Rabbitohs prop Hame Sele will return to his former club in 2024, inking a three-year deal with the Dragons.
In the first major coup for Shane Flanagan since being appointed as head coach, the 26-year-old will return to the Red V after first departing the joint-venture five years ago.
The Kingsgrove Colts junior was let go by St George Illawarra at the end of 2018, and after finding his feet as a consistent first grader at the Bunnies, will rejoin the side on a long-term arrangement.
Sele will join the likes of Blake Lawrie and Francis Molo in the front-row rotation, with Flanagan expected to make further signings in the forward pack. prior to next season.
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Hame Sele signs with St George Illawarra Dragons
In a statement released on Thursday night, Dragons General Manager of Football Ben Haran confirmed Sele's return to the Red V in 2024.
"We’re excited to bring a local St George junior back to the club, particularly one who is now an established and consistent starting NRL forward," he said.
"Hame’s qualities as a player and a person will make him a welcome addition to our roster as we move forward as a club."
South Sydney also released a statement confirming Sele's departure after a four-year stint.
"Hame has done a great job for us over the past three-and-a-half years and he will be a quality player for his next club next season," Rabbitohs Head of Football, Mark Ellison, said.
"In saying that, he still has a big and important role to play for us for the remainder of this season and we look forward to his performances in the red and green for the rest of this year.
"We wish him, Maria, Valentina, Maia and Ximena all the best into the future.
"Hame will always be a Rabbitoh."
Hame Sele 2023 NRL stats
| Games | 15 |
| Avg. Run Metres | 113m |
| Avg. Tackles | 21 |
| Tackle Efficiency | 90% |
St George Illawarra Dragons off-contract list
| 2023 | Billy Burns, Moses Mbye, Nick Tui-Loso, Tautau Moga, Tyrell Fuimaono |
| 2024 | Alec Tuitavake, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Cody Ramsey, Francis Molo, Jack de Belin, Jack Bird, Jaiyden Hunt, Jaydn Su'A, Mat Feagai, Max Feagai, Michael Molo, Moses Suli, Paul Turner, Talatau Amone, Tyrell Sloan, Zane Musgrove |
| 2025 | Ben Hunt, Jacob Liddle, Jayden Sullivan, Viliami Fifita |
| 2026 | Blake Lawrie, Mikaele Ravalawa, Zac Lomax, Hame Sele |
*Sele will join the club next season on a three-year deal
