The St George Illawarra Dragons can confirm that Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga has agreed to a long-term extension with the club.
The deal will see the 21-year-old remain at the club until at least the end of the 2029 NRL season.
“I’m really excited to be extending my time here at the Dragons under Dean Young,” Pasifiki Tonga said.
“I’ve been enjoying my footy, and I believe in the direction that Youngy is taking us. I’ve been at the Dragons since I was 17 years old; I’ve grown up here, and I’ve built a lot of relationships. I love my teammates, and I’m confident that we are on the way up here.”
An athletic front rower, Pasifiki Tonga joined the Red V off the back of an NRL Schoolboy Cup title with Ipswich State High School, linking up with St George’s SG Ball unit in 2023 before earning an Australian Schoolboys nod mid-year.
He joined the NRL squad for his first taste of pre-season in the lead-up to the 2024 season, before again spending the SG Ball season with the Dragons, helping lead the side to their first title in 32 years.
An Under 19s State of Origin representative in 2024, Pasifiki Tonga made his NRL debut in Round 10, 2025 against the Warriors at WIN Stadium and went on to make 10 further top-flight appearances.
The Dragons Academy graduate has made 13 NRL appearances in 2026, having averaged 110 run metres to go along with 357 tackles at 97 per cent efficiency.
“I’ve been enjoying my footy, and I believe in the direction that Youngy is taking us. I’ve been at the Dragons since I was 17 years old; I’ve grown up here, and I’ve built a lot of relationships. I love my teammates, and I’m confident that we are on the way up here.”
Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga
Head Coach Dean Young was excited to lock up the rising talent.
“I love what Loko brings to this team. For a big man, he’s got great hands, moves well in defence, and has an impressive footy IQ, especially considering he’s only at the beginning of his career,” Young said.
“He has a real presence and influence, and once he develops his leadership skills, I believe he’ll play a key role in driving this club forward.”
Pasifiki Tonga joins Ryan and Toby Couchman, Hamish Stewart and Dylan Egan on the list of Dragons Academy products to have inked long-term extensions.
CEO Tim Watsford calls Pasifiki Tonga’s re-signing a “vote of confidence” in the direction the club is moving.
“Extending Loko was a priority for the club, and we’re thrilled to have got it done,” Watsford said.
“We’ve made a deliberate effort to invest in our pathways and Academy programs. Players such as Loko, Hamish, Dylan, Ryan, and Toby are the result of this investment, and it gives us confidence that this club’s identity continues to be shaped around homegrown talent.”
“We view his decision to extend as a vote of confidence in what we are building and in where we are headed as a club. He has a bright future in the game, and we’re excited for the Red V faithful to continue being part of his journey.”
