The Dragons have fended off rivals to lock down skipper Ben Hunt with a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until the end of 2025.
Hunt was being chased by the Bulldogs and Titans but opted for an extension before going to the World Cup with the Kangaroos.
“The St George Illawarra Dragons are excited to announce the resignation of captain Ben Hunt for a further two seasons,” the club said in a statement.
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Edwards and Sattler, who did it better? | 01:17
Hunt, who was already under contract until 2023, will now remain with the Dragons until at least the end of the 2025 season.
The two-time Dragons medal winner’s extension comes on the eve of his departure to the UK ahead of Australia’s Rugby League World Cup campaign.
“It’s a nice day for me and my family,” Hunt said.
“I’m very happy that we were able to agree a deal as I always wanted to stay with the Dragons.
“I’m excited about the direction the club is going and I’m really looking forward to playing my part in the Dragons’ journey over the coming years.”
The Queensland Origin veteran is also set to join the NRL’s illustrious 300 game club next season.
“Ben and his family are an integral part of the Dragons and to have him extended for a further two years demonstrates his commitment and desire to bring success to the club over the coming seasons,” said the Dragons’ general manager of football. Dragons, Ben Haran.
“Ben’s performances on the field speak for themselves, while his leadership off the field and around the club will be crucial to the continued development of our NRL squad.
“Ben’s new signing is one that all Red V members, partners and fans should be very excited about.”
Ben Hunt re-signed with the Dragons until 2025. Source: Getty Images
DOLPHINS POACH COWBOYS STAR
The Dolphins have signed Cowboys speedster Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow on a two-year deal after he was released from the final year of his North Queensland deal.
“The Dolphins have injected some electricity into their backline for their entry into the NRL with the signing of North Queensland Cowboys flyer Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow,” the Dolphins said in a statement.
Dolphins chief executive Terry Reader said securing Tabuai-Fidow’s signature was a huge asset for the club.
“The signing of Hamiso is very important to our squad and adds a new dynamic to our squad for the 2023 season,” said Reader.
“The Dolphins have been looking for a real game-breaker and there’s no doubt he’s just that. He’s electric with the ball in his hands and can be seen as a cult figure among our fans.
“Hamiso is young but already has 50 NRL games, is a State of Origin player and is about to become an international with Samoa at the World Cup.
“We are very excited about what Hamiso will do in a Dolphins jersey.”
The 21-year-old has scored 21 tries in 50 NRL games for the Cowboys since making his debut in 2020 and played an Origin for the Maroons in 2021.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will join the Dolphins in 2023. Source: Getty Images
STORM BLOCK THREE AHEAD IN EXTENSIONS
The Storm have moved to bolster their long-term forward depth by locking up the services of Trent Loiero, Alec MacDonald and Tom Eisenhuth on contract extensions.
Loiero and MacDonald have been extended through the end of the 2025 season, while Eisenhuth’s new deal runs through the end of the 2023 campaign.
“Three members of the Melbourne Storm forward group have extended their contracts, including long-term deals for two of the club’s best young forwards,” the Storm said in a statement.
“Trent Loiero, Alec MacDonald and Tom Eisenhuth have committed to the club following the completion of the 2022 season”.
“Back-rower Loiero, who has played 23 games in the purple shirt, has signed until the end of the 2025 NRL season.
“The 21-year-old from the Sunshine Coast made his Storm debut in 2021 and was a regular feature in the top 17 this year, playing 17 games, including his first finals appearance against the Canberra Raiders.
“Four of his Storm games have been in the starting pack, and he will push hard for a role as a finalist in a new Melbourne forward line-up in 2023.
“One of the big success stories of the 2022 season, Alec MacDonald, will join the Storm’s top 30 squad for the first time next year after signing a three-year deal.
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Trent Loiero is signed until the end of 2025. Source: Regional Media News
“New Zealand-born and Queensland-raised, MacDonald arrived in Melbourne on a train and trial contract from the Brisbane Tigers for the 2022 pre-season and quickly impressed the club’s coaching staff.
“His rapid rise saw him eventually make the Storm team for the season-opening win against the Wests Tigers.
“The 20-year-old ended up playing 12 NRL games in his rookie year, showing his high work rate in both defense and attack.
“His new contract runs until the end of the 2025 season.
“Versatile Tom Eisenhuth has added another season to his Storm career which began in 2019, signing for the 2023 campaign.
“A member of the club’s emerging leaders group for the past two years, Eisenhuth has played 41 games for the Storm with an impressive 80% win rate.
COMPLETE NRL TRANSFER CENTRE
BRONCOS
Team 2022: Jesse Arthars (2023*), Kurt Capewell (2024), Patrick Carrigan (2024), Selwyn Cobbo (2025), Herbie Farnworth (2023), Thomas Flegler (2023), Tyson Gamble (2023) Payne Haas (2024), Kobe Hetherington (2023), Deloise Hoeter (2022), Jamayne Isaako (2022), Ryan James (2022), Albert Kelly (2022), Corey Jensen (2023), Rhys Kennedy (2022), Brenko Lee (2023), Ezra Mam (2024) ). ), David Mead (2022), Tesi Niu (2023), Corey Oates (2023), Cory Paix (2023), Keenan Palasia (2022), Jordan Pereira (2023), Brendan Piakura (2024), Adam Reynolds (2024), Jordan Riki (2024), TC Robati (2024), Kotoni Staggs (2025), Jake Turpin (2022), Billy Walters (2022)
Development Players: Logan Bayliss (2023), Xavier Willison (2025)
Earnings 2022: Deloise Hoeter (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Adam Reynolds (Rabbitohs), Kurt Capewell (Panthers), Brenko Lee (Storm), Corey Jensen (Cowboys), Logan Bayliss (Souths Logan), Jordan Pereira (Dragons), Ryan James (Raiders)
Losses 2022: Xavier Coates (Storm), Tevita Pangai Jr (Bulldogs), Brodie Croft (Salford), Anthony Milford (Rabbitohs), Alex Glenn (retirement), Ethan Bullemor (Sea Eagles), John Asiata (Leigh Centurions)
2023 Losses: Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins until 2025), Brenko Lee (Dolphins until 2024), Te Maire Martin (Warriors until 2025)
* Jesse Arthars is on loan to the Warriors for the 2022 season.
Earnings 2023: Reece Walsh (Warriors)
Coach: Kevin Walters (2023)
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The Dally M Teams of the Year have been announced! | 04:23
RAIDERS
Team 2022: Nick Cotric (2024), Jarrod Croker (2023, PO 2024), Adam Elliott (2022), Jamal Fogarty (2024), Matt Frawley (2023), Emre Guler (2023), Corey Harawira-Naera (2022), Josh Hodgson ( 2022), Albert Hopoate (2022), Peter Hola (2023, CO 2024), Corey Horsburgh (2025), Sebastian Kris (2024), Trey Mooney (2024), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (2022), Josh Papalii (2024, MO 2025), Jordan Rapana (2023), Harry Rushton (2022), Xavier Savage (2025), Brad Schneider (2023), Harley Smith-Shields (2023), Tom Starling (2022), Ryan Sutton (2022), Joe Tapine ( 2023), Matthew Timoko (2025), Semi Valemei (2024), Elliott Whitehead (2024), Jack Wighton (2022, PO 2023 and 2024), Hudson Young (2024)
Development Players: Elijah Anderson (2022), Ata Mariota (2024), Brandon Morkos (2024), Clay Webb (2023)
Earnings 2022: Jamal Fogarty (Titans), Peter Hola (Cowboys), Adam Elliott and Nick Cotric (both Bulldogs)
Losses 2022: Sam Williams (immediate release, TBD), Ryan James (Broncos), Sylvester Havili (Rabbitohs), Bailey Simonsson (Eels), Caleb Aekins (Leigh Centurions), Dunamis Lui, Darby Medlyn (both unsigned) Harry Rushton (released) .
Earnings 2023: Zac Woolford (updated, 2023), James Schiller (updated, 2023), Xavier Savage (updated, 2025), Pasami Saulo (2024)
2023 Losses: Adam Elliott (Knights), Josh Hodgson (Eels), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors)
Coach: Ricky Stuart (2023)
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It’s very stupid’ Kenty exploits Penrith | 02:27
BULLDOGS
Team 2022: Josh Addo-Carr (2025), Paul Alamoti (2023), Corey Allan (2023), Jake Averillo (2023), Bailey Biondi-Odo (2023), Braidon Burns (2023), Matt Burton (2023, PO 2024), Josh Cook (2023), Matt Doorey (2022), Raymond Faitala-Mariner (2025), Kyle Flanagan (2023), Jack Hetherington (2022, MO 2023), Josh Jackson (2023), Tui Katoa (2022), Max King (2024 ). ), Jacob Kiraz (2024), Jeremy Marshall-King (2022, PO 2023), Jayden Okunbor (2023), Tevita Pangai Jr (2024), Chris Patolo (2023), Aaron Schoupp (2024), Ava Seumanufagai (2023), Joe Stimson (2022), Luke Thompson (2023), Jackson Topine (2022), Paul Vaughan (2022), Corey Waddell (2023), Brandon Wakeham (2022)
Training and trial players: Noah King, Kurt Morrin, Phillip Makatoa, Jayden Tanner, Billy Tsirikkas, Declan Casey, Harrison Edwards, Josh Stuckey, Mosese Pope, Steven Marsters, Ben Seufale, Luke Sommerton, Josh Ralph
Earnings 2022: Jacob Kiraz (from train and trial contract until 2024), Matt Burton (Panthers), Josh Addo-Carr (Storm), Brent Naden (Panthers), Matt Dufty (Dragons), Paul Vaughan (Dragons), Tevita Pangai Jr (Broncos/Panthers), Josh Cook…