St George Illawarra have announced the contract upgrade and extension of Dragons fullback Tyrell Sloan.
Sloan, originally contracted as a development player for season 2022, has been promoted to the Dragons' Top 30 and extended for an additional season, until at least the end of the 2024 NRL Telstra Premiership season.
The Dapto junior has scored six tries in five first grade appearances to date and is the fourth player from the Illawarra Steelers' 2019 SG Ball premiership success to re-sign with the Dragons this pre-season following Matt Feagai, Max Feagai and Jayden Sullivan.
"Re-signing is a proud moment in my career. It's good news for the club that there's a few of us staying put and remaining with our friends and family. None of us wanted to leave. This is our home," Sloan said.
"It's exciting being in the first grade squad having come through the juniors together. It's a cool moment for all of us. We're all proud to wear the Red V jersey and we're keen to take it back to where it needs to be, playing finals footy.
"I was put in the deep end last year, but it was an opportunity I was more than happy to take. My debut was the best moment of my life and to get four more games afterwards was very pleasing.
"It's healthy competition across the squad and I'm very much looking forward to the challenges ahead. We're all looking forward to playing footy now."
Dragons general manager of football Ben Haran said Sloan's rapid rise through the ranks in 2021 will put him in good stead for the upcoming campaign.
"Last season was an important one for Tyrell's growth as a player. His progression through the grades was crucial as was his opportunity to cut his teeth in first grade in the latter rounds of the year," Haran said.
"Off the back of another big pre-season, 2022 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Tyrell. We are looking forward to seeing him develop further over the coming seasons.
Haran added: "Bringing our local juniors through as a collective continues to be a vital aspect in not only our recruitment and retention strategy but also their continued development as first grade players."
The Dragons have also confirmed the signing of Norths Devil winger Jonathon Reuben on a development player deal.
Reuben, previously contracted to the Canberra Raiders and Sydney Roosters, has scored 107 tries in 106 appearances throughout his seven-year Hostplus Cup career.
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