RUGBY LEAGUE - DRAGONS
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The day after announcing the high-profile departure of Test winger Brett Morris, the Dragons have announced a host of additions to their full-time squad before the club's official preseason kicks off on Monday.
Illawarra Cutters Player of the Year Shannon Wakeman - who featured in all 25 games this season - has been rewarded for a stellar year in the NSW Cup with a call up to the full-time roster on a one-year deal.
It's reward for an outstanding 2014 season for the Dapto junior in which he also earned NSW Cup Team of the Year honours and became an internet sensation with a 50-metre solo try in the Cutters' qualifying final victory over the Warriors. The effort has since been viewed more than 6000 times on YouTube.
"Shannon is a local junior who has been in our lower-grade systems for several seasons now and most recently was invited to train alongside the first-grade squad," coach Paul McGregor said.
Wakeman will be joined by regular Cutters teammate Will Matthews, who also earned a one-year deal following a career-high 15 NRL appearances for the Dragons this season.
After establishing himself at NRL level this season, McGregor expects Matthews to press for a permanent spot in the top grade.
"Will is a hard-working player who can play in several positions and someone who pushed for a regular spot in the first-grade team towards the second half of the season," McGregor said.
"I expect Will to again be knocking on the door for first-grade selection and I am pleased that he has chosen to remain at the Dragons."
The club also announced the return of former Dragons junior captain Jake Marketo on a one-year deal after two years with Redcliffe in the Queensland Cup and the signing of junior Kiwi Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard on a two-year deal fresh from the NZ Warriors' NYC title-winning side.