LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a twist that has left many pundits scratching their heads, a surprise new contender has emerged in the race for the services of Thomas Hazelton, the talented prop with a cult following.
Hazelton, currently off-contract with the Sharks, is drawing interest from a staggering seven clubs, with the Knights and Dolphins initially believed to be leading the charge.
However, in a twist worthy of a thrilling Grand Final comeback, it now appears that Hazelton could be heading to the St George Illawarra Dragons, Cronulla's long-standing rivals.
At 26 years young, the prop has truly come into his own in the rough and tumble world of NRL, showcasing his powerful runs, solid defense, and a knack for finding the try-line with the finesse of a seasoned goal-kicker.
As he prepares to potentially don the red and white of the Dragons, Hazelton will be facing off against some of the toughest forward packs in the league, including the formidable combination now boasting the addition of powerhouse Addin Fonua-Blake from the Warriors.
Under the watchful eye of coach Craig Fitzgibbon, Hazelton's star is set to rise even further in the upcoming season.
Whether he will make the move to the Dragons remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure - this latest twist in Hazelton's journey is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats, much like a nail-biting sudden-death overtime.