Dragons may EXTEND playing contract of young gun Cody Ramsey, who fears he will never again play in the NRL

St. George Illawarra is likely to extend the first-grade contract of Cody Ramsey, despite fears the fullback will never again play in the NRL.

Ramsey, 23, has featured in 36 games for the Dragons across three seasons but has been sidelined since September last year.

The young gun was diagnosed with a debilitating bowel condition during the pre-season. He then underwent multiple surgeries and did not play a game this season.

Blessed with electric speed, Ramsey looked to have nailed down the No.1 jersey for the Red V, only to watch as replacement Tyrell Sloan showed glimpses of his class.

Ramsey continues to receive treatment for his illness and there is no guarantee he will ever be passed medically fit to play at NRL level, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

But in a show of good faith, the Dragons are now in discussions with the NRL about extending Ramsey’s stay at the joint venture club until the end of 2025.

It is understood the Dragons want to pay Ramsey his full 2024 salary, but split it over two years.

They also plan to remove him from their top-30 roster so they can fill his spot with another NRL star.

In short, this move – if ratified by the NRL – will see Ramsey paid a wage each month, despite never featuring on the team sheet.

Meanwhile, the Dragons won’t feature in Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium next May, as one team has the bye.

Earlier this year, it was Adam O’Brien’s Newcastle Knights.

Incoming coach Shane Flanagan conceded he was ‘disappointed for the club’s fans’ following the development, but will move on and ‘focus on what’s next.’

The NRL is expected to release the full 2024 draw on November 20.

They also plan to remove him from their top-30 roster so they can fill his spot with another NRL star.

In short, this move – if ratified by the NRL – will see Ramsey paid a wage each month, despite never featuring on the team sheet.

Meanwhile, the Dragons won’t feature in Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium next May, as one team has the bye.

Earlier this year, it was Adam O’Brien’s Newcastle Knights.

Incoming coach Shane Flanagan conceded he was ‘disappointed for the club’s fans’ following the development, but will move on and ‘focus on what’s next.’

The NRL is expected to release the full 2024 draw on November 20.

Ramsey (pictured, middle) has played 36 games for the Dragons across three seasons, but has been sidelined since September of last year after he was diagnosed with a debilitating bowel condition