The St George Illawarra Dragons have continued their remarkable retention run, securing the signing of Hunter Fangupo on a four-year deal.
The talented forward can play either on the edge or in the middle, and came through Collegians as his junior club.
Eligible for either Tonga or Australia moving into the future, the forward has turned 17 this year and impressed on his way through the ranks at the club.
He is now locked in until 2030 as confirmed by his manager where he can progress towards the Top 30 at the club, although he will still be eligible for the SG Ball competition over the next two years, and the Jersey Flegg competition for the two seasons beyond that - the entire duration of his four-year deal.
Fangupo had an impressive campaign for the Harold Matthews Cup Illawarra Steelers side, scoring a number of tries with strong running efforts and regularly causing headaches for defenders with his tall build and powerful running game which also included plenty of strong footwork.
The Dragons only loss on the recruitment and retention front this year has been that of Asher Chapman, with the talented cross-code rising star deciding to join the Perth Bears on a three-year deal at the end of 2026.
The Red V have otherwise locked down all of their key targets, particularly in the forwards, with Hamish Stewart, Dylan Egan, Toby Couchman, Ryan Couchman, Loko Pasifiki Tonga and Jacob Halangahu all signed long-term.
Fangupo being signed until the end of 2030 will give him time to develop though at the Dragons, and it could well be perfect timing - he continues to kick on, he may well be ready for a first-grade debut when the Dragons will next face a salary cap crunch with a number of their key young forwards coming off-contract within a two-year window.
