The Dragon that will be 'unlocked' by Metcalf

Jarrod Croker believes that the addition of Luke Metcalf for St George Illawarra will help unlock struggling half Daniel Atkinson.

On Thursday, the club confirmed that it had signed the Warriors halfback on a three-year deal, with the 27-year-old joining the likes of Keaon Koloamatangi, Scott Drinkwater and Phil Sami to commit to the Red V for 2027 and beyond.

The signing of Metcalf also resolves one of the biggest concerns from a roster perspective, having struggled in the halves following Ben Hunt’s departure at the end of the 2024 season.

With Metcalf expected to start alongside Atkinson for next season, the Canberra Raiders legend thinks he'll benefit the most from his arrival.

“The Dragons look ominous (with) that signing now, don't they?” Croker told SEN 1170 and SENQ's The Run Home.

“Their side's a different side next year if you've got Keaon (Koloamatangi) in the front row with Luke Metcalf at seven (and) all of a sudden Daniel Atkinson becomes a really good buy again.

“That's no disrespect to any other that's playing halfback, but I think that unlocks his game a little bit more with someone like Metcalf there.

“And Scotty Drinkwater at fullback, that's a completely different (side).”

The winless Dragons take on the Panthers to conclude Magic Round on Sunday.

Kick-off takes place 6:25pm AEST with SEN League having live coverage of the match from 6pm.

That can be heard across SEN’s radio network and on the SEN app.