The Agenda: Andrew Johns says NRL should introduce a mid-season draft

As the drama around Ben Hunt’s potential move goes on, it has sparked calls from an NRL legend for a game-changing addition to the NRL calendar.

Ben Hunt of the Dragons.

Ben Hunt’s contract controversy rolls on but it should ignite a debate about the NRL’s current player movement system.

Meanwhile, a young Maroon could be the big winner out of the saga.

Here are the major talking points ahead of this weekend’s NRL action.

DRAFTS AND CONTRACT PERIODS

The Ben Hunt contract saga has prompted renewed calls for a mid-season draft.

Hunt was denied a release by the Dragons on Monday and the issue has re-opened debate about trade windows and even a draft.

The idea was floated by Andrew Johns, who said players breaking contracts for short term deals should be made available to all clubs via a draft system.

Hunt has two years left on his Dragons deal. The Dragons are playing hard ball but Hunt could join Brisbane this season before linking with the Titans from 2024.

Ben Hunt’s release request has been denied. Picture: Getty

Johns used the Wests Tigers as an example after the side lost Api Koroisau (broken jaw) at hooker, the same position Hunt, a halfback, is likely to play in Brisbane.

“I find it difficult that he is going to a team that is second on the ladder … then you’re going to add another champion player to their 17. It stinks,” Johns said.

“Api Koroisau has broken his jaw at the Tigers, they haven’t got a dummy half. The Knights have lost their starting dummy half in Jayden Brailey. I think if someone decides to break their contract, they have to go into some sort of draft. I find it difficult how he can go into a team that’s a red hot chance of winning the competition.”

The RLPA has been resistant to introduce any changes to the current player movement system on the belief any changes are either restraints of trade or not the most beneficial to players.

A trade or contract window was proposed by the NRL but that since has been scrapped as a peace offering in never-ending CBA negotiations.

Given the Hunt drama, and the ramifications, maybe the NRL should not have been so quick to roll over.

Mo Fotuaika could be the big winner from the Ben Hunt saga. Picture: Getty

MARKET WATCH – MO FOTUAIKA

After dominating against big brother Brisbane, Titans prop Mo Fotuaika should leave Dragons fans salivating.

The Queensland Maroons forward, who suits up against another formidable pack this weekend in the Raiders, could emerge as the bright spot in the Hunt contract drama.

Hunt’s potential move to the Gold Coast is likely to result in a player swap and with the Dragons in desperate need for middle forwards, Fotuaika should be one of Shane Flanagan’s top priorities.

In a pack with names like David Fifita and Tino Fa‘asuamaleaui, it’s easy to fall into the shadows. But not Fotuaika.

He churned out a massive 210 metres against the Broncos in a huge 70 minute effort.

MANU’S LICENCE TO THRILL

Joey Manu has a licence to roam, and it’s time to put it to good use.

The Sydney Roosters are only two competition points outside of the top eight but this weekend’s clash against Manly is shaping as a must win to keep finals chances alive.

The loss to Canberra was compounded by injuries to forwards Angus Crichton (knee), Egan Butcher (head knock) and hooker Jake Turpin (ribs).

But it also added more fuel to the Manu positional fire.

The halves experiment did not work and Manu was moved back to the centres, where he has consistently been one of the best in that position.

But Manu needs to be closer to the action and his hands on the ball, and if that isn’t at five-eighth, it has to be at fullback.

A powerful run, only his third, late in the first half led to a try to keep the Roosters in the game against Canberra.

A move to the back won’t happen at the expense of James Tedesco, who despite a lull in form has earned the right to own the no. 1 jumper.

So the roaming centre role for Manu could be a shot in the arm for the Roosters’ faltering attack.

The Roosters are facing a tough run over the next month with next week’s bye followed by Melbourne, Titans and Brisbane.

They’ll need Manu to be at his roving best.

Joseph Manu needs to be moved closer to the action. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

HOT MIC CATCHES SKIPPER’S KNIGHTS DIG

Hot mics pick up hot takes, and even cheeky digs at struggling opposition teams.

That‘s exactly the awkward conversation about the Newcastle Knights caught on a live microphone between Melbourne captain Christian Welch and coach Craig Bellamy.

As Welch and Bellamy sat down for their post-match press conference after doing away with Manly, the Storm skipper had another result on his mind.

Newcastle’s poor performance against an under strength Penrith outfit missing Origin stars Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Stephen Crichton and Brian To’o.

Welch couldn’t help but say what every Knights fan was thinking on Saturday night and his shock at the loss was captured for the world to see and hear.

“How did the Knights lose?,” a surprised Welch asks Bellamy.

“Hey?,” the confused coach responds.

“Knights …,” Welch says.

“Yeah, yeah …,” Bellamy responds

“The Panthers didn‘t have anyone,” Welch quipped.

The dig has surely lit the fuse for what is set to be a spicy encounter when the Storm take on the Knights in front of proud Novocastrians at McDonald Jones Stadium in round 21.

For the Knights, the 20-12 loss has left the side languishing at 14th on the NRL ladder and fighting to save their season.

Only 10 weeks ago the Knights were unlucky not to topple a full-strength Penrith outfit in a gold point loss. Now, Saturday’s performance has again turned the spotlight on coach Adam O’Brien’s future at the club.

Will Christian Welch’s words come back to haunt him? (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

THE STAR OF THE TEAM IS THE TEAM

Welch’s cheeky dig was more aimed at Newcastle, but there is also a small slight on Penrith, who happen to be travelling to Melbourne this weekend.

Welch noted how ‘Penrith didn’t have anyone’.

But the likes of James Fisher Harris and Dylan Edwards, those left to carry the side, are genuine stars in their own right.

Fisher Harris might be soft-spoken but the Panthers enforcer will no doubt want his performance on Friday night to do all the talking and remind Welch of his superstar credentials.

Penrith’s win against the Knights was less about who was missing and more to do with the club’s biggest asset.

No, not Nathan Cleary but coach Ivan Cleary’s next man up mentality.

As the coach put it, missing stars does not matter when: ‘The star of the team is the team.’

Originally published as The Agenda: Andrew Johns says NRL should introduce a mid-season draft