St George Illawarra have signed 17-year-old William Memea Epe from Parramatta on a two-year development contract in Wollongong.
The winger will enter the Dragons' pathways and is scheduled to play SG Ball in 2027.
Epe's strong Harold Matthews campaign earned selection in CODE Sports' Team of the Year, alongside Parramatta teammates Lorima Seuseu and Hayden Bell.
Parramatta did not offer him a contract after its under-17s side lost to Newcastle in Week 2; the Knights later won the competition.
A forceful ball-runner, Epe bends the line on carries and uses sharp footwork, prompting comparisons with Penrith powerhouse winger Brian To'o.
His management negotiated with Daniel Anderson, the Dragons' head of recruitment and pathways.
Anderson has overseen the club's 2026 recruitment drive, which includes Scott Drinkwater, Luke Metcalf, Kodi Nikorima, Phillip Sami and Connor Watson.
The Dragons have regularly promoted pathway players to NRL level, including Toby and Ryan Couchman, Jacob Halangahu, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Egan, Loko Pasifiki Tonga and Kade Reed.