Sullivan is regarded as one of the best young halves in the NRL and attracted interest from the Bulldogs last year. However, recurrent injuries have hampered his progression. The club is hopeful he will be fit for the Charity Shield against South Sydney.

The Dragons want to add some back-up options. Moses Mbye and Jack Bird have both played in the halves throughout their careers and appear to be the frontrunners to play in the No.6 jersey if Sullivan is unavailable.

It’s an all too familiar conundrum for the Dragons. It’s the second time since the no-fault stand down policy was introduced back in 2019 that the Dragons have found themselves without a key player leading into a new season.

Amone has been stood down after an alleged hammer attack in the Wollongong suburb of Warrawong over the off-season. He was charged with causing reckless grievous bodily harm in company, damaging property and stalking in November.

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The charge carries a maximum 14-year jail term, which sits above the 11-year threshold the NRL uses to determine whether a player is automatically stood down pending the court case or whether they use discretionary powers to allow them to continue playing while the matter is resolved.

Amone will appear in court on March 1, the day before the start of the NRL season launch between the Parramatta Eels and Melbourne Storm at CommBank Stadium. He is still allowed to train with the team and receive his full salary, however he won’t be able to play.

The Dragons start their campaign with a bye in the opening round before taking on the Gold Coast Titans at Kogarah in round two.

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