Undaunted by St George Illawarra’s acquisitions of Josh Dugan and then Gareth Widdop and Sam Williams for next year, rookie Adam Quinlan has re-signed with the NRL club until the end of 2015.
Local junior Quinlan’s two-year deal comes on top of a busy recruiting drive from the Dragons.
Alongside Widdop, Williams and Dugan the joint venture has locked away Warrington prop Mike Cooper, South Sydney’s Dylan Farrell and Raider Joel Thompson for 2014 and, except in Williams’ case, beyond.
It will give coach Steve Price a much more impressive roster to work with as he attempts to lift the Dragons out of the NRL cellar.
The versatile Quinlan has impressed in his four NRL games this year at both fullback and five-eighth, including in the club’s shock golden point win over premiership frontrunners the Rabbitohs two weeks ago.
But exactly where Quinlan fits into Price’s plans is a mystery with Widdop and Williams the probable halves combination next season and Dugan likely to slot into the custodian role.
But that doesn’t faze the 20-year-old.
“I am really happy to be staying at the Dragons at least for the next two seasons,” Quinlan said.
“I really like the club and the area and I am really appreciative of the opportunities given to me.
“Playing first grade was a dream come true and I will just continue to work hard and make the most of every opportunity that is presented to me.
“As a local junior I am really happy to re-sign.”
Dragons boss Peter Doust welcomed Quinlan’s retention.
“Adam is an exciting young player who has made a real impact at our club since he made his debut with our NYC team mid-way through last season,” Doust said.
“He is a wonderful talent with a great attitude who despite his size and experience, has looked very comfortable in the NRL right from his first game.”