The St George Illawarra Dragons are ready to make a play for unwanted New Zealand Warriors dummy-half Samuel Healey after receiving permission to explore his options.
Three days ago, it was reported that the Warriors will prioritise veteran dummy-half Wayde Egan for a contract extension and have told Healey they couldn’t sign him for 2028.
The 24-year-old was already a free agent as his contract expires at the end of the 2027 season.
According to News Corp, the dummy-half is expected to receive interest from the Dragons from November 1.
Healey has been at the Warriors since the 2024 season, arriving from the Cronulla Sharks.
The Dragons lost Damien Cook, who signed with the Castleford Tigers in the Super League.
Jacob Liddle is signed until the end of 2028, making Healey a promising backup hooker at the Red V.
Connor Watson, who could play a mix of dummy-half and lock at the Dragons next season, will be heading to the PNG Chiefs in 2028.
Healey has played 29 games with the Warriors since making his debut in 2025.
The son of Sharks great Mitch Healey, Samuel was a highly regarded dummy-half at the Cronulla Sharks, working his way through the club’s pathways in the Harold Matthews and SG Ball sides.
Healey would make his way to NSW Cup, playing 38 games for the Newtown Jets across 2023 and 2024.
Sam was part of the 2024 premiership side that beat the North Sydney Bears 28-24 in the NSW Cup Grand Final before moving to the Warriors ahead of the 2025 season.
Known for his craftiness around the ruck, Healey is expected to receive interest from rival clubs.
The Dragons are also planning to make a move for Dolphins centre Jack Bostock, originally an Illawarra Steelers junior.
Bostock is available from November 1 and is expected to explore his options after playing in the series decider for the NSW Blues.
When the centre featured in any lineup, for the Dolphins or the Blues, he lost one game this season to the Sydney Roosters, missing out on a Grand Final appearance.
After the Dragons saw Shane Flanagan resign as coach, the club has signed Dean Young to replace him.
The club has done an incredible job with their roster overhaul, signing Keaon Koloamatangi, Scott Drinkwater, Luke Metcalf, Phillip Sami, Connor Watson and Kodi Nikorima.
This free agency period, the Dragons have more flexibility, with Clint Gutherson and Valentine Holmes’ futures uncertain due to their age and struggling form.
Although the Dragons are the first team reported to be eager for Healey’s services, rival clubs are expected to join the Dragons in competing for his signature.