Ronald Volkman’s time with St George Illawarra is over before it ever really started with a routine medical examination revealing the playmaker requires surgery on his shoulder which will sideline him long-term.

Volkman was granted a release from the New Zealand Warriors last week in order to move to the Dragons. However, despite agreeing to the deal, the club was yet to register the contract with the NRL and have now severed ties with the 21-year-old.

Dragons part ways with Ronald Volkman after injury news

“Regrettably, the anticipated signing of Ronald Volkman will not proceed as planned due to the outcome of comprehensive medical testing, revealing the necessity for major shoulder surgery,” the club noted in a statement.

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“Pre-arrival medical assessments identified no significant injuries. However, upon presenting to the club, subsequent testing uncovered substantial issues arising from Volkman’s prior shoulder reconstruction, mandating another operation.”

Volkman featured just three times for Andrew Webster last season, with his pathway blocked by Shaun Johnson, Luke Metcalf and Te Maire Martin in the halves.

Instead, he starred for the Warriors during their return to the New South Wales Cup competition last season, scoring eight tries and providing 27 assists in 22 appearances.

The Dragons promptly moved to sign the former Sydney Roosters player, with their halves stocks in dire straits following Junior Amone’s legal issues and Jayden Sullivan’s exit to the Wests Tigers.

Ben Hunt will lead the side around the park after being persuaded to stay by incoming coach Shane Flanagan.

The Queensland and Australia representative is set to be partnered in the halves by the coach’s son, Kyle, who moved on from Canterbury after three difficult seasons at Belmore.

Volkman, who has made five NRL appearances since debuting in 2022, was signed to provide some much-needed depth in the playmaking position but is now without a deal this season.

“It’s disappointing for everyone concerned; Ronald’s enthusiasm matched our excitement to welcome him to the Dragons,” the club’s CEO Ryan Webb said on the day where it was also confirmed Corey Allan had suffered an ACL injury.