Mat Rogers says Dragons rookie is ‘completely stunned’ by club’s response to surprise request

Rugby league agent Mat Rogers has delivered a critical overview of the situation facing the Dragons, detailing why Loko Pasifiki Tonga has sought to open negotiations with competing clubs.

The 20-year-old player is under the management of Rogers Sports Management, though he is not a direct client of the former rugby league star.

So far this season, Pasifiki Tonga has yet to play in the first grade, having featured in 10 matches last year.

Rogers opines that the club seems to believe he is “not at the required level.”

“He’s an incredible young man,” Rogers shared on SEN.

“He played 10 games for the Dragons last year. Following a demanding off-season, he made a return to the NSW Cup last week, racking up 250 metres, with 70 post-contact metres, and scored a try.”

“Clearly, they have a viewpoint that he is not performing at the required level. He feels he is not receiving the development he needs, and we share that sentiment.”

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Pasifiki Tonga is the second player in a week seeking an exit, joining Jaydn Su’A, who opted against triggering a player option for the following season.

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

“He’s uncertain about his next steps, and that’s a significant issue,” he explained.

“Whether the club will allow him to go remains to be seen; they might be reluctant, particularly given their pressing need to secure wins.”

“There’s a young man who is very frustrated; he’s putting in tremendous effort and has scored two tries in the three matches he’s played in the NSW Cup.”

“He believes he deserves a chance, and this isn’t sour grapes; he simply feels lost without clear direction.”

Rogers further mentioned that if the forward is permitted to move, he will attract attention from other clubs.

The Dragons are currently in second place in the NSW Cup, sharing points with the first-placed Knights while having a game in hand.