‘Exciting times’ for Dragons to keep building with Verran homecoming

The “exciting times” just keep building for the St George Illawarra Dragons, with Jillaroos and New South Wales star Emma Verran (née Tonegato) agreeing to return to her hometown club on a three-year deal starting in 2027.

There’s every chance that Verran will sit out the upcoming NRL Women’s premiership season after recently announcing her first pregnancy, meaning the next time the 30-year-old plays top-flight footy again, it will be back in the Red V where she debuted in 2021. Otherwise, she’ll play one final season with the Cronulla Sharks before leaving.

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Verran returns to her first NRLW club after having played for the Jillaroos nine times, including during Australia’s victorious 2021 Rugby League World Cup campaign, and represented her state with the Sky Blues in nine matches.

“It’s really special to be returning to the Dragons,” Verran, a local Wollongong native and Helensburgh Tigers junior, said today. “I grew up in Wollongong; I got my first shot in the NRLW here at the club. And, for me, it’s just important that I’m in the best place to look after my growing family and be where I think I’ll be able to perform at my best postpartum.

“It was a big decision for me, but I’m really optimistic about the direction the club is headed. There’s so much talent already, and the conversations that I’ve had with Crossy [Dragons head coach Nathan Cross] have been really encouraging.

“It’s an exciting time,” Verran added, speaking about Cross’ rebuild at the St George Illawarra Dragons.

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This signing may suggest that star Dragons fullback Teagan Berry will be heading out the door at the end of the season. Widely regarded as one of the best young players in the competition, many St George Illawarra fans will be hoping Berry and Verran can play together, but with Berry off-contract at the end of this year, it’s looking unlikely.

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Berry has long been linked with a move to the Sydney Roosters, and that tricolours signing may happen sometime through this year. The Dragons have been speaking to the 23-year-old no.1 about her re-signing since Christmas.

The 2026 NRL season is scheduled to return with Knights vs. Sharks on July 2.