St George Illawarra’s 2019 team jigsaw puzzle is coming together after re-signing NSW back-rower Tariq Sims and throwing an NRL lifeline to ex-Brisbane flyer Lachlan Maranta.
But one big piece seems to be missing with no official word on Parramatta playmaker Corey Norman’s reported signing with the Dragons.
Norman has reportedly signed a three-year Dragons deal.
Instead the Dragons on Thursday were trumpeting the retention of Sims, who capped a stellar NRL season by inking a new three-year deal that will keep him at the club until the end of 2022.
Sims was the 2018 Dragons’ Player of the Year after a State of Origin debut for the Blues.
“To have the chance to extend my time with this special playing group, it was too good an opportunity to go anywhere else,” Sims said.
“The goal is always winning a premiership, but I can’t wait to help develop the players coming through.”
Dragons roster manager Ian Millward said Sims’ retention was crucial as they assembled their 2019 squad.
“He’s a real leader and will be a great mentor for some of our young players,” Millward said.
“He’s also a very crucial piece of the jigsaw, locking him in long-term, along with (Jack) de Belin, (Tyson) Frizell, (Paul) Vaughan and (James) Graham.”
The Dragons also sprung a surprise by signing Maranta on a one-year deal after the ex-Broncos winger spent the past two years with Super Rugby outfit the Queensland Reds.
Millward rammed home the points that Maranta was not a direct replacement for utility Kurt Mann – who left for Newcastle – or North Queensland recruit Nene Macdonald.
“We were looking for a squad member and so with that I must stress that Lachlan isn’t a replacement for Kurt Mann nor a replacement for Nene Macdonald,” Millward said.
Maranta will join fellow new faces Korbin Sims, Mikaele Ravalawa, Eddie Blacker, Lachlan Timm and Jonus Pearson at the Dragons in 2019.
Fox Sports has reported the Norman deal may be confirmed on Friday.
Norman is expected to move to fullback for St George Illawarra, throwing the future of incumbent No.1 Matt Dufty – who only recently re-signed until the end of 2019 – in limbo.
