St George Illawarra have found a potential marquee halfback in youngster Kade Reed – the problem could be keeping him.
The 19-year-old local junior was the talk of the opening weekend of footy after totally dominating the Knights in a rare taste of the top grade on Saturday night.
Reed scored a solo try, had a hand in two others and produced a remarkable try saving tackle on runaway Knights halfback Sandon Smith.
The classy young playmaker signed an extension until the end of 2028 recently, happy to bide his time in the lower grades.
But all that changed on Saturday night when the slightly-built youngster showed he is ready for big time football – now.
With off-season recruit Daniel Atkinson and Kyle Flanagan set to hold down the main playmaking spots at the Dragons for the foreseeable future and Lyhkan King-Togia waiting in the wings, Reed’s path to the top grade is blocked at the Red V.
And there is certain to be interest in his services from rival clubs following his slashing performance against the Knights.
Head coach Shane Flanagan is a Reed fan, declaring when the rookie re-signed: “He’s a local junior and had a really good year across multiple grades this past season.
“He possesses all the qualities you want in a halfback; he’s fit, fast, kicks well and is a great competitor. We’re excited to see his continued development.”
But the danger for the Dragons is that Reed may suddenly decide he doesn’t want to wait two or three years for a chance in the NRL on a regular basis.
With several clubs desperate for a quality halfback, watch this space.
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