The potential major Dragons signing that could change recruitment woes

Highly respected recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan could return to the St-George Illawarra Dragons in a move that would have major implications for the Dragons’ recruitment style.

The Dragons have reportedly made an offer to O'Sullivan but no deal has been officially signed as of yet.

O’Sullivan started his career at the Dragons as both a player in lower grades and as a coach before moving into different recruitment roles around the NRL.

Currently, O’Sullivan is the recruitment manager for The Dolphins and was instrumental in constructing their roster, which has them sitting fourth on the NRL ladder.

The Dragons have struggled to recruit major names since Shane Flanagan took over as coach, publicly chasing, and missing out on, the likes of Joey Manu, Addin Fonua-Blake, Tom Dearden, Sunia Turuva, and Helium Luki, amongst others. They’ve also had contract dramas with Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax requesting releases at different points.

NRL journalist Michael Carayannis told SEN 1170 Breakfast that the recruitment of O’Sullivan could reverse the Dragons recruitment struggles thanks to his deep influence within the game.

“The Dragons are trying to get him (O’Sullivan) back,” Carayannis believes.

“There’s been some criticism around the Dragons roster of late and their inability to attract certain players and Peter O’Sullivan has those tentacles far and wide in terms of being able to identify players but also being able to recruit at the top end.

“The Dragons have put an offer to Peter O’Sullivan, he’s just mulling over that offer trying to decide if he wants to return to the Dragons or not.

“He would be the highest paid (recruitment manager) in the game.”

It is understood that O’Sullivan has close allegiances to Shane Flanagan which could help get the deal over the line.

Upon most recently missing out on the signature of Panthers’ flyer Sunia Turuva and Zac Lomax’s departure to the Parramatta Eels at season’s end, the Dragons have moved to resign fullback Tyrell Sloan on a 2-year-deal, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

The Dragons currently sit 11th overall and have a bye this week, missing out on Magic Round.