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Dragons shopping spree: The big names on list to claim $800K Vaughan windfall

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7th July, 2021
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Marty Taupau? Jaydn Su’A?

St George Illawarra are cashed up and on the hunt for a new recruit.

The Dragons have an additional $800,000 a season to play with following the sacking of Paul Vaughan and they’re heading to market.

Vaughan had his contract terminated on Monday following a host of incidents – including breaching NRL biosecurity protocols – and, while they have a vacancy in their forward pack, they aren’t necessarily seeking a like for like replacement.

So, what will they do?

Let’s go hunting for some size and scan over the off-contract list, shall we?

Melbourne lock and workhorse Dale Finucane is one the most appetising names on the list.

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With eight clubs in the hunt for his signature, Finucane is sure to command top dollar for his signature. The Dragons are one of those clubs keen on the NSW Origin representative and have ample funds available.

But what if Finucane looks elsewhere?

Manly’s Taupau is certain to be discussed as an option. While Taupau has another year to run on his contract, take it as read, the Sea Eagles would not stand in his way if he was to secure another club and request an early exit.

A former New Zealand international, Taupau would certainly improve the Dragons’ roster. He’s averaging 155 run metres per game, 56.7 post-contact per game, has a tackle efficiency of 93.6 per cent and has made 38 tackle breaks in 13 matches.

Unwanted Broncos big man, Tevita Pangai junior is reportedly on his way to Belmore to link with Canterbury but could the departure of Vaughan throw a spanner in the works?

We know another man on the move from their current club is South Sydney backrower Su’A.

Su’A won’t be retained by the Bunnies next season and was believed to have been on the Red V’s radar prior to the incident involving Vaughan over the weekend. The Queensland State of Origin representative hasn’t been at his brilliant best recently but, at 23, his room for growth remains great.

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Su’A is an edge but, with a little shifting around, the Dragons roster could certainly accommodate him.

Whether the Dragons pursue a marquee middle or opt to sign a role player remains unclear but there are several handy options in the middle without a deal for next year.

Aaron Woods, Dunamis Lui, Dylan Napa and Aiden Tolman are all uncontracted beyond this season. In 2022, the likes of Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Moeaki Fotuaika, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Viliame Kikau, Moses Leota, Jordan McLean, Isaiah Papali’i, Junior Paulo, Daniel Saifiti, Jacob Saifiti, Alex Twal, Jarrod Wallace and Christian Welch are all off-contract.

Should the Dragons fill Vaughan’s spot with a role player and bank the rest of his salary, it would allow them to pursue a fullback or five-eighth.

Matt Dufty and Corey Norman are off-contract.

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Perhaps moving on Vaughan has paved the way for the Dragons to make a roster play of a different kind?

The upcoming weeks are sure to make for interesting viewing and you can’t help but think it’s an exciting time to be a Dragons fan.

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