Tom Eisenhuth, the experienced forward currently playing for St George Illawarra Dragons in the NRL, has rejected offers from several Super League clubs in the UK in order to continue his career in Australia. At 32 years old, Eisenhuth had drawn significant interest from multiple Super League teams looking to bolster their forward ranks for the 2025 season, particularly due to the wealth of NRL experience he brings to the table. However, despite these offers and the opportunity to play abroad, he has chosen to stay with the Dragons, signing a one-year contract extension that will see him remain with the club through the 2025 season. This decision signals his desire to possibly finish his career in the NRL rather than make the switch to the Super League.
Eisenhuth’s NRL journey has been one of resilience and determination. He made his NRL debut for the Penrith Panthers back in 2012, but after only one appearance, he found himself playing primarily in the New South Wales Cup over the next few seasons. During these years, he remained a key player in the Panthers’ lower-tier side but struggled to break into the NRL on a regular basis. However, in 2018, he found a new opportunity when he joined the Melbourne Storm, one of the most successful and professionally run clubs in the NRL.
After signing with the Storm midway through the 2018 campaign, Eisenhuth had to wait a little longer to make his debut for the team. It wasn’t until Round 1 of the 2019 season, over 2,000 days since his initial NRL appearance, that he finally stepped onto the field for Melbourne. Despite the long wait, Eisenhuth made the most of his second opportunity in the NRL, going on to become a dependable player for the Storm. Over the course of his time with the club, he featured in more than 50 games, playing an important role in Melbourne’s formidable forward pack.
At the start of the 2023 season, Eisenhuth made the move to the St George Illawarra Dragons, signing a one-year contract with the club. He quickly established himself as a key member of the Dragons’ squad, featuring in every game throughout the season. His consistent performances caught the attention of clubs in the Super League, but the Dragons acted swiftly to retain his services, offering him another one-year deal for the 2025 season. This move ensures that the veteran forward will remain with the Dragons for at least one more year, potentially marking the final chapter of his career in the NRL.
The decision to stay in Australia and continue with the Dragons reflects Eisenhuth’s commitment to the club and his desire to finish his career on home soil. Super League clubs, including St Helens and Leigh Leopards, were reportedly eager to sign him, especially as both teams are in the market for experienced forwards ahead of the 2025 season. St Helens, in particular, are preparing for the potential departure of Sione Mata’utia, who is expected to return to Australia, leaving a significant gap in their forward pack. Meanwhile, Leigh Leopards are also losing key forwards like Tom Amone, John Asiata, and Kai O’Donnell at the end of the current season, making Eisenhuth an attractive option to replace them.
Despite the allure of a new challenge in the UK, Eisenhuth has decided to remain loyal to the Dragons and the NRL. His decision to stay reflects his desire to play out his career in the competition that has defined his professional life. With over a decade of experience, Eisenhuth will continue to be a valuable asset to the Dragons in 2025, contributing his expertise and leadership to the squad as they look to improve their standings in the league. For the Super League clubs that had been pursuing him, they will now need to look elsewhere to find the forward reinforcements they need.
