2024 NRL Transfer Centre: Dragons Sign Sevens Star and Lock Up Twins, Paulo Moves North

The 2024 NRL transfer window has already delivered a wave of exciting signings, with clubs bolstering their rosters in anticipation of the new season. Among the highlights, the St George Illawarra Dragons have made a splash by securing a talented sevens star, while also locking in the future of their dynamic twin brothers. Meanwhile, Parramatta Eels forward Junior Paulo has made the move north to join the North Queensland Cowboys, in one of the most high-profile transfers of the offseason.

Dragons Make Moves: Sevens Star Joins, Twins Locked In

The St George Illawarra Dragons have been one of the most active clubs in the transfer market, adding a unique signing to their ranks. The Dragons have secured Charlotte Caslick, one of Australia’s top rugby sevens players, as part of a cross-code experiment. Caslick, who has been a key figure in the Australian women’s sevens team, is set to join the Dragons on a short-term deal, aimed at transitioning her skills to the NRLW. With her speed, agility, and strong defensive game, Caslick is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the Dragons’ backline for the upcoming season.

In addition to the signing of Caslick, the Dragons have also locked in the future of their promising young stars, Jayden and Tyrell Sloan, the twin brothers who have been making waves since their debut. Both players have shown tremendous potential in the NRL, with Jayden excelling as a playmaking fullback and Tyrell impressing in the centres. The Dragons have moved quickly to secure long-term contracts for both brothers, ensuring they will be central figures in the club’s future.

“The Sloan twins represent the future of the Dragons,” said club CEO Ryan Webb. “We’re committed to building a team around these young talents, and locking them in for the long term is a huge step forward for us.”

Paulo Makes the Move North

One of the more unexpected moves of the offseason came when Junior Paulo, the highly-rated Parramatta Eels forward, confirmed his move to the North Queensland Cowboys. The powerhouse prop, who has been a mainstay in the Eels’ forward pack for several years, will join the Cowboys on a multi-year deal worth close to $2 million. The 29-year-old has been a dominant force in the middle for Parramatta, with his combination of size, power, and mobility making him one of the top forwards in the NRL.

Paulo’s decision to leave the Eels and head north is one that has surprised many, given the strong connections he has with the Parramatta club. However, it is understood that the Cowboys’ offer of a longer-term deal, along with a fresh opportunity in a growing team, was too good to refuse.

“I’m excited to be heading up to Townsville and joining the Cowboys,” said Paulo in a statement. “It’s a new challenge, and I’m looking forward to contributing to what is a very exciting team. The Cowboys are on the rise, and I’m thrilled to be part of their journey.”

The addition of Paulo is a major coup for the Cowboys, who have been steadily improving in recent seasons and are seen as one of the contenders for the NRL premiership in 2024. His leadership and experience will be invaluable for the Cowboys’ forward pack, which already boasts a strong blend of youth and experience.

Other Key Moves

In other notable moves, the Sydney Roosters have secured the services of young gun Joseph Suaalii, who has signed a lucrative extension to stay at the club, while the Melbourne Storm have added depth to their backline with the acquisition of Xavier Coates from the Brisbane Broncos. The Brisbane Broncos, in turn, have made headlines by bringing in veteran hooker Damien Cook from the South Sydney Rabbitohs, a significant boost for their spine as they look to challenge for a top-four spot in 2024.

As the 2024 NRL season approaches, it’s clear that clubs are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to build competitive squads. With star signings, high-profile departures, and key re-signings, the transfer centre is buzzing, and the NRL season promises to be an exciting one.