Bailey Commits to 2006 with the
Dragons, Manu released

Dragons representative Prop Luke Bailey has officially agreed to terms with the Dragons for the 2006 season having made the decision to be a part of the new NRL license on the Gold Coast from 2007.

?I was always going to stay at the Dragons, it was just a matter of sorting a few things out,? said Bailey. ?It was a difficult decision to make and I would have liked to stay here but it was always going to be difficult to fit everybody under the salary cap.

?I am totally committed to the Dragons and will enjoy another year at the Club and look forward to helping the younger players in our efforts to win a Premiership?.

?Luke at the Club have always understood each others long-term objectives,? said Dragons Chief Executive Officer Peter Doust. ?He has given great service to the Club and the region and now it is time for him to look after the long-term future of his family.

?This is what the salary cap is all about?.

The Dragons today advised that Willie Manu has been released from his 2006 contract. Manu originally came to the Dragons from the Rabbitohs on a two contract and while the standard of his football has seen him play first grade for the Dragons a number of times throughout this season his lack of discipline off the field has generated this outcome.

The Club still stands by its original position with respect to the incident at the Wollongong night club in that Willie should be presumed innocent until proven guilty and is available for selection for the remainder of the 2005 season.