The St George Illawarra Dragons are on the verge of enhancing their squad by signing seasoned half Kodi Nikorima for the upcoming season.
Nikorima, who is currently off-contract with the Redcliffe Dolphins, was anticipated to compete for the starting half position alongside new recruit George Williams.
The 32-year-old has accumulated 237 NRL appearances throughout his career and is expected to bring much-needed stability to the Dragons' halves, who have been lacking direction this season.
In light of the club's dismal start, having lost seven consecutive matches, Shane Flanagan was let go, with Dean Young stepping in as the mid-season coach.
Under Young's guidance, the team has secured two victories in 2026, and he has now been promoted to the full-time head coach role for the Dragons.
Nikorima boasts an illustrious career, having played for the Broncos, Warriors, Rabbitohs, and Dolphins, as well as representing the New Zealand Kiwis 18 times at the Test level.
He is expected to join emerging talents such as Keaon Kaloamatangi, Scott Drinkwater, Luke Metcalf, Connor Watson, and Phillip Sami.
Along with a promising group of young forwards, which features the Couchman brothers, Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart, and Loko Pasifiki Tonga, the Dragons appear to be building a strong future, even though they are nearly guaranteed to finish bottom of the table this year.