ST George Illawarra will move to extend the contract of Test winger Brett Morris beyond 2015.
With the Dragons now out of the finals race after losing 30-22 to Brisbane on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium, the Dragons will be keen to keep Morris at the club on a longer term contract.
In recent weeks, strong rumours have circulated that the Bulldogs want to sign Morris for 2016 and beyond and join his twin brother, Josh.
‘‘He’s under contract for next year as far as I know," Dragons coach Paul McGregor said.
‘‘We’re looking to extend him if we can.’’
The Dragons, who are 11th on 26 points, cannot make the top eight with one game to play — against Newcastle this Sunday at Newcastle.
McGregor said prop and skipper Ben Creagh, who was replaced after 12 minutes against the Broncos, would be in doubt this weekend.
Joel Thompson was outstanding against the Broncos and has had a top season.
Brisbane 30 d St George Illawarra 22 (Jason Nightingale, Josh Dugan, Joel Thompson, Peter Mata’utia tries; Gareth Widdop 3 goals). Crowd: 36,720.
FINAL GAME
The Dragons tackle Newcastle at 2pm this Sunday at Hunter Sports Stadium.
The Dragons have 11 players coming off contract at the end of this season: Josh Ailaomai, Jack Bird, Yaw Kiti Glymin, Nathan Green, Matt Groat, Bronson Harrison, Willie Mataka, Will Matthews, Shane Pumipi, Kyle Stanley and Michael Witt.
The Dragons are in the market for an extra prop to bolster their stocks in 2015 and beyond. Names mentioned have been Bulldogs prop Sam Kasiano and veteran Willie Mason.
MCGREGOR’S FOCUS
Now that newly-appointed Dragons coach Paul McGregor is in place for the next three years, his off-season planning and direction he wants to take the club will be put in place when the Dragons 2014 NRL season is over. McGregor had played for Illawarra Steelers and the Dragons.
HOLDEN CUP
The Dragons under-20s team have qualified for the finals under the joint-coaching of Dean Young and Ben Hornby.
Their final game before the finals is against Newcastle at 11.45am this Sunday at Hunter Sports Stadium.
Can the Dragons defeat Knights this Sunday at Newcastle?