I am very dedicated to my family, and we meet once a week for lessons.
“The schooling of my two young daughters has already begun. There are days when they return home with the task of teaching their father a new word each day. Since they are both animal lovers, animals are usually involved.
Sims acknowledges that, having never experienced it in his career to date, he is eager to hear songs written about him by both home and away supporters.
“I’ve always followed Catalans, but when I talk to my brothers, they talk about the Super League so positively. This is the place I’ve always wanted to test myself.
“And I’m eager to interact with the supporters of the teams we play.” My brothers gave me an explanation of their fervor and the songs they sing. The abuse you endure, both good and bad. I’m eager.
After so many years of NRL play, they just boo and cheer. You may occasionally receive heckles, but as my brothers have mentioned, they enjoy writing songs about people, which is something I have not encountered in my professional life.
Sims acknowledges that he is a little bit envious that he won’t be able to play in the NRL in Las Vegas come March 1st, but he hopes
“The supporters are merely applauding because they are not accustomed to seeing bodies unite as strongly as we do; they have no idea who they are supporting
