‘Very clear’: Crucial change that stopped Dragons gun walking out
A conversation with newly appointed coach Dean Young was all Loko Pasifiki Tonga needed to have a change of heart and secure his future at the Dragons.
The 21-year-old put pen to paper on a three-year extension to remain at the Red V on Wednesday, doing so just four months after he submitted a request to be released.
Pasifiki Tonga has come through the Dragons pathways nna\alyssa.bone
In April, Pasifiki Tonga wanted out of the club due to being left out of the first-grade squad for six consecutive rounds by coach Shane Flanagan.
The Dragons denied Pasifiki Tonga’s request; however, that same week, the club also parted ways with Flanagan and appointed Young as interim head coach.
Pasifiki Tonga was immediately recalled into first-grade and has remained in the top-flight ever since, earning regular starts and big minutes.
It is for that reason, along with the clear messages directed to Pasifiki Tonga from Young, that he opted to sign an extension, according to his manager Craig Clifton.
“When Dean took over as the first-grade coach, he gave Loko some very clear messages about what he wants from him at the club,” Clifton told nine.com.au.
“And from all accounts, he (Pasifiki Tonga) has given Dean exactly what he was after on the field.
“Loko responded to what Dean said ... he got the opportunity to come back and prove himself. Now he’s starting front row at the club.”
Clifton confirmed that as long as Young is in charge of the Dragons, Loko will be “very happy to be there”.
“For Loko, (the decision to re-sign) was about who was coaching the club,” he said.
“Dean is getting the best out of Loko as a front-rower. Loko trusted that Dean would bring the players in to that great forward pack so that the club can improve.
“His goal is to work hard and keep that starting position. He will do his job.
“He loves the club, he wants to be there and he wants the club to be successful. He is very happy to be part of the Dragons’ rejuvenation that seems to be occurring down there for 2027 and beyond.”
Clifton admitted he is proud to see how far Pasifiki Tonga has come since first requesting for a release, especially in handling that situation at just 21.
Dean Young is the Dragons new head coach. Getty Images
“He’s a great young man. He’s got a lot to learn still, but he will certainly become a much better front rower under Dean Young’s tutelage. I’m very confident of that,” he ended.
Pasifiki Tonga has featured in 24 games since making his debut in round 10 against the Warriors last season. He has scored one try this season.
The young prop has been named to don the No.8 for the Dragons when the club hosts the Cronulla Sharks at Kogarah Oval on Sunday afternoon.
