NRL news: Twiggy Forrest’s role in Dragons sponsor shake-up revealed | Daily Telegraph
Newcastle have struck a major blow in the player market with NSW star Jacob Saifiti inking a long term deal to remain at the Knights.
Saifiti has agreed to a new three year deal taking his contract out until at least the end of the 2027 season.
The Knights have also agreed a deal to sign All Black hopeful Tyrone Thompson -
the twin brother of star prop Leo - in 2025.
Thompson will make the cross-code switch as he tries to replicate Leo’s rise and become a Kiwi international.
Tyrone Thompson will join his brother Leo at the Knights. Picture: Getty Images
With Saifiti locked away, the Knights remain confident fellow NSW star Bradman Best will recommit to the club for a further three years.
Newcastle are also close to extending the deal of coach Adam O’Brien, who is about to enter the final year of his contract.
The Knights hierarchy agreed to give O’Brien a new two year deal in September with the teams of that contract in the midst of being finalised.
Newcastle prop Jacob Saifiti has extended his stay at the club. Picture: NRL Imagery
BILLIONAIRE BACKING: TWIGGY FORREST’S ROLE IN DRAGONS SHAKE-UP
St George Illawarra are already backed by one of Australia’s richest men and another could be upping his support for the club as a company owned by
billionaire Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest holds serious discussions over increasing their commitment to the Dragons.
Squadron Energy, founded by Forrest, will be on the back of the Dragons’ jersey in 2024 and Sunday Sesh understands talks have been held over the prospect of taking up the major sponsorship when St George Bank walks away at the end of the season.
It is understood the deal will be worth more than the $1 million the bank tips in annually. St George Bank, the Dragons’ long-time major sponsor, have already informed the club of plans to depart, leaving the front of the famous Red V up for grabs.
Forrest, valued in excess of $15 billion, has been targeted as a potential alternative given Squadron Energy is already involved with the club.
The mining magnate has a longstanding interest with rugby union in Western Australia where his company Tattarang backs the Western Force.
Forrest and his wife Nicola also issued a statement earlier this week in defence of Rugby Australia chair Hamish McLennan prior to his departure.
Nicola and Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest, co-chairs of Harvest Road. Picture: Supplied
However, Forrest has shown little desire to become involved in rugby league. That may be about to change thanks to the Dragons, who already have the financial clout of WIN boss Bruce Gordon in their corner.
Gordon’s WIN Group own a 50 per cent stake in the Dragons, with the other half of the club in possession of St George.
The Dragons have had just two major sponsors since 1999. St George Bank may not be entirely lost to the club.