The St George Illawarra Dragons have announced the re-signing of National Youth Competition team duo Addin Fonua-Blake and Matt Dufty for a further two seasons until at least the end of 2016 respectively.
Dragons NYC co-captain Addin Fonua-Blake can play throughout the forward-pack and is in the midst of his second season with the Under 20’s team.
Fonua-Blake recently earned his first opportunity to represent the Illawarra Cutters in the NSW Cup and will train with the NRL full-time pre-season training squad next year.
Local Penshurst RSL junior Matt Dufty, who can play as fullback is a graduate of the Dragons High Performance Unit and was named in the NSW Blues U18 State of Origin team which defeated the Queensland Maroons earlier this season.
“We are extremely pleased to have both players agree to continue their footballing development here at the Club,” said Dragons Recruitment Manager Ben Haran.
“Addin has been performing very well throughout this season and has taken whatever opportunities have been thrown his way this season including playing in the NSW Cup.
“Matt is a local junior from our St George region who has this season made the step-up to our NYC squad and is learning a lot under the guidance of co-Head Coaches Ben Hornby and Dean Young.
“He has an eagerness to learn and this attitude has been rewarded with his selection into the NSW U18 State of Origin team.”
Furthermore, the Dragons have additionally announced the re-signing of Illawarra Steelers SG Ball prop Matt Jurd for a further two seasons until at least the end of 2016.
The Shellharbour Sharks junior was recently selected in the NSWCHS U18 team which competed in the 18 Years Championships held earlier this month in Darwin as well as also being named in this season’s NSW Blues U18 State of Origin team.
