The situation at St George Illawarra Dragons has escalated as promising player Loko Pasifiki Tonga seeks to evaluate his NRL opportunities.
This request follows his continued omission from Shane Flanagan's lineup, which has struggled with an alarming start of zero wins and six losses this season.
While changes were anticipated for the upcoming match against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Flanagan has opted to retain his lineup, save for an obligatory adjustment due to Moses Suli's injury.
Consequently, Pasifiki Tonga, who had an impressive performance in the NSW Cup last weekend-running 252 meters, scoring a try, and accumulating nearly 80 post-contact meters-will remain sidelined.
Despite playing ten matches last year, he has yet to make an appearance in first grade for the 2026 season.
Unless he receives permission, Pasifiki Tonga, who recently extended his contract with the club until the end of 2027, is bound to the Red V for the current season and next, and cannot approach the open market until November 1.
Although the Dragons prefer to keep him, Pasifiki Tonga may still change clubs if a deal is finalized before the June 30 deadline.
The Dragons boast a talented roster of junior forwards, including Hamish Stewart, the Couchman brothers, and Dylan Egan, all of whom have shown remarkable skill.
Jacob Halangahu, another potential star bordering on the 19-man squad, has also caught attention, but Pasifiki Tonga-who made strides in junior Origin and contributed to the Dragons' significant SG Ball victory in 2024-might be considered the standout among them.