Blake Lawrie has become the first Dragon embroiled in the club’s infamous Covid-19 breach to ink a new contract with the club.
A local junior, Lawrie has signed a contract extension that will keep him at St. George-Illawarra until at least the end of 2023.
“I’m very pleased to remain a Dragon. The club has played a big part in my life and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead,” said Lawrie, who has played his entire 79-game career with the Dragons.
“Securing my future before the season started was a big factor for me. My focus remains on the year ahead and helping the club return to where it belongs –xjmtzyw high up on ladder.”
Lawrie did not feature in Sunday afternoon’s trial game against the Parramatta Eels, but coach Anthony Griffin confirmed afterwards those who missed out on selection would line up against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the second weekend of trials.
Dragons general manager of football Ben Haran said the club was pleased to have held onto Lawrie.
“Blake has proven himself as a consistent NRL player and is an important and well-respected member of our squad,” said Haran.
“A local junior re-signing is always an important occasion for our club and we are very pleased to see Blake do this, off the back of another positive pre-season.”
Lawrie was one of 13 Dragons fined by the NRL in the wake of a barbecue held at Paul Vaughan’s house that contravened the Covid-19 regulations in place in NSW at the time.
The fallout from the saga stifled all the club’s momentum built during the start of Griffin’s first season in charge.
For hosting the gathering, Vaughan had his contract torn up, while Corey Norman, Kaide Ellis, Gerard Beale and Matt Dufty have all since moved on from the club. The eight other players sanctioned remain contracted.
Lawrie joins Max Feagai, Jayden Sullivan, Tyrell Sloan and Mat Feagai in re-signing with the Dragons in recent months.
