Dragons lose Ryles, Schif to Reds

St George Illawarra has suffered a massive blow on the eve of its blockbuster clash against the Bulldogs with former Test prop Jason Ryles ruled out with a back injury.

Ryles, who was due to start the Oki Jubilee Stadium match off the bench, failed to take part in this morning's final training session with club doctors deciding the injury was too delicate to risk. It is believed Ryles suffered the injury during training yesterday.

His loss is offset somewhat by the early return from injury of young gun Ashton Sims, who was not due to return for another three weeks after breaking a bone in his wrist in the Dragons' round nine loss to Cronulla.

Down in the nation?s capital, Raiders skipper Clinton Schifcofske is set to announce he'll be crossing codes and signing with the Queensland Reds to play in the Super 14.

The Reds have been chasing the Queensland State of Origin fullback for the past month and are expected to announce his signing at a media conference this afternoon in Brisbane. Schifcofske has been eyed by Reds coach Eddie Jones as a goalkicking winger.

The 30-year-old is the latest in a string of experienced Canberra players to leave the club despite encouraging results in the NRL.