Croft and French on Dragons’ Radar as NRL Targets
On January 13th, reports from Australia suggest that Leeds Rhinos half-back Brodie Croft and Wigan Warriors superstar Bevan French are being considered for a potential return to the NRL by the St George-Illawarra Dragons.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Croft and French are among a five-man shortlist of candidates the Dragons are evaluating as they seek to replace star player Ben Hunt, who has been granted an immediate release from the club.
Bevan French has been a standout performer in Super League over the past two seasons, earning the coveted Man of Steel award in 2022 and playing a pivotal role in Wigan’s historic quadruple-winning campaign. His superb solo try during the Super League Grand Final proved crucial to his team’s victory against Hull KR. However, the fan-favorite winger remains under a long-term contract with Wigan and has not expressed a desire to leave.
Similarly, Brodie Croft, a former Man of Steel winner himself, has several years remaining on his lucrative deal with Leeds Rhinos, having joined the club from Salford Red Devils at the start of last season. While the half-back is yet to hit top form in a Leeds shirt, he is expected to be a vital part of Brad Arthur’s plans as the Rhinos aim to re-establish themselves among Super League’s elite in 2025.
“The Dragons are also reportedly considering South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Lachlan Ilias, Wests Tigers’ Adam Doueihi, and Cronulla’s Daniel Atkinson as potential replacements for Ben Hunt.”
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