The St George Illawarra Dragons would like to officially farewell 10 players. The Dragons would like to extend thanks to each player for their contribution to the club and wish them and their families all the best in their future endeavours.
Cameron McInnes – STGI #206
91 games for the Dragons (2017-2021)
There are few superlatives which do Cameron McInnes' time at the Dragons justice. The Botany Rams junior joined the Dragons ahead of the 2017 season where he quickly become a mainstay in the side. McInnes won all four performance-based end-of-season awards in the space of his first three seasons at the Dragons: Immortals Trophy (2017), Red V Members Player of the Year, Geoff Selby Memorial Trophy and Dragons Medal (all 2019). In 2020, McInnes was named captain of St George Illawarra, a year where he won his second Dragons Medal and was named in New South Wales' State of Origin squad. Unfortunately, a season-ending ACL injury suffered in the pre-season prevented McInnes from taking the field at all in 2021. McInnes has signed a four-year deal with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
Matt Dufty – STGI #211
82 games for the Dragons (2017-21)
St George Illawarra highlight reels from the past five years are littered with Matt Dufty moments that will be remembered for a long time among Dragons fans. Known for his blistering speed, Dufty quickly became a fan favourite following his debut against the Sea Eagles in 2017, scoring a try and providing two try assists. The Penhurst RSL and St George Dragons junior scored 44 tries across five seasons at the club, including his special Anzac Day effort in 2019. Dufty has signed a one-year deal with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs for the 2022 season.
Dufty breaks the Roosters open up the middle
Corey Norman – STGI #219
59 games for the Dragons (2019-21)
With almost a decade of experience under his belt, Corey Norman joined the Dragons at the start of the 2019 season and became a mainstay in the team. Norman wasted no time announcing himself as a Dragon, slotting the match-winning field-goals in back-to-back games early in his time at the club. His form in the 2019 season was rewarded with a long-awaited debut for the Queensland Maroons and in 2020 the Beenleigh Lions junior made his 200th NRL appearance.
Adam Clune – STGI #233
25 games for the Dragons (2020-21)
After a decade representing the Dragons across Harold Matthews, SG Ball, Under-20s, Knock Out Effect Cup and NRL competitions, Adam Clune will depart the club to write the next chapter of his career. An outstanding Canterbury Cup season in 2019 followed by a strong showing in the NRL Perth Nines rocketed Clune into the first grade squad where he went on to play 25 games. The Albion Park-Oak Flats junior leaves with the illustrious Geoff Selby Memorial Trophy to his name (2020) and plenty of admiration from players and staff alike for his professionalism and work ethic. Clune has signed a two-year deal with the Newcastle Knights.
Jordan Pereira – STGI #217
39 games for the Dragons (2018-21)
Jordan Pereira joined the Dragons midway through the 2017 season having only recently started playing rugby league. After moving to Perth from New Zealand, Pereira swapped union for league and quickly rose up the ranks to become a mainstay in the Dragons' backline. The hard-running and tackle-busting winger debuted in 2018 and scored 10 tries for the Red V across four seasons. Pereira has signed a two-year deal with the Brisbane Broncos.
Kaide Ellis – STGI #234
18 games for the Dragons (2020-21)
Ellis joined the Dragons midway through the 2020 season as a hard-working and tough middle forward. The former Holden Cup, Canterbury Cup NSW and NRL State Championship (of which he was man of the match) winner quickly made his way into the Dragons’ top squad despite joining on short notice. Ellis has signed a three-year deal with Super League outfit Wigan.
Gerard Beale – STGI #165
39 games for the Dragons (2013-14, 2021)
There's very little in the NRL that Gerard Beale hasn't achieved across his 12-year career. The former New Zealand international answered an SOS call midway through this year to help replenish the Dragons' depleted backline. Beale would only miss two games upon returning to the club and scored four tries despite previously being retired from the NRL. Beale also recorded his 200th NRL appearance this year.
Brayden Wiliame - STGI #229
17 games for the Dragons (2020-21)
Brayden Wiliame joined the Dragons in 2020 following a red-hot season in the Super League. A versatile outside back capable of playing across the back five, the former Eel and Sea Eagle quickly found a home in the centres for the Dragons. Six tries across his 17 appearances highlighted his potency but repeated injuries kept him on the sidelines. The 2018 Challenge Cup winner joined the Dragons with over 100 first grade games of experience and several Tests for Fiji under his belt and will now play rugby union for USA Perpignan in France.
Billy Brittain – STGI #232
Five games for the Dragons (2020-21)
Billy Brittain joined the Dragons in unique circumstances. Having previously played for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Brittain joined the Dragons initially on a four-week train-and-trial deal and was thrown into the 2020 pre-season trials with only two days' notice. Brittain's efforts were rewarded in Round 1 when he made his debut for the Dragons off the bench before playing a further four games that season.
Hayden Lomax
Hayden joined the Dragons' top squad in 2019 on a development contract after working his way through the lower grades. Lomax, the big brother of fellow Dragon Zac, played 17 games in the Knock On Effect Cup, covering many positions including prop, hooker and lock.
