THE DRAGONS’ RISING STAR THAT’S HERE TO STAY
The Dragons secured their second win of the season and while a host of stars shone bright, one thing became clear — Dylan Egan is here to stay.
The 20-year-old back rower was shifted into the starting side by Shane Flanagan in only his third NRL game, delivering a masterclass on the edge.
He ran for 105 metres, scored a try, broke three tackles and recorded a line break assist, all but assuring he starts for the foreseeable future ahead of Luciano Leilua.
What’s more, is Leilua proved to be an attacking injection off the pine, combining with Valentine Holmes in impressive fashion.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Shane Flanagan highlighted that could be the Dragons’ formula moving forward.
“Luciano did a good job, he can ball play but he can also carry the football. We just thought today, he’s been getting 50 minutes, we mix it up,”
“Give him the back end of the game and we got away with a reasonable score and we gave him a spell at the end.
“But it’s probably more what Dylan Egan is doing than what ‘Luc’ is doing. Dylan is doing a really good job for us, ‘Luc’ has got that offensive class.
“Dylan Egan has got the defensive work rate, so it’s a nice mix at the moment.”
Egan came close to delivering his first 80 minute performance, but he left the field in the dying stages due to an elbow injury.
Speaking post-match, the gun forward said it “meant the world” to be representing the Red V, coming desperately close to shedding a tear.
Egan is a Gerringong Lions junior, having come through the club’s pathways system and captaining a Steelers SG Ball side in 2023.
Flanagan went on to heap further praise on both Egan and fellow rising star Hamish Stewart, signalling more young guns could come through the Dragons’ ranks in the future.
“He is just a real quality young man, not a kid a young man,” Flanagan said.
“He works really hard on his game, he knows footy and can read footy really well.
“We are probably just taking some time with him and Hamish (Stewart), they just really come out of SG Ball last year and the year before, they are young pups.
“But you have got to be careful with them, I have got a couple more than are sticking their head out of the barn door ready to go but I have got to be patient.
“These boys will need a rest at some stage and I have another three or four I can put in there to give their NRL debuts, that’s exciting.”
Flanagan could be pointing to the likes of Loko Pasifika Tonga and Finau Latu, with the latter reportedly meeting with the Knights during the week.
According to Code Sports, the Australian Schoolboys rep toured Newcastle’s facilities and met with coach Adam O’Brien.
However, Flanagan made it clear the Dragons want to retain another rising star.
“He is off contract and we want to keep him, yes,” Flanagan said.
“Finau has a contract which goes until round six and he can then see what’s out there. His manager wants to see what the going price was.”
WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 11: Dylan Egan of the Dragons is tackled by David Fifita of the Titans during the round six NRL match between St George Illawarra Dragons and Gold Coast Titans at WIN Stadium, on April 11, 2025, in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
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