The St George Illawarra Dragons can confirm that Jacob Webster has signed a contract extension with the club.
The deal sees the 23-year-old promoted to the club’s Top 30 for at least the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
A Dragons Academy graduate, Webster was rewarded with an NRL debut in the side’s Round 23 win over the Sharks and remained in the side for the final month of the season.
Head Coach Dean Young spoke highly of Webster’s transition to first grade, praising his work ethic, attitude, and toughness, and comparing him to a club great.
“Webby reminds me of Luke Bailey,” Young said.
“He is tough and uncompromising, consistently doing the little things that earn the respect and trust of his teammates and coaches. He handled the leap up to the NRL this year well, and we’re excited that he will remain a Dragon.”
Webster joins Ryan and Toby Couchman, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Egan, Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga and Jacob Halangahu on the list of Dragons Academy products to have re-signed with the club over the past 12 months.
“This club gave me an opportunity when I was a teenager, and I’m still grateful for it. Making my NRL debut this year was a dream come true, and I’m looking forward to the next couple of years.”
A Kempsey Dragons junior, Webster made his way to Wollongong as a teenager to play Harold Matthews Cup with the Steelers.
He made the transition from SG Ball to Jersey Flegg in 2022 – the same year he came off the interchange bench in NSW’s Under 19s Origin victory and made his Knock-On Effect NSW Cup debut.
He would grow into a vital cog in the side’s middle forward rotation, and this year he was awarded the club’s NSW Cup Player of the Year, having averaged 131 run metres while making 672 tackles at over 95 per cent efficiency in 18 outings.
Webster said he is excited to continue his journey with the Dragons.
“I’m really excited to be extending my time here with the Dragons,” Webster said.
“This club gave me an opportunity when I was a teenager, and I’m still grateful for it. Making my NRL debut this year was a dream come true, and I’m looking forward to the next couple of years.”
