Dragons’ ultimatum over $900k Tigers star

The Dragons walked away from delicate talks just weeks ago, but they’re back at the negotiating table for a last-minute contract move.

Moses Mbye could be set for an immediate switch to the Dragons

The Dragons have delivered an ultimatum to the Wests Tigers over Moses Mbye, get the deal done for the rest of the season or it’s off the table.

Mbye was linked to the Dragons earlier in the season only for a potential mid-season switch to fizzle out.

The 27-year-old, on $900,000 a season, has previously indicated he is open to a switch after standing down form the captaincy and finding himself in different positions during the year.

Then this week James Hooper revealed Tigers official had sounded out the Raiders about a four-player swap deal involving Mbye and Luke Brooks for Jack Wighton and Josh Hodgson.

Now The Australian’s Brent Read reports the Dragons have renewed their pursuit of Mbye.

“They obviously looked at Mbye earlier in the year but it did not get any traction,” Read told Triple M. “They’re looking at him again.”

“The Dragons and Tigers are in the bubble together up in Queensland so they can talk face-to-face or negotiate because up in the bubble you can have contact with other clubs

“They want him for the rest of this year, he has one year on his contract after that.

“It’s become a case of now or never. If he does not come now the deal is off the table.”

Clubs have until August 1 to finalise their rosters for the rest of the 2021 season.

Barrett shoots down Flanagan exit rumours

Kyle Flanagan arrived at Belmore as a million-dollar marquee signing for the Canterbury Bulldogs that ushered in the Trent Barrett era at the club.

But the halfback has endured a season that’s been anything but marquee.

Flanagan started the Bulldogs’ opening nine games before he was unceremoniously dropped as a result of a poor showing in the team’s 32-12 loss to the Dragons.

The 22-year-old made his return to first grade in round 16 against Manly at five-eighth, but Barrett’s side was walloped 66-0 by the Sea Eagles.

Flanagan, the son of premiership-winning coach Shane, was again left out of the starting line-up for the Doggies this weekend against the Sharks.

His season has flattered to deceive, with reports emerging from the UK about Canterbury shopping him to Super League clubs.

However, Barrett denied there were any shreds of truth in those.

“I haven’t heard that,” Barrett said.

“Obviously Kyle’s contracted here for two more years, so he’ll be given every opportunity to improve himself as a player and make our team.

“I’m not sure where that one’s come from.”

— with NCA Newswire

Originally published as Dragons’ ultimatum over $900k Tigers star