St George Illawarra Dragons fill centre void with Samoan international Shontell Stowers

The Dragons suffered the high profile loss of Jillaroos centre pairing Isabelle Kelly and Jess Sergis to the Roosters, while fellow International Tiana Penitani has linked with Parramatta.

Coach Mat Head said the experienced Stowers is a vital cog in his roster.

"Shontelle was always a player we wanted to go after," Head said.

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"She's an experienced and intelligent footballer as well as a real defence-oriented player, which I thought was something we have previously lacked.

"You talk about your marquee players and the culture they need to set - I see Shonny playing just as important a role in that group.

"She knows what it takes to win and will be a super addition to our team."

The club's also added multi-skilled utility back Madison Bartlett who promises to be a surprise packet.

"Madison was an interesting one as she reached out to me regarding whether there was an opportunity at the club," Head said.

"Shontelle actually spoke really highly of her and gave her a huge rap. To have a player of Madison's quality and versatility come into our squad is exciting."

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The Dragons have additionally confirmed that playmaker Renee Targett and lock Tegan Dymock will join the Red V for the upcoming campaign.

Targett was 18th woman for the New South Wales Origin team earlier this year while Dymock joined the likes of Jaime Chapman, Teagan Berry, Chantel Tugaga and Keele Browne in the Blues' under 19s squad.

"Renee received a lot of praise as part of the State of Origin squad," Head said.

"I received calls throughout their camp from our senior Dragons saying this is the kind of player we need at our club as a great person and a great teammate."

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