Sounds like a very flanno kinda signing- cheese too...
NRL NRL General Recruitment Thread
- Thread starter Boston Boy
- Start date
Was interesting seeing Zac Lomax at the panthers game yesterday, there had been some rumours that he was going to join the panthers for the remainder of the season with Taylan May facing disciplinary action. There’s now a bit of talk that Brad Arthur was apart of his reasoning for going to the eels and is watching who the next coach is going to be with some intentions to get out of the deal if it’s not a coach he wants to play under
Manager is Issac Moses…. It’s what he does!!
Would 100% prefer he stayed with us, not that I think there is any chance of him leaving, certainly not in the next season and a half anyway. I agree he is looking a bit like Glen Fisiiahi mkII with his run of injuries though But he has just had a contract extension, half's are in short supply and he is a handy back up half which we need. If SJ signs for another year I have him as 3rd or 4th choice 7 and 2nd or 3rd choice 6. If SJ doesn't sign then he is more important to have on the books.
Ever Hopeful
Contributor
The hamstrings (twice) are a worry when your key attribute to the side is speed, but a break is just bad luck.
Speed and hamstrings - Saab, JAC, Tommy T and the mighty-Wrighty Starford To'a. They're not coping well in the modern era!
If the warriors made a play for Utoikamanu, would you be happy?
I don't think I would, he's been fucken lazy this season and looks to be kicking stones.
I don't think I would, he's been fucken lazy this season and looks to be kicking stones.
u also have to remember that he played origin last year so there's untouched potential there.
Don't care! That was last year. He's not pulling weight he's throwing it.
Rising fullback David Armstrong is on the verge of a surprise backflip despite agreeing to a new deal with the Newcastle Knights just last week.
It is understood that Armstrong has met with Newcastle officials and told them he wants out of the two-year contract he had just agreed to in a bid to join the English Super League next season. A formal release came on Monday.
Leigh Leopards have weighed in with a richer three-year deal to entice Armstrong to join the club in 2025.
Noted speedsters including Bevan French, Matt Dufty and Jai Field have starred in the Super League in recent years.
Armstrong attracted interest from a host of NRL clubs including the Roosters before prolonged talks eventually led to him agreeing to stay in Newcastle.
But that all changed in recent days with Armstrong now wanting out. While Newcastle are frustrated they are expected to grant Armstrong that release this week.
Armstrong was set to switch to the wing next season in Newcastle as well as continue to be the understudy to superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga.
Armstrong has been a revelation for the Knights in the absence of Ponga. The 23-year-old has scored five tries from as many games including a treble against the Gold Coast in round 11.
He was poor in his most recent game against the Bulldogs and missed the clash against the Storm last week because of injury.
He has been named on an extended bench to face Penrith on Sunday.
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...ws-story/feac1b01bbb93a592d2287f3aef5ba0f?amp
It is understood that Armstrong has met with Newcastle officials and told them he wants out of the two-year contract he had just agreed to in a bid to join the English Super League next season. A formal release came on Monday.
Leigh Leopards have weighed in with a richer three-year deal to entice Armstrong to join the club in 2025.
Noted speedsters including Bevan French, Matt Dufty and Jai Field have starred in the Super League in recent years.
Armstrong attracted interest from a host of NRL clubs including the Roosters before prolonged talks eventually led to him agreeing to stay in Newcastle.
But that all changed in recent days with Armstrong now wanting out. While Newcastle are frustrated they are expected to grant Armstrong that release this week.
Armstrong was set to switch to the wing next season in Newcastle as well as continue to be the understudy to superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga.
Armstrong has been a revelation for the Knights in the absence of Ponga. The 23-year-old has scored five tries from as many games including a treble against the Gold Coast in round 11.
He was poor in his most recent game against the Bulldogs and missed the clash against the Storm last week because of injury.
He has been named on an extended bench to face Penrith on Sunday.
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...ws-story/feac1b01bbb93a592d2287f3aef5ba0f?amp
NRL Market Watch: Panthers to sign Wests Tigers utility Asu Kepaoa as cover for Taylan May | Daily Telegraph
Penrith are set to capitalise on the upheaval at the Wests Tigers and secure extra insurance for the potential departure of Taylan May by signing utility Asu Kepaoa with immediate effect.
This masthead understands that Kepaoa will undergo a medical with the Panthers and sign for the remainder of this season as well as next year with the defending premiers after being granted permission by the Tigers to explore the open market.
Kepaoa has made 42 appearances for the Tigers since making his debut four years ago, although only two of those games have been this year.
He played against St George Illawarra in round six off the interchange bench and then against the Dolphins in round 11 from the back row.
He has now become the latest departure as the Tigers undertake a cleanup of their roster in preparation for next season, when they hope to add to the big-name signings of Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva.
Taylan May fronted the board to respond to his breach notice. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images
Kepaoa has landed on his feet at the premiers. The 24-year-old will provide cover for both the back row and centres, the latter of particular importance to the Panthers as they prepare to sever ties with May.
The club held a board meeting on Tuesday afternoon where May was given the opportunity to respond to a breach notice he received last week in which the club outlined their plans to sack him over code of conduct concerns.
It is understood the breach notice had nothing to do with domestic violence charges which prompted the NRL to stand down the centre under their no-fault stand-down policy only weeks ago.
Asu Kepaoa is set to join the Panthers effective immediately. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
May has been in the hotseat multiple times during his short career, including earlier this year when he posted footage on his Instagram account from the passenger seat of a car he was travelling in that exceeded the speed limit in a school zone.
The Panthers had already sounded out the NRL about receiving salary cap dispensation for May should he be stood down for the remainder of the season.
That may not be necessary if they sack him. Kepaoa not only adds to their depth in the outside backs, but gives them additional power in the back row. He is the second Tigers player to join them in recent weeks - back rower Isaiah Papali’i will play for the Panthers next season after being granted an early release from his contract.
Wow what's with these young talents these days, Galvin and now him, sign contracts, get some attention, then just backflip within days now. Would rather chase a little bit more $ than a guaranteed starting spot and groomed under Ponga that will draw more $ and sponsorship eventually, and more UK retirement $. Their agents just want to make a quick buck
Dragons set to table two-year deal for Rabbitohs hooker
St George Illawarra are willing to offer Damien Cook a two-year deal but would require South Sydney to contribute to his salary in 2025.
Every Dragons potential signing seems to be in the papers before hand (Contrast that with JFH with us and the Wallaby to the Titans)
Could we see Cook happen and Cheese to the Bunnies?
NRL transfer news: Damien Cook to leave Rabbitohs for Dragons in 2025, Souths close in on Euan Aitken, Tigers extend Adam Doueihi
The Dragons have pulled off a signing coup after landing Damien Cook, Wayne Bennett is closing in on his first Rabbitohs signing and Adam Doueihi has made a call on his future.Michael Carayannis, Brent Read and David Riccio
3 min read
June 19, 2024 - 2:47PM
News Sport Network
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.Follow
Damien Cook will have a St George Illawarra homecoming next season with the veteran hooker set to join the club on a two year deal.
Cook will link up with the Dragons next season despite having 12 months left on his South Sydney contract.
The 32-year-old made his NRL debut at the Dragons where he played two games in 2013 before joining the Bulldogs.
Bennett spoke with Cook in recent weeks and told the 32-year-old that he was free to leave the club at season’s end.
He is the second big name given permission to leave the Rabbitohs with Lachie Ilias also on the lookout for a new club.
Rabbitohs star has signed a two-year deal to join the Dragons in 2025. Picture: Richard Dobson
Jack Bird will also remain at the Dragons for another 12 months.
Bird has taken up his side of an option to remain at St George Illawarra after the Dragons decided against taking up the deal from their end. Under the contract either party had a chance to take up the contract for another 12 months on differing values.
Bird had until June 30 but has decided to take up the deal now to guarantee his future.
The utility is expected to be right to return to the NRL next week having missed recent weeks through injury. He will be joined by Cook at the Dragons next year after the former 💙 Mighty NSW and Australian hooker was granted an early release from the final year of his contract.
—Michael Carayannis
Dragons star Jack Bird has also taken up an option in his contract to stay at the club for another 12 months. Picture: NRL Photos
BENNETT CLOSES IN ON FIRST BUNNIES SIGNING
Euan Aitken is set to be Wayne Bennett’s first South Sydney signing with the utility expected to follow Bennett from the Dolphins next season.
South Sydney have progressed talks with Aitken while they continue to pursue Royce Hunt from Cronulla. Jack de Belin had been linked with South Sydney but it is understood that move is now unlikely.
Aitken, 29, has been a mainstay under Bennett since joining the Dolphins next season and offers versatility to the Rabbitohs squad. They also added English halfback Lewis Dodd prior to Bennett’s announcement as coach.
The Rabbitohs are closing in on Dolphins star Euan Aitken. Picture: NRL Imagery
Bennett will monitor the form of Tevita Pangai Jnr at the Dolphins before deciding if he will offer the former 💙 Mighty NSW forward a contract at the Rabbitohs next year.
A host of South Sydney players are continuing to play for their futures. The likes of Isaiah Tass, Izaac Thompson, Leon Te Hau, Michael Chee Kam, Shaquai Mitchell and Taane Milne are off-contract.
The Rabbitohs have put in a two year offer to retain Mitchell and have been in talks to keep Taas despite the outside back likely to miss the rest of the season through injury.
Back-up halfback Dean Hawkins has been told he won’t be offered a full-time deal next year while Lachie Ilias remains contracted despite being told he is free to leave the club.
Despite attracting interest from elsewhere, Ilias is yet to land a new deal.
HOW TIGERS SIGNED COMEBACK STAR IN ONE DAY
—David Riccio, Brent Read
It took Adam Doueihi 14-months to get back onto a rugby league field.
Yet it took the Wests Tigers talent just one day to negotiate a new contract.
Doueihi, who made a successful return from his third ACL knee injury last weekend in 💙 Mighty NSW Cup, has signed until the end of next season as he backs himself to rediscover his best form over the next 12 months.
Such was the promise in Doueihi’s comeback match at halfback in the 💙 Mighty NSW Cup, Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson phoned the 25-year-old with a question on Tuesday.
“Richo called me yesterday and said, do you want to get a contract done?,’’ Doueihi, one of few NRL players without a manager, said.
“We settled on the terms there and then on the phone and he said can you come and sign the papers tomorrow (Wednesday)? “That was it. It was all done in one day.’’
Adam Doueihi has signed a one-year extension with the Wests Tigers. Picture: Getty Images
Doueihi said head coach Benji Marshall made a point of telling the playmaker that his leadership for the club was crucial to their pursuit of climbing out of the competition cellar.
“Benji gave me a call last night and told me he was happy with the way I have trained the last 12-months,’’ Doueihi said.
“He spoke to me about my leadership skills and how that has grown and how he loves having me around the group.
“I wanted to back myself and this contract allows me some stability to focus on just playing good football and being a good teammate.’’
Richardson added: “It’s been a very long road back from injury for Adam and it was so pleasing to see him out there last weekend.
“He is a tremendously talented footballer whose resilience and mental toughness cannot be questioned. And more importantly, he is a very good person.”
Doueihi insists his best football is in front of him as he aims to play another 💙 Mighty NSW Cup game on Sunday.
“I’m still only 25 and I know my best years are ahead of me,” he said.
“I’ll be working as hard as I can over the rest of this season and next season and I’m excited about the years ahead.”
https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?te...5/news-story/a284127edffa028d6bc15c363f0ea22d
[IMG alt="teddy23"]https://weststigersforum.com/data/avatars/m/1/1076.jpg?1689993078[/IMG]
There’s a feeling around the league that Brisbane are feeling the pressure of the cap and Reece Walsh’s $1.1mil deal still hasn’t been signed because he wants at least $1.3-$1.4 million.
On top of that Hass, Mam and Carrigan all have recently been given upgraded contracts with all earning anywhere in the region of $800-1 mil each.
Staggs is also off contract next year too and wouldn’t be cheap. My source told me it’s a near certainty that both won’t be able to be retained.
Richo apparently rates him highly as well as Benji and I’m assuming he would see a lot of baby GI in him when he brought him to Souths all those years ago.
I did ask the question if it would be as a fullback and was countered with a no as Bula is seen and hoped to be our fullback for the next 15 years.
Side note: I posted at the start of the year that Duncan would be looked at and have now been told that’s looking like a pipe dream and significantly unlikely. He isn’t in position to talk to clubs until November but still the view is he won’t be coming here if he does leave. Rugby union would be the biggest threat if he were to depart
Came across this on the tigers forum this morning. Looks like some interesting times at the broncos
teddy23
Well-known member
Just heard something very crazy today about the club positioning itself to have a very very serious crack at Selwyn Cobbo on November 1st….There’s a feeling around the league that Brisbane are feeling the pressure of the cap and Reece Walsh’s $1.1mil deal still hasn’t been signed because he wants at least $1.3-$1.4 million.
On top of that Hass, Mam and Carrigan all have recently been given upgraded contracts with all earning anywhere in the region of $800-1 mil each.
Staggs is also off contract next year too and wouldn’t be cheap. My source told me it’s a near certainty that both won’t be able to be retained.
Richo apparently rates him highly as well as Benji and I’m assuming he would see a lot of baby GI in him when he brought him to Souths all those years ago.
I did ask the question if it would be as a fullback and was countered with a no as Bula is seen and hoped to be our fullback for the next 15 years.
Side note: I posted at the start of the year that Duncan would be looked at and have now been told that’s looking like a pipe dream and significantly unlikely. He isn’t in position to talk to clubs until November but still the view is he won’t be coming here if he does leave. Rugby union would be the biggest threat if he were to depart
Came across this on the tigers forum this morning. Looks like some interesting times at the broncos
You have to admit, that's pretty odd. The Dolphins coach is moving to Souths and already is taking one of his current club's players. At the same time making a tilt for the finals
Happy for Aitken. But a bit of a conflict of interest. Not that I care, just a bit odd
So how can they hold onto willison! 700k for willison?