The 5 Dragons players who may not play for the team again

The St George Illawarra Dragons are reportedly considering releasing five players at the end of the 2024 NRL season.

Three of these players have already been discussed as potential departures from the Red V, who are currently in the early stages of a comprehensive rebuild under new coach Shane Flanagan.

Jack Bird appears the most likely to leave, with the utility player—who has struggled with form in recent weeks—having reversed his decision to take up his player option for 2025. He is now linked with the Wests Tigers, who are seeking to add more experience to their squad as Benji Marshall aims to lift them from the bottom in 2025.

According to a News Corp report, the other four players who could be on their way out are Blake Lawrie, Mikaele Ravalawa, Connor Muhleisen, and Dan Russell.

Ravalawa was first rumored to be leaving the Dragons several weeks ago, as his recent form has seen him dropped from first grade. His defensive struggles are a significant concern for coach Shane Flanagan, who emphasizes that aspect of the game. Despite being contracted with the club beyond this season, Ravalawa has been linked with a move to the English Super League.

Lawrie being told he is free to leave if he finds a suitable club is also unsurprising. He is one of the few Red V players who have not shown improvement this season. Despite being in the State of Origin conversation just over a year ago, his form this season has seen him barely holding onto a first-grade spot.

Meanwhile, Muhleisen, a talented Dragons junior who has not broken through as a hooker or in the halves, and Russell, who joined the club in 2023 after a long stint in the QLD Cup, are both considered unlikely to be retained.

With limited roster spots remaining for 2025, the Dragons have already signed Damien Cook and Valentine Holmes, and Flanagan has stated that one of the remaining spots will be allocated to a prop if possible.

The Dragons have recently been linked to Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Daniel Saifiti, and Corey Horsburgh, and they were previously pursuing Addin Fonua-Blake, who has signed with the Cronulla Sharks for 2025, and Stefano Utoikamanu, who will join the Melbourne Storm.

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