FORWARD Jacob Host’s reputation as one of the future stars of St George Illawarra was enhanced with a new contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2020.
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Host, who can play through the middle or on the edge as a back-rower, played eight games for the Dragons last year, after making his debut in round nine.
The 20-year-old also played a key role in the Illawarra Cutters’ NSW Premiership success and national championship triumph on grand final day.
“I am really happy to be able to remain a Dragon and lock-in my future with the team I have supported since a child,” Host said.
“I have come through the junior ranks representing the Club and look forward to being able to continue doing so as a first-grade player.
“My goal now is to continue working hard and playing my role in the squad and repay the faith shown in me by the coaching staff.”
While the Dragons are without a high-profile halfback option, they board significant depth in their forward stocks.
Ex-Canberra Raiders prop Paul Vaughan is a leading contender to start alongside Russell Packer in round one against Penrith on March four, while they also signed Tariq Sims mid-season. The Dragons are expected to be boosted by Mose Masoe’s return during this year’s campaign, after ongoing complications with a knee problem which kept him sidelined in 2016. The squad returned to training at WIN Stadium after a three-day Army boot camp in Nowra, setting the tone for their campaign.
The Dragons finished 11th on the ladder last year.