St George Illawarra have signed six elite players for 2027 and re-signed their young forwards after taking the wooden spoon this year.
The Dragons could now target Dolphins player Jack Bostock, a junior who left the club before making his first-grade debut.
News Corp reports Bostock has told the Dolphins he intends to leave after the 2027 NRL season, although the club has not confirmed the news.
His contract is among several expiring that year, with the November 1 signing window approaching.
The Dolphins have secured Selwyn Cobbo and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, but Bostock, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Herbie Farnworth remain off-contract.
Farnworth has been considered the likeliest to depart, with the well-funded Sydney Roosters a possible destination after taking Sam Walker's contract off the table.
Tabuai-Fidow is understood to be progressing negotiations to stay, while Bostock has repeatedly said remaining in Queensland is his priority.
Negotiations for Bostock have been delayed by the Australian camp, and the Dragons and other Sydney clubs are interested in signing him.
The potential departure would let the Dolphins focus on retaining Farnworth and Tabuai-Fidow. Bostock joined their representative ranks this year, playing for NSW and Australia.
The Dragons' offer is unknown, but is widely expected to exceed what the Dolphins can pay.