NRL 2023, St George Illawarra Dragons, Tyrell Sloan, senior teammates Mbye and

Dragons young gun Tyrell Sloan has ridden a rollercoaster of lavish praise, lost confidence and fluctuating form during his brief NRL career but teammates are predicting 2023 will be the year the 20-year-old delivers on his limitless potential.

Sloan exploded onto the scene with six tries in five games at the tail end of 2021 and started last year in the No.1 jersey before losing his spot to veteran utility Moses Mbye.

By the time the curtain was drawn on another disappointing season for the Red V, Sloan had tallied just eight games – four at fullback, two on the bench and two on the wing – and his confidence had taken a fair hit.

With the Dragons’ opening trial against St Helens just a month away, Sloan is putting his best foot forward in a bid to reclaim the No.1 jersey he last wore against the Titans in round 10 last year, and Mbye is backing him to make it his own.

“It’s difficult to come in to first grade and be consistent. A lot of guys that come in will fluctuate with their form and understanding of the game,” Mbye said.

“I think Sloany has been going through that himself but he has matured a lot compared to when he came back in last summer.

“He has come in with a really good attitude and he has matured physically as well – he’s a lot bigger and stronger and quicker.