Updated ,first published
St George Illawarra forward Loko Pasifiki Tonga could make a shock return to first grade just days after the club denied him a release following complaints his continued snubbing was “demoralising” and “detrimental” to his wellbeing.
Half a dozen rival clubs are monitoring the situation with interest in the hope the promising prop becomes a free agent. The Red V has dug its heels in for now and sources not authorised to speak publicly have told this masthead the 20-year-old could make a shock NRL return against the Rabbitohs on Saturday. A final decision hasn’t yet been made, but Tonga is being considered for selection.
The development comes as 10 players – Tonga, Hame Sele, Damien Cook, Christian Tuipolutu, Jayd’n Su’A, Setu Tu, David Fale, Kyle Flanagan, Daniel Atkinson and Valentine Holmes – were called in for meetings with embattled coach Shane Flanagan on Wednesday. Several players were concerned that their immediate futures could be on the line, but informed sources said the fireside chats were part of normal performance reviews and game previews.
It remains to be seen whether potential NRL selection this weekend will be enough to placate Tonga after his manager, Craig Clifton, asked for permission to speak to rival clubs immediately.
“This request is not made lightly,” Clifton wrote to chief operating officer Ben Creagh and football manager Ben Haran on Tuesday afternoon.
“However, following extensive discussions with Loko regarding his current standing within the club and his future career trajectory, it has become evident that his continued tenure at the Dragons is no longer tenable or beneficial for either party.
“Loko has expressed deep and growing frustration regarding his lack of selection in first grade this season. Despite his undeniable potential and proven capabilities, he has not been afforded a genuine opportunity to build upon the 10 NRL appearances he made in 2025.
“As a 20-year-old prop forward who has already represented the Australian Schoolboys and the NSW under-19s State of Origin team, consistent first-grade football is critical for his development.”
Clifton said Tonga’s frustration was compounded by “exceptional” performance in reserve grade, that warranted NRL selection, and that his average of 179.3 run metres a game put him on par with some of the league’s best forwards.
“His dominance was most recently highlighted in round 6 against the Sea Eagles, where he scored a try and amassed a staggering game-high 252 run metres – nearly 100 metres more than any other player on the field. Despite these commanding performances and his near 98 per cent tackle efficiency in the NRL last year, he remains overlooked for first-grade selection.”
Clifton said Tonga had mixed support from coaching staff, with some holding reservations while others were very supportive of him.
“This becomes confusing and somewhat demoralising and it appears to some he does not feature in the club’s long-term strategic plans for first grade,” Clifton said. “While we appreciate the candour, it reinforces our position that Loko is currently in an environment where he is neither valued nor viewed as a genuine first-grade prospect.
“Staying at a club where his pathway is blocked and his contributions are undervalued is detrimental to Loko’s development and mental wellbeing. He requires an environment that believes in his ability and is willing to invest in his growth by providing consistent NRL opportunities.
“From the club’s perspective, granting permission to negotiate and subsequently facilitating a release will free up valuable salary cap space and a top 30 roster spot for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, allowing you to recruit players who better align with the club’s vision for the squad.
“We respectfully request that the club grant Loko permission to speak with other NRL clubs immediately on compassionate and professional grounds, allowing him to explore opportunities with a club that will provide him with the first-grade pathway his form demands … ”
Creagh responded in writing, assuring Clifton that Tonga was a valued member of the club and denying the release request. That prompted further correspondence from Clifton, who doubled down on a release request after labelling the situation “untenable”.
“While I note your written assurances that the Dragons hold Loko in high regard and see a genuine pathway for him, the reality of his situation at the club directly contradicts these sentiments,” Clifton wrote.
“Words mean very little when they are not supported by action.”
Clifton said no one at the club had spoken to Tonga about his concerns in the week since they were first raised, and that “this deafening silence speaks volumes about where he actually sits in the club’s priorities.”
“Furthermore, your assertion that he has a genuine pathway is entirely undermined by the public comments made by your head coach. Following the team’s recent loss, Shane Flanagan publicly stated regarding squad changes: ‘If I had someone that was better out of the side, I would put them in, trust me’.”
Clifton said Flanagan’s comments were a clear and public declaration that Tonga was not viewed as a first-grade option by the man picking the team.
“You cannot tell us privately that he is a valued part of your future while the head coach states publicly that he has no better options to call upon. The contradiction is glaring, and it is entirely unfair to expect a 20-year-old player of Loko’s calibre to languish in an environment where his pathway is so clearly blocked.
“Our position has not changed. The current situation is untenable and detrimental to Loko’s career. We are formally reiterating our demand for immediate permission for Loko to speak and negotiate with other NRL clubs.
“We expect a prompt and realistic resolution to this matter.”
The flashpoint between the bottom-placed club and one of its most promising stars comes just days after Maroons forward Su’A opted not to take up an extension option, to instead link with Parramatta from next season. The Eels want Su’A to join immediately if the Dragons allow a release.
The Dragons have been contacted for comment.
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