RUGBY LEAGUE
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Emerging hooker Mitch Rein has hinted a contract resolution will arrive "sooner rather than later" after admitting ongoing talks had stymied his on-field performances earlier this season.
The 23-year-old re-affirmed his preference to join St George Illawarra's signing spree as the Dragons look to lock up their most indispensable asset still unsigned for 2014.
The Kiama product ploughed through 47 tackles in an 80-minute effort against Manly last Monday night before confirming his intention to remain in the Red V.
"Definitely," Rein said on whether the preference was to stay at the Dragons. "It's in my manager's [George Mimis] hands at the moment and I'm just trying to concentrate on my footy.
"It was affecting me at the start of the year so ... hopefully we can get something resolved sooner rather than later.
"I've tried to stop thinking about it because I wasn't playing how I wanted to be playing. I was a bit happier [with my own effort last Monday night], but I was disappointed with the result."
Rein's value to the Dragons has been underlined during Cameron King's absence, handed the keys to the full-time dummy-half role after the pair split time at hooker earlier in the year.
Dragons officials view Rein as the foundation in which they can build a team around despite locking up King and highly-rated under-20s prospect Craig Garvey.
Rein's signature remains a priority despite other off-contract stars Michael Weyman, Matt Cooper, Nathan Fien, Chase Stanley and Matt Prior still unsigned for 2014.
And even after the excitement created by the captures of Gareth Widdop (Melbourne), Joel Thompson (Canberra), Mike Cooper (Warrington) and Dylan Farrell (Souths), Rein said the Dragons (3-5) were still a finals threat this year.
"There's been a fair few signings which is a positive thing, [but] this season comes first and we've got the roster now," he said.
"We know we can do it, we've got a great side, plenty of internationals and a lot of experience."
Perhaps there will be no better time for St George Illawarra to revitalise their season than the next month when they travel to the Gold Coast before hosting the struggling Eels and Panthers.