Dragons could lose in-form 'hero' as rival clubs circle

St George Illawarra are in danger of losing in-form hooker Jacob Liddle, one of the heroes of last weekend's stunning win over the Broncos. Liddle turned the momentum of the match with an amazing 70-metre dash to the tryline, helping the Dragons to a 30-26 win. Two weeks earlier, he came off the bench, charging over for two tries in a narrow 34-28 loss to the Tigers at Magic Round. Rival clubs are showing interest in the 28-year-old former Australian Schoolboy, who has an option his way for next season. "Jacob is happy at the Dragons but obviously would like to start games and have more match time," his manager Gavin Orr told Wide World of Sports. "We will see how things play out." Liddle was among the Dragons' best players in a disappointing 2024 campaign and was rewarded with a spot in the Prime Minister's XIII.

Unlikely Tigers hero pulls off long-range pearler

For a hooker to run over 90 metres for a try is a rare effort - but one up-and-coming Tiger Jacob Liddle managed to achieve against the weakened Panthers on Friday night. In a key moment of the game, Liddle picked up a grubber kick after it hit his knees eight metres from his own line - and saw the Panthers tryline way, way downfield. Liddle took off - and few people gave him any chance - but he went all the way with half the Penrith team in pursuit and making little impression. Few people realise that - like Blues hooker Damien Cook - Liddle is a former beach sprinter. Injuries have plagued the 24-year-old from the NSW Central Coast since then - he's had two shoulder surgeries, two ankle operations and one on his knee. But now he's back to full fitness he looks a fine number nine - and as we all saw on Friday night at Leichhardt, a very fast one as well.