Dragons sign Rugby Sevens star Nathan Lawson for 2025 NRL season
The St George Illawarra Dragons have bolstered their NRL roster for 2025 by signing Australian Rugby Sevens star Nathan Lawson.
The 25-year-old, who recently claimed the Shawn Mackay Award as Australia’s best male sevens player, will bring his remarkable try-scoring ability to the Dragons as he transitions to rugby league.
Lawson has scored 69 tries for Australia and represented his country in two Olympics, including this year’s bronze medal match against South Africa, where he added another try to his impressive record.
His standout 2024 Rugby season, which saw him cross the line 25 times, earned him a place in the World Rugby Sevens team of the year.
“Nathan is a terrific athlete,” Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said.
“He is coming to us at the end of an outstanding season, which he finished off with the Australian Rugby Sevens player of the year award and a spot in the World Rugby Sevens team of the year.
“He’s a big, fast, powerful winger with good instincts. He’ll adjust to rugby league in no time and, once he does, he’ll be a real asset to us.”
Lawson’s move follows a growing trend of rugby players switching codes to Rugby League, with Carter Gordon and Mark Nawaqanitawase having made similar transitions.
Additionally, there are rumours linking sevens superstar Maddison Levi to NRLW clubs.
The St George Dragons are set to face the Canterbury Bulldogs in the first round of the 2025 NRL season with the top NRL bookmaker paying $3.10 for them to start the year off with a win.
