Arncliffe Scots junior Nick Tsougranis becomes St. George Illawarra Dragon #289

A lifelong dream comes true this Thursday, June 12, 2025, as local junior Nick Tsougranis from the Arncliffe Scots makes his NRL debut for the St. George Illawarra Dragons. He’ll run out against the Cronulla Sharks in a highly anticipated local derby at Sharks Stadium.

Tsougranis, who began playing rugby league at just four years old, has long dreamt of representing the iconic Red V. “It’s something he has always wanted to do,” shared his father, Michael.

Tsougranis progressed through the junior representative system at St. George playing two seasons of Harold Matthews Cup and two seasons of SG Ball.

He made his Jersey Flegg debut for St. George Illawarra in 2022 and his NSW Cup debut in 2023 – the same year he earnt an Under 19s State of Origin nod for the Blues.

In 11 NSW Cup appearances this year, Tsougranis has tallied five tries, six try assists, 11 line breaks, 38 tackle breaks and 111 average run metres.

In the Round 15 clash, Tsougranis, who will become Dragon #289, will play alongside fellow St. George local juniors Luciano Leilua (Hurstville United) and Hame Sele (Kingsgrove Colts).