Dragons block Jaydn Su'A early exit to Parramatta

Key facts

• Jaydn Su'A will not be released early by the St George Illawarra Dragons.
• Su'A has signed a deal with the Parramatta Eels starting in 2027.
• The Eels inquired about acquiring Su'A before the June 30 trade deadline.
• Parramatta is facing significant injuries, including season-ending blows to Matt Doorey and J'maine Hopgood.
• Su'A is currently serving a suspension and will be eligible to return after Magic Round.
• The Dragons are anchored to the bottom of the ladder with a zero and seven record under interim coach Dean Young.
• Su'A joined the Dragons from the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Dragons deny Su'A early release

The St George Illawarra Dragons have firmly closed the door on any possibility of star second-rower Jaydn Su'A departing the club before the end of the current season. Despite an inquiry from the Parramatta Eels regarding an early transfer, the club has confirmed Su'A will remain with the Red V through to the end of the campaign. This decision comes as the Dragons navigate a difficult period, anchored to the bottom of the National Rugby League ladder. Su'A, a Queensland State of Origin representative, is currently sidelined through suspension, with his return scheduled for after Magic Round. His future with the club beyond this season has already been decided, with Su'A having signed a three-year deal with the Parramatta Eels commencing from the 2027 season. He is set to depart the Red V at the conclusion of the current year.

Eels' injury woes prompt early move

The Parramatta Eels had approached the Dragons with a view to securing Su'A's services before the June 30 transfer deadline. This pursuit is understood to be driven by the Eels' mounting injury concerns. Parramatta is currently grappling with a spate of significant injuries, most notably season-ending blows to key forwards Matt Doorey and J'maine Hopgood. The potential acquisition of Su'A would have provided much-needed depth and impact to their depleted roster. However, the Dragons' stance remains resolute, leaving the Eels to contend with their current challenges without the addition of their target.

A season of struggle for the Red V

The St George Illawarra Dragons are enduring a torrid season, sitting at the foot of the ladder with a zero-win, seven-loss record. The team has struggled for consistency and form throughout the first third of the campaign. Interim coach Dean Young took over a side in disarray from Shane Flanagan, and the club's immediate priority appears to be salvaging some pride from the remainder of the season. Avoiding the ignominy of the wooden spoon is now being discussed as a potential measure of success. Su'A has been a notable performer for the Dragons since his arrival from the South Sydney Rabbitohs, often cited as one of the team's better players despite the overall team performance.

Su'A's contract and future

Jaydn Su'A's commitment to the Parramatta Eels from the 2027 season signifies a significant shift in his career trajectory. The three-year agreement means he will be a key player for the blue and gold for the foreseeable future. The Dragons had reportedly hoped that negotiations for an extension to keep Su'A at the club would be more straightforward, particularly after securing the signing of Keaon Koloamatangi in the off-season. Koloamatangi was seen as a player who could bolster the roster and potentially retain other key talent. Despite these considerations, Su'A's decision to move to Parramatta from 2027 was made, and the Dragons are now resigned to his departure at the end of this year, while simultaneously working to prevent an earlier exit.

Implications for both clubs

For the Dragons, retaining Su'A until the season's conclusion offers a measure of stability and allows them to field their strongest available side as they attempt to improve their standing. It also prevents a key player from bolstering a rival's squad during a period of significant need for Parramatta. The Eels, meanwhile, must now find internal solutions to their injury crisis. The inability to secure Su'A's services early means they will continue to rely on their current playing group to navigate the challenging period of the season. Su'A's current suspension means his immediate impact for either club is on hold, but his eventual return to the field will be closely watched as he plays out his final games for the Dragons.

The bottom line

• Jaydn Su'A will remain with the St George Illawarra Dragons until the end of the current season.
• The Parramatta Eels' bid to sign Su'A before the June 30 trade deadline has been unsuccessful.
• Su'A is under contract with the Dragons until the end of the season and has a deal with the Eels from 2027.
• Parramatta's pursuit of Su'A was influenced by significant season-ending injuries to key players.
• The Dragons are currently last on the ladder and are focused on salvaging their season.
• Su'A is currently serving a suspension and will be eligible to play again after Magic Round.