Mat Rogers reveals Dragons’ young talent ‘absolutely stunned’ by club’s response following unexpected request.

Rugby league agent Mat Rogers has delivered a candid critique of the Dragons’ current situation, highlighting the reasons behind Loko Pasifiki Tonga’s request to engage with rival teams.

The 20-year-old is part of the Rogers Sports Management group, although he is not a direct client of the former star player.

Pasifiki Tonga has yet to make his debut in the top grade this season, having played 10 matches for the Dragons last year.

According to Rogers, the club seems to believe that he is “not up to the mark”.

“He’s an outstanding young individual,” Rogers remarked on SEN.

“Last year, he played 10 games for the Dragons. Following a substantial off-season, he returned to the NSW Cup last week, making impressive runs of 250 metres, with 70 post-contact metres, and scoring a try.

“Clearly, they have a perception that he is not up to their standard. He feels he isn’t being developed, and I suppose we share that view.”

Catch the 2026 NRL season live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Pasifiki Tonga now joins Jaydn Su’A as the second player this week seeking an exit, with Su’A opting not to trigger a player option for the upcoming season.

Rogers stated that the young talent feels “completely bewildered” by his treatment and feels “uncoached”.

“He’s unsure of how to proceed. That’s the major issue,” he noted.

“Whether they will allow him to move on is uncertain; they may choose to remain obstinate, as they have more pressing matters concerning winning football matches.

“This young man is extremely frustrated; he is putting forth tremendous effort and has scored two tries in the three matches he has played (in NSW Cup).

“He believes he deserves a chance, and it’s not about bitterness; he simply feels lost regarding what he should be doing.”

Rogers further indicated that the forward will attract attention from other clubs if he is granted a release.

The Dragons are currently sitting second in the NSW Cup, level on points with the top-placed Knights and holding a game in hand.