Dragons young gun Tyrell Sloan won’t be released by the club “no matter what” despite the fullback reportedly no longer wanting to play under coach Anthony Griffin.
Sloan entered this season with big expectations but played just eight games and half of those were from Round 20 onwards.
The 20-year-old is unwilling to sit behind Cody Ramsey in the pecking order and a number of rival clubs are monitoring the situation.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Sloan has grown frustrated under Griffin and believes he’ll get more minutes elsewhere, according to veteran journalist Dave Riccio.
“The most pressing situation for the St George Illawarra Dragons is a potential release for Tyrell Sloan, their gun young winger-fullback, who is agitating for a release,” Riccio said on NRL 360.
“I understand that hasn’t been formerly requested as yet. I can tell you I believe that will be rejected no matter what.”
NRL 360 host Braith Anasta asked why Sloan wants to leave the club.
“Because he doesn’t want to play under Anthony Griffin. He doesn’t believe he’s getting the right pathway and that he has a future there,” Riccio said.
MORE NRL NEWS
TEAMS ANALYSIS: Souths flyer racing the clock as Panthers makes call on star
PRELIM TEAMS: Panthers fill flyer void, Eels name centre under injury cloud
RESERVES WRAP: Dolphins duo give Wayne a reason to smile as rugby convert stars
TRANSFER CENTRE: Reborn Broncos veteran inks short-term contract extension
“I believe St George Illawarra management, as we’ve already seen, we’ve had no clarity whatsoever from Saints on what they’re doing in 2024.
“All we know is about next year and I fear that they’re heading down the path of the Michael Maguire situation that we saw at the Wests Tigers, where they do the big dance about giving the coach so many weeks and rounds to get going when ultimately it just creates uncertainty and conjecture about players futures.
“Sloan is not the only player questioning where he goes from beyond 2023, and I think the Saints need to make a call.”
NRL 360 host Paul Kent said Sloan should tough it out at the Dragons, while Riccio also revealed the club doesn’t have the cash for Titans star David Fifita.
MORE NRL NEWS
LODGE VS GALLEN: Roosters enforcer lays down conditions for huge boxing bout
NICE TOUCH: Eels move training for funeral of ‘most famous mother in Origin history’
TEAM TIPS: Souths sweat on fitness of star trio; Panthers young gun rubbed out
‘NOT GOOD ENOUGH’: How Storm star used Tom Brady to silence his critics
GRAND FINAL REMATCH: Latrell’s big warning for ‘do or die’ finals clash
“What about going out and having a crack?” Kent said.
“The coach will pick the best player. Anthony Griffin isn’t going to leave a better player in reserve grade.
“Unfortunately the way the game is going these days, the coach is constantly trying to prove himself to the players. Players don’t have to prove themselves to the coach any more, players get the shits and say `you know what I’m out of here’.”
Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins are reportedly lurking to sign Sloan, with Jamayne Isaako their current option to play at fullback.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
