St George Illawarra Dragons star Jaydn Su’A, a prominent second-rower, has an official contract with the club until the conclusion of the 2026 season. However, recent reports have uncovered an intriguing player option in his agreement, allowing Su’A to extend his stay with the Dragons for an additional year, through 2027.
Su’A, who made a triumphant return to State of Origin in 2024, was a consistent standout for the Dragons throughout the season. Under the guidance of head coach Shane Flanagan, the team came close to breaking their six-year finals drought, with Su’A playing a pivotal role in their campaign.
Reportedly earning approximately $700,000 annually, Su’A is among the most experienced members of the Dragons’ squad. His presence in the team has been bolstered by the off-season recruitment of stars such as Valentine Holmes, Clint Gutherson, and Damien Cook, who will share co-captaincy duties. These signings are part of a broader strategy to revamp the team following the release of Ben Hunt.
The news of Su’A’s contract option has delighted Dragons fans. According to News Corp, Su’A can exercise the option to remain with the club for 2027. While the exact deadline for this decision remains unclear, it is expected to occur around the middle of the 2026 season. If Su’A chooses not to activate the clause, he will be free to negotiate with rival clubs for the 2027 season starting November 1, 2026.
Adding to speculation about a long-term commitment, Su’A purchased a house in Wollongong within the past year, indicating his potential desire to remain with the Dragons. Since joining the team in 2022, Su’A has become a key player for the joint-venture club. His international resume includes five State of Origin appearances for Queensland and eight Test matches representing Samoa.
Su’A’s 2024 season was arguably one of the best of his career. The 27-year-old scored nine tries in 22 games while recording impressive stats, including 604 tackles at a near 90% success rate, 30 offloads, and an average of 117 running metres per game. Despite being considered for the team captaincy following Hunt’s departure, Su’A will instead continue to serve as one of the club’s senior players.
Reflecting on his evolving role, Su’A expressed enthusiasm about mentoring younger teammates. Speaking at a December press conference, he remarked, “Some of the younger guys gravitate towards me, and I think that’s a big step in my development… I’m 27 now, so I’m kind of one of the older heads here, and I’m relishing it.”
The Dragons will kick off their 2025 NRL campaign against the Canterbury Bulldogs at Kogarah, with Su’A expected to once again lead the charge in the second-row alongside teammates Luciano Leilua or Raymond Faitala-Mariner.