Raider Weyman Signs As Dragon

Illawarra Mercury

Friday May 9, 2008

By TIM BARROW

SUSPENDED prop Michael Weyman yesterday signed a two-year deal with St George Illawarra.

As revealed in Saturday's Illawarra Mercury, the Canberra Raiders front-rower will move to the Dragons next year on a deal worth $200,000 a season.

The 23-year-old is suspended until round 13 after receiving a six-week ban for a violent incident where he punched Gold Coast player Daniel Conn.

Weyman is the club's second significant signing since securing Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett, who will take over at the Dragons next season.

St George Illawarra chief executive Peter Doust officially announced Weyman's signing yesterday, declaring the prop had a promising future at the Dragons.

"Michael has shown plenty of promise in his short career in the NRL," he said.

"Although he has had some injury concerns in the past, we believe he will be able to produce his best football here at the Dragons."

Weyman's deal comes after the Dragons re-signed winger Jason Nightingale to a new three-year contract.

Star centre Matt Cooper set to sign a new deal in the coming days, meaning he will play out the rest of his NRL career with the Dragons.

The Dragons are also poised to make a major play for former five-eighth and captain Trent Barrett, who is set to gain a release from English Super League club Wigan.

Barrett is the Dragons' preferred option ahead of unwanted Sharks halfback Brett Kimmorley as a playmaker signing for next season.

However, Barrett is also expected to attract offers from the Bulldogs, Raiders and Sharks.

While Dragons prop Jason Ryles' future remains uncertain, Brisbane prop Ben Hannant is another player who has been linked to the club.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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