MYSTERY surrounds the future of promising young Queensland five-eighth Shaun Nona after Mackay released the 25-year-old to chase an NRL debut with St George Illawarra.

However, the Dragons quickly denied the Cutters’ announcement, with a spokesman saying they were not even talking to Nona.

The Cutters announced on social media that Nona would not get a chance to play with the club as he had an “NRL deal with the St George Illawarra Dragons’’.

Cutters CEO Ross Aldridge remained adamant on Wednesday that was the information given to the club by Nona’s manager, Chris Sheppard, in a meeting on Tuesday night.

Round 19

He told The Courier-Mail they were disappointed to see Nona go but were happy he had landed an NRL agreement.

Coach David Simpson confirmed he was told Nona was heading to the Dragons.

“That’s what our competition is about,” Simpson said. “It’s about not only providing opportunities but also preparing men.

“As a competition we will always be susceptible to the elite format.

Queensland Cup star Shaun Nona has signed with the Dragons. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

“I was always aware that we were there to provide Shaun for an opportunity. Whether that was immediate or further down the track, these things happen.’’

Sheppard did not answer requests for comment on Wednesday.

Nona, who is originally from Tully in north Queensland, only arrived in Mackay last Friday after one season as a part of the Melbourne Storm’s first-grade squad.

He is yet to make his NRL debut but has impressed at representative level, including for the Queensland Residents last year.