THE Dragons have released Calvin Wellington as the back attempts to secure a return to the Super League.

The 23-year-old from Port Talbot signed for the Rodney Parade region from St Helens in November, 2017 with then boss Bernard Jackman excited about the potential of the “freak athlete”.

However, the centre/wing was hindered by injuries and made just two senior appearances for the Dragons, both in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

Wellington went on trial with Salford Red Devils at the start of the year, featuring in the Super League club's pre-season encounter with Wigan Warriors.

He has also played 15-a-side rugby with Sale FC in England's National League One and his time in Gwent has been brought to an early end.

Wellington was spotted by the Saints playing union for Aberavon Quins in 2015 and was considered a bright prospect despite only making one solitary Super League appearance, at Newcastle’s St James’ Park against Huddersfield in the Magic Weekend in 2016.

On signing the speedster, Jackman said: “We will put some size on him but he is a freak of an athlete – the strength and conditioning coaches are excited by him.

"It’s rare to get someone who is that powerful and elastic with great footwork."

However, the return south did not work out for either the player or the Dragons.