Rising Dragons forward re-signs on multi-year deal

The Red V currently stock one of the brightest young forward packs in the NRL.

WRITER | August 5, 2026 - 9:18am

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The St George Illawarra Dragons are continuing to build one of the strongest young forward packs in the competition, with Loko Pasifiki Tonga re-signing with the club until at least the end of 2029.

The club confirmed the announcement on Wednesday morning as they continue to lock down pathways talent under Dean Young, following the re-signing of the Couchman brothers last week.

On top of those three are the extensions of local boys Hamish Stewart and Dylan Egan, with the Dragons building a clear vision for their future side.

NRL Rd 14 – Dolphins v Dragons — BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 06: Loko Pasifiki Tonga of the Dragons takes on the defence during the round 14 NRL match between Dolphins and St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium, on June 06, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Pasifiki Tonga has played 13 matches in the NRL in 2026, recording an average of 110 run metres along with totalling 357 tackles at 97 percent efficiency in the Dragons engine room.

The 21-year-old says he is thrilled to remain in the Red V and is excited about Young's vision for the club.

“I'm really excited to be extending my time here at the Dragons under Dean Young,” Pasifiki Tonga said.

“I've been enjoying my footy, and I believe in the direction that Youngy is taking us. I've been at the Dragons since I was 17 years old; I've grown up here, and I've built a lot of relationships. I love my teammates, and I'm confident that we are on the way up here.”

Pasifiki Tonga represented the NSW Blues in the Under-19s State of Origin in 2024, the same year he helped guide the Dragons SG Ball side to its first title in 32 years.

Dean Young remains confident his rising prop can develop his game to become a leader in his side.

“I love what Loko brings to this team. For a big man, he's got great hands, moves well in defence, and has an impressive footy IQ, especially considering he's only at the beginning of his career,” Young said.

“He has a real presence and influence, and once he develops his leadership skills, I believe he'll play a key role in driving this club forward.”

It's showing positive signs for the club to be locking up the 21-year-old, given reports surfaced earlier in the year that Pasifiki Tonga requested permission to look elsewhere under the guidance of former coach Shane Flanagan.

The rising prop has been named to start in the front row for the Dragons when they host the Cronulla Sharks on Sunday afternoon.