Dragons star grilled over future as Bennett links emerge

Jaydn Su'A has been the form back-rower of the competition this season and is pushing for a State of Origin recall – but the Dragons are still yet to lock him in long-term.

The 26-year-old has been a standout for St George Illawarra across the opening two months of their campaign, putting himself in the mix for a spot in the Queensland side.

Su'A has found his mojo under coach Shane Flanagan but despite his stellar efforts on the field, the club is yet to retain his services for 2025 and beyond.

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Speaking to media on Thursday, the eight-time Samoan international was quizzed on his future in the Red V and whether he had reached an agreement to re-sign.

"Not yet," Su'A said.

"I've finally seen my manager this morning and we had a good chat.

"Obviously I'm gonna leave it all to him to deal with it and sort it out … my job is to play footy and get wins for this club."

In his seven appearances this year, Su'A has crossed for three tries, produced 11 offloads and averaged 119 run metres for the Saints, who are heading into a huge local derby with Cronulla on Sunday afternoon.

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But the question marks over his future have sparked rumours of a potential reunion with Wayne Bennett at the Rabbitohs next year, with the legendary coach closing in on a return to the club in the wake of Jason Demetriou's sacking.

Bennett was an admirer of Su'A during their initial years together at the Broncos, which ultimately saw him move to the Bunnies mid-way through the 2019 season.

Wayne Bennett, coach of the Rabbitohs

"I've got a personal relationship with Wayne, but I haven't spoken to him in a long time," the explosive back-rower said.

"He's someone I have a lot of respect for, but my focus at the moment is this Sunday."

Despite the potential interest from Bennett, Su'A was full of praise for Flanagan, who has helped rejuvenate his career and the Dragons squad after some lean years.

"Flanno has been really good for me personally," he said.

"He is really honest, he tells you things that sometimes you don't want to hear, but sometimes you need to hear. He's a coach I like playing for and a coach that boys like.

"He's good to get along with – even though some of the stories I hear about back in the day him being hard to talk to – but he throws a lot of stick around now."

And as for the potential of earning a spot in the Maroons forward pack when Billy Slater picks his squad in a few weeks, Su'A is ready to make his mark at Origin level.

"I played Origin a few years ago now and it's definitely something I want to get myself back into," he said.

"It's something where all the best players in the game are playing and it's definitely something I want to be a part of.

"The only way to be a part of that squad is to play well here and win games … with good performances and good form comes selection."

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