The St George Illawarra Dragons have officially confirmed the departure of nine players following their last game of the 2024 NRL season against the Canberra Raiders. This announcement came during the club’s awards night, marking a significant shift in the team’s lineup as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Previously confirmed exits include Jack Bird, who is joining the Wests Tigers, Savelio Tamale moving to the Canberra Raiders, and Zac Lomax transferring to the Parramatta Eels. The Dragons have now added six more names to this list: Alec Tuitavake, Dan Russell, Fa’amanu Brown, Jackson Shereb, Jesse Marschke, and Max Feagai. Notably, Brown and Marschke’s departures are particularly surprising.
Brown joined the Dragons mid-season after a stint in the Super League, playing six NRL matches this year. His previous experience with teams like the Cronulla Sharks and Canterbury Bulldogs did not seem to secure his place for the next season. Marschke’s exit is equally unexpected, given he was anticipated to be a strong backup option for halves Kyle Flanagan and Ben Hunt. However, it appears he has been surpassed by emerging player Lyhkan King-Togia.
As the team reshuffles, the arrival of Damien Cook from the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Valentine Holmes from the North Queensland Cowboys has been confirmed. Despite these additions, players Ben Murdoch-Masila and Tom Eisenhuth remain uncontracted beyond this season, leaving two roster spots open for the 2025 NRL season.
The Dragons’ roster for the upcoming season inc
ludes key