NRL NRL 2025 General Recruitment Thread
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Fuck, thats got to hurt!
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- #1,823
Melbourne Storm on verge of finalising long-term contract extension for Jahrome Hughes
With expansion teams sniffing around, Melbourne are closing in on finalising a long-term extension to keep one of their star spine players at the club, a move which could have an impact on two of their other playmakers.
Melbourne are on the verge of finalising a long-term contract extension for Jahrome Hughes – a multimillion-dollar move that could have ramifications for the futures of Jonah Pezet and Cameron Munster.
The Storm have been locked in talks with Hughes for some time and it is understood they are close to signing off on a deal that will keep the Dally M Medal winner in Melbourne for at least three more seasons.
Hughes was already under contract for next season but the new deal will ensure he doesn’t go to market on November 1 and keeps him out of the clutches of the expansion teams – Perth and PNG.
Hughes is the first piece of the Storm puzzle to fall into place. The club has also prioritised the futures of Harry Grant, Xavier Coates and Ryan Papenhuyzen as they look to keep the Perth Bears at bay when the expansion team is free to hit the player market on November 1.
Grant is believed to be the most advanced and the expectation is that he will follow Hughes’ lead and commit his future to the club in coming weeks.
Hughes’ decision to stay in Melbourne, however, could have repercussions for Pezet and Munster.
Pezet, who has patiently honed his craft and waited for his chance in Melbourne, has an agreement in place that effectively makes him a free agent once Hughes agrees to a contract extension.
The young half, who is set to get an opportunity in coming weeks as Hughes rehabilitates from a shoulder problem, would be in high demand on the open market but it is understood his preference is to remain in Melbourne.
The wildcard is Munster, who is under contract for a further two seasons but is believed to be at the top of the wishlist of Perth coach Mal Meninga. As it stands, Meninga and the Bears are unable to speak to Munster because he is under contract for a further two seasons
However, there has been speculation that the Bears could approach the Storm to ask for permission to negotiate with Munster as they eye off a big scalp for their inaugural season.
The Bears have the advantage of having a blank canvas when it comes to their playing squad and salary cap. They would be expected to throw at least $1.5 million – and potentially more – at Munster in a bid to convince him to pack up his family and move to Perth.
The Storm couldn’t compete with that sort of money even with the salary cap expected to increase significantly when the new broadcast deal comes into effect in 2028.
Munster is on a deal worth more than $1 million in Melbourne but Perth would likely make him the highest paid player in the game.
The Storm would no doubt one reluctant to let Munster leave but they may be forced to make a choice between the Queensland No.6 and Pezet as the long-term halves partner for Hughes.
Pezet is vying with Tyran Wishart to wear the No.7 jersey while Hughes overcomes a dislocated shoulder that has sidelined him in the lead-up to the finals
With expansion teams sniffing around, Melbourne are closing in on finalising a long-term extension to keep one of their star spine players at the club, a move which could have an impact on two of their other playmakers.
Melbourne are on the verge of finalising a long-term contract extension for Jahrome Hughes – a multimillion-dollar move that could have ramifications for the futures of Jonah Pezet and Cameron Munster.
The Storm have been locked in talks with Hughes for some time and it is understood they are close to signing off on a deal that will keep the Dally M Medal winner in Melbourne for at least three more seasons.
Hughes was already under contract for next season but the new deal will ensure he doesn’t go to market on November 1 and keeps him out of the clutches of the expansion teams – Perth and PNG.
Hughes is the first piece of the Storm puzzle to fall into place. The club has also prioritised the futures of Harry Grant, Xavier Coates and Ryan Papenhuyzen as they look to keep the Perth Bears at bay when the expansion team is free to hit the player market on November 1.
Grant is believed to be the most advanced and the expectation is that he will follow Hughes’ lead and commit his future to the club in coming weeks.
Hughes’ decision to stay in Melbourne, however, could have repercussions for Pezet and Munster.
Pezet, who has patiently honed his craft and waited for his chance in Melbourne, has an agreement in place that effectively makes him a free agent once Hughes agrees to a contract extension.
The young half, who is set to get an opportunity in coming weeks as Hughes rehabilitates from a shoulder problem, would be in high demand on the open market but it is understood his preference is to remain in Melbourne.
The wildcard is Munster, who is under contract for a further two seasons but is believed to be at the top of the wishlist of Perth coach Mal Meninga. As it stands, Meninga and the Bears are unable to speak to Munster because he is under contract for a further two seasons
However, there has been speculation that the Bears could approach the Storm to ask for permission to negotiate with Munster as they eye off a big scalp for their inaugural season.
The Bears have the advantage of having a blank canvas when it comes to their playing squad and salary cap. They would be expected to throw at least $1.5 million – and potentially more – at Munster in a bid to convince him to pack up his family and move to Perth.
The Storm couldn’t compete with that sort of money even with the salary cap expected to increase significantly when the new broadcast deal comes into effect in 2028.
Munster is on a deal worth more than $1 million in Melbourne but Perth would likely make him the highest paid player in the game.
The Storm would no doubt one reluctant to let Munster leave but they may be forced to make a choice between the Queensland No.6 and Pezet as the long-term halves partner for Hughes.
Pezet is vying with Tyran Wishart to wear the No.7 jersey while Hughes overcomes a dislocated shoulder that has sidelined him in the lead-up to the finals
NZWarriors.com
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- #1,824
Jahrome Hughes’ $1.5m snub as Storm star inks mega deal... and it could force teammate out
Hughes’ $1.5m snub as Storm star inks mega deal... and it could force teammate out
www.foxsports.com.au
Hughes extends until 2030. Didn’t see that length of contract coming
Jahrome Hughes’ $1.5m snub as Storm star inks mega deal... and it could force teammate out
Hughes’ $1.5m snub as Storm star inks mega deal... and it could force teammate out
Hughes extends until 2030. Didn’t see that length of contract coming
It certainly seems that halves are playing much longer these days - how many of the top halves of the last few years - Munster, Hughes, Reynolds, DCE, SJ, Hunt, Walker are/have played well into their 30's?
Metcalf could be another one. He's been so broken that physically, outside of his injuries he must be super fresh
NZWarriors.com
Sounds like Connor Tracy Bulldogs fullback might be gone for season 
- Thread starter
- #1,828
Canberra have granted young duo Trey Mooney and Chevy Stewart permission to talk with rival clubs immediately.
It is understood the high-flying Raiders met with the agent of Mooney and Stewart on Monday where the pair were told they were free to leave the club at the end of the season.
A host of clubs including Newcastle and St George Illawarra have expressed an interest in Mooney with the 23-year-old potentially on the move after Josh Papalii’s decision to reject a move to the Super League.
Mooney, contracted until the end of 2027, may be allowed to leave in order to keep Papali’i at the club for another 12 months.
Canberra have indicated to Mooney and Stewart that they aren’t desperate to move them on and would happily have them at the club beyond this season.
However, the players will now test the market to see what is available before holding further talks with the Raiders.
Stewart was highly-sought after as a rising star with the Raiders beating out a host of clubs to land the Cronulla junior. He has played just three games – all last season – with the 20-year-old off-contract at the end of next year.
The Raiders are interested in off-contract St George Illawarra winger Sione Finau despite Canberra becoming frustrated when news of their meeting last week surfaced publicly.
If they don’t pursue the injured Finau, the Raiders may explore a player swap with the Dragons for out-of-favour Tyrell Sloan. Sloan has also been granted permission to talk with rival clubs.
Canberra may look to swap Mooney or Stewart for Sloan if talks eventuate. Stewart has become stuck behind Kaeo Weekes who recently inked a mega extension to keep him at the club until at least the end of 2029
It is understood the high-flying Raiders met with the agent of Mooney and Stewart on Monday where the pair were told they were free to leave the club at the end of the season.
A host of clubs including Newcastle and St George Illawarra have expressed an interest in Mooney with the 23-year-old potentially on the move after Josh Papalii’s decision to reject a move to the Super League.
Mooney, contracted until the end of 2027, may be allowed to leave in order to keep Papali’i at the club for another 12 months.
Canberra have indicated to Mooney and Stewart that they aren’t desperate to move them on and would happily have them at the club beyond this season.
However, the players will now test the market to see what is available before holding further talks with the Raiders.
Stewart was highly-sought after as a rising star with the Raiders beating out a host of clubs to land the Cronulla junior. He has played just three games – all last season – with the 20-year-old off-contract at the end of next year.
The Raiders are interested in off-contract St George Illawarra winger Sione Finau despite Canberra becoming frustrated when news of their meeting last week surfaced publicly.
If they don’t pursue the injured Finau, the Raiders may explore a player swap with the Dragons for out-of-favour Tyrell Sloan. Sloan has also been granted permission to talk with rival clubs.
Canberra may look to swap Mooney or Stewart for Sloan if talks eventuate. Stewart has become stuck behind Kaeo Weekes who recently inked a mega extension to keep him at the club until at least the end of 2029
NZWarriors.com
Unfortunately I don't think he (or anyone) are going to come over to replace one of our replacements. I'd have him on the bench over T.S.S, and see him as a good replacement for Niukore (bench, prop, edge) once he moves on after 2026
Thank fuck.
I mean ive always liked Gayguy but our outside backs are dads army enough.
NZWarriors.com
Jahrome Hughes’ $1.5m snub as Storm star inks mega deal... and it could force teammate out
Hughes’ $1.5m snub as Storm star inks mega deal... and it could force teammate out
Hughes extends until 2030. Didn’t see that length of contract coming
That’s a crazy deal, his body is clearly breaking down since last year
I like our young halves strategy, if they can stay on the field lol
- Thread starter
- #1,835
Cronulla prop Braden Hamlin-Uele has been given permission to talk with rival clubs with the Sharks considering revamping their roster as they look to balance their playing squad.
Hamlin-Uele might not be alone with Cronulla also open to Siosifa Talakai potentially moving on at the end of this season.
Talakai and Hamlin-Uele have 12 months left on their deals but the Sharks are unlikely to offer either a deal beyond next season.
It has left Hamlin-Uele potentially on the move despite just re-signing with the Sharks last year. Hamlin-Uele has come across the radar of several clubs with the prospect of moving on as soon as the end of this year.
The 30-year-old has been a mainstay since his first full season at the club in 2019. Before that he had played one first grade game at the Cowboys in 2017 and one for Cronulla the following year.
He has also played one Test each for Samoa and the Kiwis.
The Sharks fought hard to keep Hamlin-Uele on a two-year deal after rejecting a long-term and richer deal to link up with the Warriors.
He is on a deal worth about $550,000 a season.
The Sharks are in the process of trying to re-sign in-form hooker Blayke Brailey. They also have Will Kennedy and Sam Stonestreet with deals expiring at the end of this season.
The Sharks are open to keeping the pair but remain tight on their salary cap. Kade Dykes is Canterbury bound while regular fill-in back Mawene Hiroti is also off-contract.
Cronulla have already lost Daniel Atkinson (Dragons) and are yet to sign any new players for next year.
Hamlin-Uele might not be alone with Cronulla also open to Siosifa Talakai potentially moving on at the end of this season.
Talakai and Hamlin-Uele have 12 months left on their deals but the Sharks are unlikely to offer either a deal beyond next season.
It has left Hamlin-Uele potentially on the move despite just re-signing with the Sharks last year. Hamlin-Uele has come across the radar of several clubs with the prospect of moving on as soon as the end of this year.
The 30-year-old has been a mainstay since his first full season at the club in 2019. Before that he had played one first grade game at the Cowboys in 2017 and one for Cronulla the following year.
He has also played one Test each for Samoa and the Kiwis.
The Sharks fought hard to keep Hamlin-Uele on a two-year deal after rejecting a long-term and richer deal to link up with the Warriors.
He is on a deal worth about $550,000 a season.
The Sharks are in the process of trying to re-sign in-form hooker Blayke Brailey. They also have Will Kennedy and Sam Stonestreet with deals expiring at the end of this season.
The Sharks are open to keeping the pair but remain tight on their salary cap. Kade Dykes is Canterbury bound while regular fill-in back Mawene Hiroti is also off-contract.
Cronulla have already lost Daniel Atkinson (Dragons) and are yet to sign any new players for next year.
NZWarriors.com
Man I would be pretty upset if we took another stab at this guy.
Biggest powderpuff out there
He looks quality. Interested as to how they fit all these outside backs in though?
NZWarriors.com
- Thread starter
- #1,839
Once he sorts his 60 something % tackle efficiency, he’ll be a gun. Dragons have let a few good wingers slip in Bostock, Tamale and now potentially Finau
You can the plan at the club signing young Aussie halves as next cabs off the rank with some local boys below them. They are just so expensive to sign when they are established.
