St George Illawarra have taken a significant step in their ongoing rebuild by signing fullback Tyrell Sloan to a new two-year contract.
Sloan has had a promising start to the season under new coach Shane Flanagan, who has repeatedly spoken of his high hopes for the 22-year-old.
Considered a rising star of the game for his attacking prowess, Sloan's contract had been expiring at the end of this season, meaning he had been free to negotiate with rivals since last November.
But Sloan had made no secret of his desire to stay at the club where he has played all 48 of his first-grade games since debuting in 2021.
The Indigenous All Stars representative had been in talks with the Dragons for weeks before the club confirmed on Thursday he had been retained through 2026.
"Tyrell's an exciting young player who continues to learn and improve every week," Flanagan said.
"His efforts to improve all parts of his game this year have been really pleasing.
"We're looking forward to seeing him continue to develop at the Dragons over the coming seasons."
Sloan had been far and away the Dragons' most important player without a deal beyond this season after the club re-signed State of Origin second-rower Jaydn Su'A last month.
The club's longest-tenured active player Jack de Belin, fellow middle forward Ben Murdoch-Masila, back-up half Jesse Marschke and new recruit Tom Eisenhuth are also out of contract at the end of 2024.
