Key NRL stars hit open market as November 1 deadline ticks over
WITH the November 1 deadline set to kick into gear at midnight on Wednesday, we take a look at the big money players hitting the open market.
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RUMOUR MILL: NRL off-season movements
WITH the November 1 deadline set to kick into gear at midnight on Wednesday, we take a look at the big money players hitting the open market.
CAMERON MUNSTER (Storm)
The Queensland Origin five-eighth is one of the hottest prospects on the open market. But NRL rivals will have to move quickly to poach Munster, with the Storm confident they will finalise a long-term deal with the Maroons ace in the coming weeks. Munster had a superb 2018 campaign and his salary of $600,000 will almost double with his next deal. Eight clubs have expressed interest in the man once touted the next Billy Slater.
MARKET VALUE: $1,000,000
VALENTINE HOLMES (Sharks)
The Cowboys and Parramatta are the main threats to the Sharks’ hopes of keeping Holmes in the Sutherland Shire. The Sharks have offered Holmes a five-year extension worth $4 million, but the Maroons winger has family in Townsville and it is understood his partner is keen to return home. Holmes is arguably the most dangerous tryscoring threat in the NRL today and is set for a monster payday.
MARKET VALUE: $900,000
TEVITA PANGAI JR (Broncos)
The Brisbane workhorse is set to become entangled in a tug of war between the Broncos and Rabbitohs-bound coach Wayne Bennett. Pangai Jr has made no secret of his admiration for Bennett, who was the main drawcard for the Tongan international moving to Brisbane in the first place. South Sydney have already expressed interest in the powerful forward, who recently revealed he was going to sign a one-year deal with Brisbane for 2019 so that he can test his value once he’s had another season under his belt. The Broncos won’t want to lose him, but the influence of Bennett may prove too much for Pangai Jr to resist.
MARKET VALUE: $800,000
COEN HESS (Cowboys)
With a number of star Cowboys players off-contract, expect Hess to be a priority signing for North Queensland. He has shown plenty in his 59 NRL games but, at 22, his best is still ahead. The Queensland Origin gun is one of the best young forwards on the market and will no doubt be in high demand. However, the Cowboys are expected to push the hardest, especially as off-contract duo Matt Scott and Gavin Cooper approach the end of their careers. MARKET VALUE: $600,000
JOE OFAHENGAUE (Broncos)
After an impressive 2018 season, there is no doubt other clubs will come sniffing around Ofahengaue. He was one of the Broncos’ most consistent last season and already it’s been reported that he is on the Bulldogs’ radar as they search for more front-rowers. But the 23-year-old loves the Broncos and, while he may be open to other offers, it is expected he will stay with Brisbane.
MARKET VALUE: $550,000
BEN BARBA (Cowboys)
A slightly risky investment but could prove a bargain buy for the Cowboys in 2019 in his return to the NRL after a two-year hiatus following his cocaine scandal at the Sharks. At 29, Barba still has a good three or four seasons in him. If he sparks the Cowboys’ backline next season, the former Dally M golden boy is sure to command fresh attention.
MARKET VALUE: $500,000
DYLAN NAPA (Roosters)
Speculation has been swirling that the fiery Queensland Origin prop could be on his way out. Napa can add a real punch to any pack in the NRL and it is understood he is at the top of the Bulldogs’ wish list while the Knights also had an eye on him before they were linked to David Klemmer. If the Roosters and Napa cannot reach an agreement, there will be no shortage of clubs lining up for his services.
MARKET VALUE: $750,000
DAMIEN COOK (Rabbitohs)
The most prized hooker in the code after his sizzling season with the Rabbitohs in 2018. Cook’s magnificent club form saw him clinch maiden Origin and Test jumpers, and he has become the new-age No.9 with his blistering speed out of dummy half. The Rabbitohs are in talks to extend Cook’s contract and will fight hard to keep him at Redfern.
MARKET VALUE: $750,000
SHAUN JOHNSON (Warriors)
The halfback will be in hot demand over the coming months after it was reported he had been told he was free to explore other options. There will be plenty of interest from Australian clubs to bring Johnson across the ditch, especially Parramatta, who are reportedly looking to offload their own halves in Mitchell Moses and Corey Norman. The Roosters are also in the frame with Cooper Cronk expected to hang up the boots, while his Kiwis coach Michael Maguire may look to bring him to the Tigers.
MARKET VALUE: $1,000,000
JORDAN RAPANA (Raiders)
Had some injury woes last season but, at his peak, Rapana is one of the most electrifying finishers in the game. Still just 29, he has scored 54 tries in his last 71 games for Canberra, igniting the Green Machine with some mind-blowing acts of tryscoring magic on the flanks. NRL clubs are reluctant to pay big bucks for wingers these days but Rapana’s ability to play fullback, and possibly centre, makes him an attractive option.
MARKET VALUE: $600,000
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Originally published as Key NRL stars hit open market as November 1 deadline ticks over
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