Rugby Sevens Star Forward Ready for NRL move to Dragons

Australian Rugby Sevens standout Nathan Lawson has opened up about his transition to rugby league as he gears up to join the St. George Illawarra Dragons this December. Recently crowned the Australian Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, Lawson’s move marks the beginning of a new chapter after signing a two-year deal for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Though the Dragons are yet to officially confirm his signing, reports suggest he will be listed as part of their development squad.

The timing of Lawson’s arrival coincides with significant changes in the Dragons’ backline under coach Shane Flanagan, who has brought in Clint Gutherson as fullback and Valentine Holmes to strengthen the center positions. With this reshuffle, Lawson will face stiff competition for a wing spot against players like Tyrell Sloan, Christian Tuipulotu, Mat Feagai, and Sione Finau.

Speaking about his preparations, Lawson shared his enthusiasm and strategy for easing into rugby league. “I’ve been watching all their training footage and Hudl clips to prepare myself mentally. Physically, I think Sevens has equipped me well, but it’s about working hard to earn my spot,” he told Code Sports. The idea of playing alongside stars like Holmes and Gutherson excites Lawson, who believes their presence on the field could simplify his game.

Lawson brings a wealth of experience from his time with the Australian Sevens team, where he evolved from a forward in rugby union to a power-packed runner. He has competed in prestigious tournaments, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, 2022 Rugby Sevens World Cup, and 2024 Paris Olympics. Inspired by players like Will Warbrick and Moses Leo, who successfully transitioned from Sevens to rugby league, Lawson is optimistic about his NRL prospects.

Reflecting on his decision to switch codes, Lawson admitted it was a deliberate move to embrace a new challenge. “After the Paris Olympics, I felt I had achieved all I wanted in Sevens except winning gold. The next Olympic cycle felt too far off, and the appeal of the NRL, a sport so beloved in Australia, was hard to ignore,” he explained. Lawson also noted rugby league’s broader popularity and how it resonated more with fans and his peers compared to rugby union.

As Lawson prepares for this new venture, his journey symbolizes another promising talent transitioning to rugby league, further highlighting the challenges faced by Rugby Australia in retaining elite players.