Shane Flanagan’s recruitment drive at St George Illawarra has hit yet another snag with St Helens fullback Jack Welsby signing a long-term deal to remain with the Super League giants.
In a tumultuous week where Addin Fonua-Blake rejected their interest to instead sign with rivals Cronulla and Junior Amone’s immediate playing future was thrown into doubt, Welsby’s decision to turn his back on the NRL club comes as another disappointing blow.
Jack Welsby knocks back reported Dragons interest to remain at St Helens
The Dragons have been attempting to rebuild their roster following the departure of Anthony Griffin earlier in the year and the arrival of Flanagan.
MORE: Addin Fonua-Blake snubs Dragons to sign long-term deal with Sharks
In a bid to appease wantaway skipper Ben Hunt, the new head coach promised a reversal of their fortunes as he was armed with plenty of cash to splash in the market.
However, things haven’t gone according to plan so far for the joint venture, who have been forced to once again move on to other targets.
Welsby, who has won three Super League titles with the Saints since debuting in 2018, has established himself as arguably the greatest English talent in the game.
This was highlighted when the 22-year-old became the youngest player to captain the national side when he led England for two Test matches during their triumphant home series against Tonga.
Welsby has showcased his versatility throughout his 117-game Super League career to date, filling in various roles across the backline and even in the forwards before making the No.1 jersey his own in recent seasons.
This presented him as an ideal target for the Dragons who could be without a five-eighth to start the season following Jayden Sullivan's exit, while their first-choice fullback remains clouded with Tyrell Sloan and Zac Lomax both rumoured to be vying for the role.
Jack Welsby contract: Saints star to remain at Super League club until 2027
Welsby was reportedly in the sights of a number of NRL clubs despite only inking an extension last year, but his new deal now takes him through until at least the end of 2027.
"It was a pretty long, drawn-out process, but when it came down to it, I don't think I could see myself playing rugby anywhere else," Welsby told Sky Sports upon signing.
Welsby admitted that while the alure of playing in the NRL appealing, the desire to keep competing for trophies with Saints swayed his decision.
"The NRL is a massive competition, and everyone sees it as that, but I believe the Super League can be that and we've just got to work towards it," the Wigan-born star said added in a club statement.
"Sometimes the speculation that comes with the NRL is not just as simple as going to sign at a different club, it's a lot of things...but for me, it was always going to be St Helens.
"Everyone at St Helens expects to win trophies...That sort of expectation, it's hard sometimes, but it's what I want. I want the pressure and that's where I feel like I play my best rugby."