St George Illawarra have announced that playmaker Adam Clune has re-signed with the Dragons for a further two seasons.
Clune – who will also make his NRL debut this weekend against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs – will remain at the Red V until at least the end of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership season.
The local Albion Park-Oak Flats Eagles junior's association with the Dragons began in 2011 when he featured for the Illawarra Steelers' Harold Matthews team.
Clune was this season rewarded with a development player contract after a huge 2019 Canterbury Cup campaign; a deal that was upgraded to a Top 30 contract following his impressive pre-season.
Clune will also celebrate his 25th birthday and his 100th senior game at the Red V when he runs out onto Bankwest Stadium on Monday afternoon.
"Re-signing wasn't something I had expected or given thought to especially so early in the season but it's an exciting moment in my career. I've never been in this position previously," Clune said.
"My journey has been different to most so to re-sign for a further two years is incredible. I'm looking forward to helping the Dragons move forward and achieve success.
"I love the club, the area and all the long-lasting relationships I've formed since I've been associated with the Dragons.
"Getting told I was going to make my debut was pretty crazy," Clune added, who has also contended with a whack to the nose this week. "I was overwhelmed when I was told; the reception I received from the boys was unreal. I'm grateful for all the support."
Dragons Director of Rugby League Pathways and List Management Ian Millward congratulated Clune on earning his contract extension.
"It's tremendous news for our team going forward. While Adam has had a number of injuries to contend with throughout his career, he has worked so hard to be where he is. Adam is a well-respected individual at our club," Millward said.
"An extremely skilful and intelligent playmaker, Clune is a thorough professional and is a great example for other players to never give up and hang tough – his NRL debut this week has come as no shock to anyone at the Dragons."
"With Ben Hunt and Corey Norman already established players, as well as the emergence of Jayden Sullivan, we are certainly pleased with the balance of the playmakers within our squad for the coming seasons."
St George Illawarra can also confirm Dragons winger Jason Saab has requested an immediate release from the remainder of his contract, which currently runs until the end of the 2022 season.
The Dragons hold the 19-year-old in high esteem and consider him a long-term player at the club, and therefore have denied Saab's request.
The Dragons will be making no further comment regarding Saab at this stage.
