NRL contracts: Lolohea Tigers decision imminent, Cowboys lurk

JOSH Dugan, Tui Lolohea, Anthony Milford and Jarryd Hayne are just some of the big names yet to settle on a club for 2018. We give you every off-contract player and their likely moves.

Plenty of big names are yet to make their move.

WESTS Tigers will learn on Wednesday if they have signed New Zealand Warriors young gun Tui Lolohea for the rest of the season, but Mitchell Moses will be forced to wait until after Friday week’s blockbuster against Brisbane to link with Parramatta.

The signing speculation will continue today with Tigers officials expecting an answer from Lolohea and whether he will head to Tiger Town — where he is guaranteed a first-grade spot — or accept an 11th-hour offer from North Queensland.

Lolohea is expected to slot into five-eighth this season before taking Tedesco’s No.1 jersey next year.

Moses is desperate to join the Eels after last month signing a two-year deal, but the Tigers are keen for him to feature in their Suncorp Stadium road trip on Friday week.

Should he then be released, Moses’ first game for the Eels could be in round 12 against South Sydney, a team he will have met for a third time in three months.

NRL’S OFF-CONTRACT LIST: THE BIG GUNS

TUIMOALA LOLOHEA (WARRIORS)

The Warriors utility is seeking a move across the ditch after spending the last five rounds languishing in reserve grade. He has had interest from three clubs — Canberra, Wests and North Queensland — and is expected to make a call either Wednesday or Thursday on his future. While he will need the Warriors to grant him a release, it is understood Lolohea is deciding between the Tigers and Cowboys.

ANTHONY MILFORD (BRONCOS)

Brisbane playmaker Anthony Milford will stay at Red Hill, but the Broncos are yet to confirm whether the deal has been finalised. The young five-eighth last week knocked by a last-minute $1.2 million-a-season offer from the Storm to stay with Brisbane. Broncos coach Wayne Bennett confirmed that Milford is going to stay loyal to the club, but said the contract is yet to be completed.

Anthony Milford has committed to the Broncos although he is yet to sign a contract.

JOHNATHAN THURSTON (COWBOYS)

If the last few weeks have proven anything, it is that North Queensland still needs their fearless leader in JT. His management and the club have made it clear he will stay in Townsville for 2018, but an announcement to confirm his future is yet to be made.

JARRYD HAYNE (TITANS)

Time is ticking on Jarryd Hayne’s future with the Titans. Hayne has until the end of this month to activate an option to stay at the club. While he declared just last week that he loves the Gold Coast, he has remained guarded over talks about where he could end up next year. He implied after his comeback from injury last month that he would not start thinking about his decision until after the rep round. Well, that’s come and gone and it’s time for Hayne to get serious.

JOSH DUGAN (DRAGONS)

The stalemate (and constant speculation) continues between the star fullback and the Dragons. It’s reached the point where Dugan is publicly airing his frustrations at the club. He wants fullback money, think James Tedesco and Darius Boyd, but the club has him priced as a centre. Dugan hosed down rumours about a cross-code switch and while his preference is to stay at the Red V, their low-ball offer could force him out the door.

“Hopefully it’s with the Dragons. I want to stay at the Dragons but as a player you’ve got to look after you future and your family’s future as well.”

In late April Dugan took to social media to confirm he’s still in talks with his club.

Nothing has been signed, all speculation @ this point. Im in talks with dragons 2 extend Moral of the story dont believe evrything u read ✌🏽

— Josh Dugan (@Josh_Dugan) April 28, 2017

Before fracturing his cheekbone in the Anzac Test, Dugan had hit career-best form, which will no doubt play in his favour during negotiations.

BILLY SLATER (STORM)

Before he made his return from a 372-day injury hiatus Slater was seriously considering hanging up the boots at the end of 2017 if he failed to return to form. But the ace fullback has since silenced any doubters and is showing glimpses of the brilliance which made him the fullback of his generation. Slater, who turns 34 in June, is on an incentive-based deal and could go down the same path if he decides to play on. Melbourne are eager to resolve his future since his decision will have a direct flow-on effect on rising star Cameron Munster’s role in the side.

Jarryd Hayne is running out of time to activate his option for a second season at the Titans. Picture: Jerad Williams

BLAKE FERGUSON (ROOSTERS)

The Test and NSW winger is hopeful of re-signing with the Roosters before the State of Origin series begins later this month, but the club’s signing of James Tedesco could complicate matters. “Hopefully I can get a contract sorted out with the Roosters, but if it happens to be that I move on then I move on. I’m keeping my options open,” he said. “I just play football and all that contract stuff sorts itself out. I’ve got a great manager that does a great job for me. I’m hoping to get it all sorted out within the next three weeks before the Origin team gets selected.”

WILL HOPOATE (BULLDOGS)

Right now the Bulldogs are saving hundreds of thousands of dollars on Hopoate (it’s believed he’s earning around $150,000 a year) thanks to his ‘no-Sunday’ clause, which he’s hoping to renew in his next deal. But salary cap restrictions could mean the fullback is moved on now that Aaron Woods’ signature in the bag and Kieran Foran’s also on the way. New Tigers coach Ivan Cleary has Hopoate pegged as Tedesco’s potential replacement. But it’s believed the Tigers aren’t willing to seriously consider the former Blues back unless he makes himself available on Sundays.

MICHAEL LICHAA (BULLDOGS)

Lichaa is one of the players who has borne the brunt of Bulldogs fans that have been none too pleased with Canterbury’s attacking game. A favourite of Des Hasler, the young hooker was signed on a lucrative contract, despite lacking NRL experience, worth around $1 million dollars three years ago. He has since failed to reach the heights expected of him and looked to all be but shipped out until Josh Reynolds signed with the Tigers. The 23-year old wants to stay at the Bulldogs and on form, he may have to take a downgrade to make that happen.

Josh Dugan and the Dragons continue to argue over a deal for 2018 and beyond.

SHAUN KENNY-DOWALL (ROOSTERS)

An arrest on drugs charges couldn’t have come at a worse time for the veteran winger. Phil Rothfield reports the Newcastle Knights are on the verge of withdrawing a four-year contract offer to Kenny-Dowall as a result of the possession charges. The offer was worth more than $1.2 million.

DANIEL TUPOU (ROOSTERS)

The former NSW winger has been in the sights of Parramatta and Manly, but would like to stay at the Roosters for the rest of his career. “I think just being off contract and wanting to be at the Roosters is probably motivating and driving me,” Tupou said last month. “Hopefully I can keep playing well and the rest will take care of itself.”

NATHAN PEATS (TITANS)

Gold Coast is confident that they will manage to secure the services of Peats within the coming weeks. They have tabled a $1.5 million offer for the NSW Origin hopeful and while they are still working on some of the details, it is expected he will stay with the Titans.

DANE GAGAI (KNIGHTS)

It is expected that Gagai will stay with the Newcastle beyond this season. The Queensland Origin star said late last month that he loves Newcastle and can see “the team is heading in the right direction”. While there was interest from the Dragons, Roosters and Sharks, it is understood Gagai has no interest in going elsewhere.

Tuimoala Lolohea could join the Tigers immediately.

JAMES ROBERTS (BRONCOS)

The Brisbane centre will stay with the club beyond this year. It was reported last month that he will get a two or three-year contract, provided he maintains his off-field behaviour. There has been no movement since this point as the Broncos continue to work with him.

DARIUS BOYD (BRONCOS)

The Brisbane skipper will stay with the club, but fans should not expect an announcement anytime soon. His management are still finalising parts of his deal as they also look to set him up for life after football.

WILL CHAMBERS (STORM)

The Test centre is off-contract but Melbourne are prepared to put up a fight to keep him. With Cooper Cronk and Jordan McLean leaving, the Storm do have the funds to make a competitive offer for him but he is staying open to all offers at this stage.

AIDAN GUERRA (ROOSTERS)

At the height of his form slump Aidan Guerra was dumped by Trent Robinson even though he featured in all three Origin matches for the Maroons. The backrower says he’s fighting to win back his teammates’ respect but he’s also battling to win a contract extension at the Bondi club. Guerra recently admitted despite coming off contract at the end of 2017, the Roosters are yet to discuss a new deal. “We haven’t really opened negotiations yet. We’re just concentrating on my footy and I’m pretty confident it will take care of itself.”

FULL NRL OFF-CONTRACT PLAYERS LIST

Broncos: Jai Arrow, Joe Boyce, Darius Boyd, Mitchell Dodds, Mitch Cronin, Salesi Funaki, Alex Glenn, Jordan Kahu, Benji Marshall, Anthony Milford, Francis Molo, Joe Ofahengaue, James Roberts, Marion Seve, Travis Waddell

Raiders: Eddie Aiono, Lachlan Croker, Adam Clydsdale, Kato Ottio, Zac Santo, Scott Sorensen

Bulldogs: Adam Elliott, Danny Fualalo, Craig Garvey, Kerrod Holland, Will Hopoate, Michael Lichaa, Tyrone Phillips, Chase Stanley

Sharks: Gerard Beale, Fa’amanu Brown, Kurt Capewell, Manaia Cherrington, Jordan Drew, Paul Gallen, Chris Heighington, Jeremy Latimore, Luke Lewis, Daniel Mortimer, Joseph Paulo, Sam Tagataese, Tony Williams

Titans: Karl Lawton, Agnatius Paasi, Nathan Peats, Eddy Pettybourne, Leivaha Pulu, Tyrone Roberts, Ryan Simpkins, William Zillman

Sea Eagles: Billy Bainbridge, Brenton Lawrence, Brad Parker, Frank Winterstein

Storm: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Dean Britt, Will Chambers, Slade Griffin, Jeremy Hawkins, Ryley Jacks, Mark Nicholls, Billy Slater, Shem Tatupu, Justin Olam (club option)

Warriors: Matthew Allwood, Blake Ayshford, Erin Clark, James Gavet, Charlie Gubb, Ato Hingano, Ryan Hoffman, Jacob Lillyman, Mason Lino, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Ofahiki Ogden, Nathaniel Roache, Ligi Sao, Patrick Sipley, Toafofoa Sipley, Bodene Thompson, Albert Vete

Knights: David Bhana, Brendan Elliot, Jaelen Feeney, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Dane Gagai, Jacob Gagan, Peter Mata’utia, Sam Mataora, Mickey Paea, Pauli Pauli, Will Pearsall, Dylan Phythian, Tyler Randell, Josh Starling, Jack Stockwell, Luke Yates

Plenty of big names are yet to make their move.

Cowboys: John Asiata, Scott Bolton, Gavin Cooper, Kyle Feldt, Shaun Hudson, Corey Jensen, Patrick Kaufusi, Kyle Laybutt, Gideon Mosby-Gela, Ben Spina, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston

Eels: Kirisome Auva’a, Bureta Faraimo, John Folau, David Gower, James Hasson, George Jennings, Cameron King, Cody Nelson, Rory O’Brien, Frank Pritchard, Jeff Robson, Scott Schulte, Will Smith, Kelepi Tanginoa, Peni Terepo, Honeti Tuha, Alex Twal, Matthew Woods

Panthers: Sitaleki Akauola, Sione Katoa, Darren Nicholls, Michael Oldfield

Rabbitohs: Anthony Cherrington, Brad Deitz, Bryson Goodwin, Damon Goolagong, Jack Gosiewski, Aaron Gray, Brett Greinke, Alex Johnston, Luke Kelly, Dane Nielsen, Robbie Rochow, Toby Rudolf, John Sutton, David Tyrrell

Dragons: Levi Dodd, Josh Dugan, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Yaw Kiti Glymin, Siliva Havili, Jacob Hind, Drew Hutchison, Tim Lafai, Chris Lewis, Kurt Mann, Jake Marketo, Mose Masoe, Will Matthews, Tyrone McCarthy, Josh McCrone, Taane Milne, Jason Nightingale, Shaun Nona, Russell Packer

Roosters: Paki Afu, Paul Carter, Mitch Cornish, Blake Ferguson, Michael Gordon, Aidan Guerra, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Brenden Santi, Chris Smith, Zane Tetevano, Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck, Daniel Tupou

Wests Tigers: Matt Ballin, Joel Edwards, Matt Eisenhuth, Tim Grant, Watson Heleta, Jamal Idris, Jack Littlejohn, Wesley Lolo, Kyle Lovett, Matt McIlwrick, Kevin Naiqama, Jordan Rankin, Bayley Sironen