‘How can we afford him’: Shane Flanagan responds to Suaalii rumour, provides update on returning Origin players

The Dragons are set to receive a huge boost on Friday night with coach Shane Flanagan confirming his State of Origin trio are “likely to play” against the Wests Tigers just 48 hours after the series opener.

Flanagan also responded to rumours this week that the club could be going after Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, with reports Rugby Australia won’t be able to pay the Roosters star who signed a lucrative deal to switch codes next year.

The Dragons would love a marquee replacement for Zac Lomax, who will join the Eels next year, but Suaalii could be outside their budget given he signed a deal worth about $5m to switch codes.

“If Rugby Australia can’t afford him, then how can we afford him?” Flanagan said.

“I haven’t even investigated that. He’s a quality player and a quality young man. I had a bit to do with him because his younger brother played in the academy side that I had a bit to do with.

“It’s a quality family and he’s quality young man, but I’ll leave that to another day.”

While Suaalii is unlikely to be at the Red V next year, the Dragons should get Lomax, Ben Hunt and Jaydn Su’A back for their clash against the Tigers after they got through the Origin opener unscathed.

Hunt grabbed a double for the Maroons, Lomax scored on his Blues debut and Su’A helped set up a four-pointer in his first Origin game since 2021.

“They all pulled up well and they’ll all be in later today,” Flanagan said.

“We’ll assess them individually when they get in and make a decision this afternoon.

“All of them are likely to play.”

The Dragons are one of five teams that start the round on 14 points, with St George Illawarra looking to build on last week’s shock win over the defending premiers in Penrith without their Origin stars.

“While those players were away, it was good to have some new boys in and give energy which they did against the Panthers, but it’s good to have them back,” Flanagan said.

“It’s great for the club. Twelve months ago I was talking about getting Origin players into the club or getting players at the club into Origin.

“We went from one into three which is a really good start. The challenge is to go from three to five Origin players within your club because then you know you’re going to play finals.”