Penrith Panthers Ready to Splash $2 Million to Land Dragons Speedster Tyrell Sloan
In a bold recruitment move that has sent shockwaves through the NRL, the Penrith Panthers are reportedly preparing a mammoth $2 million bid to pry electrifying winger Tyrell Sloan away from the St. George Illawarra Dragons.
The 22-year-old speedster has emerged as one of the brightest attacking threats in the league this season, and Penrith — fresh off a transitional year following the departure of several key players — are keen to inject fresh firepower into their backline. Club insiders say the Panthers are eyeing Sloan as a long-term weapon on the edge, offering a deal worth $2 million over three years.
Sources close to the Panthers’ recruitment team suggest that head coach Ivan Cleary sees Sloan as the ideal replacement for Brian To’o, who is widely tipped to explore a move to Super League at the end of the season. With blinding pace, evasive footwork, and a growing knack for scoring from impossible positions, Sloan fits the Penrith mold of high-tempo, strike-oriented football.
“Tyrell is box-office,” one Panthers official told The Daily Telegraph. “He’s the kind of player who can flip a game in one moment — and that’s exactly what we’re looking for as we reload for another premiership charge.”
Sloan, who has crossed for 16 tries and chalked up over 2,500 running metres so far this season, is enjoying a breakout year under new Dragons coach Ben Hornby. However, despite his rise, St. George Illawarra’s ongoing rebuild and cap constraints may limit their ability to match Penrith’s financial muscle.
Panthers captain Nathan Cleary added fuel to the fire when he praised Sloan during a press conference last week, calling him “one of the most dangerous runners in the comp right now.”
While Sloan is contracted to the Dragons until the end of 2026, the Panthers’ lucrative offer could force a rethink. Rumours suggest Sloan’s management is open to exploring the move if Penrith can guarantee him a key role and a chance at premiership success.
For the Dragons, losing Sloan would be a significant blow to their rebuild. The club has invested heavily in youth, and Sloan — a product of the club’s junior system — is seen as a beacon of hope for the Red V faithful.
Dragons CEO Ryan Webb addressed the speculation on Tuesday: “We’re aware of the interest in Tyrell, and it’s a testament to his performances this season. But he’s a big part of our plans moving forward, and we’ll do everything possible to keep him in Wollongong.”
With negotiations expected to heat up in the coming weeks, Sloan’s future will be one of the most closely-watched storylines in the NRL. If the Panthers succeed, they may have just added the next superstar to their dynasty.
