SHOCK EXIT ROCKS THE DRAGONS… – St George Illawarra’s massive roster overhaul has taken another stunning turn after a fifth Dragons star sensationally quit both the club and the NRL.
Dragons star Luciano Leilua has quit the NRL, penning a long-term deal to join Super League outfit the Catalans Dragons.
According to Code Sports, Leilua has agreed to a three-year contract to join the French-based side from next season.
Leilua had asked the Dragons to drop him back to reserve grade this year after he found himself warming the bench following the return of young back rower Dylan Egan.
While coach Dean Young did just that for one week, he has since returned to the first-grade bench, playing limited minutes.
It is understood that Leilua was told he would not be getting a new deal at the Dragons.
He held brief talks with the Broncos ahead of the June 30 deadline, but both parties failed to reach an agreement.
And now he has reached an agreement with the Super League outfit.
Luciano Leilua has quit the NRL. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
The 30-year-old had requested permission to leave this year after agreeing to terms with the Super League side, but that request was denied, and he will play out the season with the Dragons.
He is the fifth St George Illawarra player to quit the NRL at the end of the season, joining teammates Damien Cook, Tyrell Sloan and Mat Feagai.
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The trio are all heading to Castleford while prop Emre Guler will join Wakefield.
Leilua has played 177 NRL games since making his debut for the Dragons in 2016.
He has also played for the Tigers and North Queensland.
