Impressive athletic data underlines why Saab's in demand

Data obtained by Telstra Tracker shows just why the Dragons have been hesitant to let teenage winger Jason Saab leave the club.

In round 10, Saab recorded the top maximum speed (34.8km/h) and produced the most high-speed efforts (39 bursts of 20km/h or more) in an impressive display of pace and endurance.

Saturday's win over the Bulldogs was Saab's sixth NRL match.

St George Illawarra confirmed in June that Saab, who is reportedly struggling with travelling to Wollongong from Western Sydney, had been denied a contract release.

Dragons coach Paul McGregor at the time said he was surprised that Saab wanted out of the club despite being signed until 2022.

"He has a great future in the game and we want it to be at this club," McGregor said.

In Round 10, the 19-year-old beat Storm flyer Josh Addo-Carr (37.4km/h), Eels veteran Michael Jennings (34.2), Titans rookie Treymain Spry (34) and Dragons teammate Zac Lomax (34) in the speed stakes.

And he had more high-speed efforts than Sharks fullback Will Kennedy (35), Storm No.1 Ryan Papenhuyzen (34), Bulldogs centre Kerrod Holland (33) and Rabbitohs speedster Alex Johnston (32).

Saab also topped the high-speed efforts chart in his previous NRL appearances this year in rounds seven (42) and eight (37).

Meanwhile, Eels playmaker Jai Field and Knights general Mitchell Pearce covered the equal-most distance last round with 9.7km.

Sharks halfback Chad Townsend (9.6km), Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown (9.5km) and Kennedy (9.4km) rounded out the top five.