NZ Warriors half Ronald Volkman is reportedly leaving the club before the 2024 NRL season to immediately join St George Illawarra Dragons.
Volkman, 21, looms as the Warriors' fifth-choice half next season, with Chanel Harris-Tavita's return to the club pushing him further down the pecking order.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the Dragons will tie Volkman down to a one-year contract. His arrival would offset the loss of five-eighth Talatau Amone, who was deregistered by the NRL, after being found guilty of grievous bodily harm.
Heading into 2024, Volkman would be behind Shaun Johnson in the race for the No.7 jersey, while Te Maire Martin and Luke Metcalf will battle to partner him at five-eighth.
Returning to the NRL after a year away from rugby league, Harris-Tavita, 24, will cover both positions, as well as other positions throughout the team, given his versatility. He has also played fullback for the Warriors and hooker for Samoa at test level.
Signing Volkman would be a huge boost for the Dragons and new coach Shane Flanagan, after they missed out on Warriors front-rower Addin Fonua-Blake, who joined Cronulla Sharks instead.
The Dragons also tried to lure North Queensland Cowboys half Tom Dearden, but he recommitted to stay in Townsville.
Volkman has made just five appearances in two seasons with the Warriors, mainly as back-up for other halves when unavailable.
In the New South Wales Cup reserve grade side, Volkman made 22 appearances in 2023, scoring eight tries and creating 27 more, as the Warriors came within one game of the Grand Final before losing to North Sydney Bears.
He was named Warriors' NSW Cup Players' Player of the Year.
