St George Illawarra player Blake Lawrie has re-signed with the Dragons for an extra season, keeping him at the club until at least the end of 2023.
The prop has played 79 first-grade games since making his NRL debut in the 2017 season.
Lawrie made 26 tackle breaks last season, as his side finished 11th in an inconsistent campaign.
He joins a string of recent contract extensions made by the Dragons, including the likes of Max Feagai, Mat Feagai, Jayden Sullivan, and Tyrell Sloan.
The announcement also follows recent speculation surrounding the future of Lawrie and teammate Jack Bird at the Dragons.
First reported by News Corp's Phil Rothfield, both players had their contract talks break down, with Bird still in the mix to join the Dolphins for their inaugural season in 2023.
Lawrie's short-term future has been decided at least, with the 25-year-old to stay with the Red V for two more seasons.
"I'm very pleased to remain a Dragon," Lawrie said in the club's official announcement.
"The club has played a big part in my life and I'm looking forward to what lies ahead.
"Securing my future before the season started was a big factor for me.
"My focus remains on the year ahead and helping the club return to where it belongs high up on ladder."
"We've got a good group coming through, it's going to be exciting for us." - Blake Lawrie 🐉 #redv pic.twitter.com/lj5Id2oDlg
— St George Illawarra Dragons (@NRL_Dragons) October 11, 2021
Dragons general manager of football Ben Haran also added that Lawrie is an important part of the team.
"Blake has proven himself as a consistent NRL player and is an important and well-respected member of our squad," Haran said.
"A local junior re-signing is always an important occasion for our club and we are very pleased to see Blake do this, off the back of another positive pre-season."
