Dragons sign rookie forwards

[Rocky Balboa]

Dragons sign rookie forwards
Report from: Steven Williams
02/08/03

St George Illawarra Dragons have signed rookie forwards Stacy Katu [pictured] from Souths and Corey Payne from the Bulldogs. Katu, 19, trialed with Souths in 2001 after a season in the back row for Porirua in the domestic Bartercard Cup in New Zealand. He soon made an impression in Jersey Flegg (under-20) and was named Souths' player of the year in that competition in 2002. He has also appeared in several reserve grade matches. Backrower, Corey Payne first came to noticed in March of this year when he scored a scintillating hat trick of tries while playing in Jersey Flegg for the Bulldogs. In June, Payne was selected for the NSW Rugby League State Under 19 team. The following month, Dragons' coach Nathan Brown revealed that Saints were interested in recruiting the second-rower.