LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The St George Illawarra Dragons have officially announced that 12 players will depart the club by the end of 2025, initiating a series of new releases.
Confirmed departures include Finau Latu (mid-season, Canterbury Bulldogs), Jack de Belin (Parramatta Eels), Mikaele Ravalawa (Castleford Tigers), Jonah Glover (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Sione Finau (Canberra Raiders), and Tom Eisenhuth (mid-season, retired). Additionally, reports from News Corp indicate that Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Corey Allan, Corey Ackers, Viliami Fifita, and Michael Molo have also been released.
Ben Murdoch-Masila has announced his retirement, having spent a significant portion of the season in the NSW Cup.
These recent departures are part of Coach Shane Flanagan's rebuilding strategy aimed at reconstituting the squad by incorporating experienced players while also focusing on the club's extensive junior development system.
Corey Ackers, a product of that junior system, did not manage to reach his potential and leaves the Dragons without having played an NRL match. Meanwhile, Michael Molo made some appearances towards the end of the season but will now follow his brother Francis, who had an early exit to join the Dolphins due to a conflict with the club.
Viliami Fifita, who joined the Dragons two years ago, struggled to secure a regular place in the team. Corey Allan, despite missing the entire 2024 season due to an ACL injury suffered early in his training with the Dragons, was re-signed for 2025 after having come from the Sydney Roosters.