Dragons finally release Saab as dominos fall in transfer market
After months of speculation over his future, St George Illawarra has relented and granted Jason Saab the release he desired to enable him to join Manly.
St George Illawarra has finally granted Jason Saab a release.
After months of speculation about his future, the Dragons have released Saab from the final two years of his contract on compassionate grounds. It will allow the lanky winger to switch to Manly after the joint-venture outfit was provided a transfer fee as compensation.
The development comes just a day after another rising star, Joseph Suaalii, was released from the final year of his South Sydney contract to join the Roosters.
Saab is seeking a club closer to home to spend more time with his family after struggling with the commute to Wollongong. The Red V had all but agreed to a release under previous coach Paul McGregor, but replacement Anthony Griffin was less keen to lose one of the NRL's most exciting outside backs.
Saab was a no-show when the Dragons returned to training last week, requiring time off to deal with personal issues. After the Dragons ruled out several proposed player swaps, the parties finally settled on a compensation fee that will allow Saab to link with Des Hasler at the Sea Eagles.
While Saab will join Manly, the Sea Eagles could lose Curtis Sironen as part of a player swap with Wests Tigers forward Luke Garner. Another Tiger, Josh Aloai, is also agitating for a release to join Manly. That is likely to be forthcoming, with the Tigers closing in on the signature of Brisbane forward Joe Ofahengaue.
