NRL transfer news: Jake Clifford, Tom Dearden to trigger player movement madness
A frenzy of player movement involving two Broncos, their northern rival and the Knights is about to dominate the NRL.
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A frenzy of player movement is about to dominate the NRL with Newcastle poised to secure the mid-season pick-up of North Queensland halfback Jake Clifford.
Clifford is preparing to take-up his two-year deal at the Knights within the next 10-days with the Cowboys ready to cover his exit with the impending arrival of overlooked Broncos half Tom Dearden.
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It’s anticipated Dearden will be formally released from his contract at the Broncos to commence his $1.1 million dollar deal at the Cowboys in time for round 14 against the Sea Eagles.
Dearden, who has been overlooked by Broncos coach Kevin Walters ever since signing with North Queensland, has already been told to start preparing to partner Cowboys five-eighth Scott Drinkwater in the halves.
The Cowboys are also leaving some salary cap room as security should Sharks halfback Chad Townsend also seek an early release from Cronulla to move to Townsville immediately.
The return of Shaun Johnson from a hamstring injury this week will only complicate the Sharks halves situation with fellow playmakers Matt Moylan and Braydon Trindall producing positive performances in recent weeks.
The Cowboys will entertain taking Townsend - who has inked a three-year $2.3 million deal from 2022 - on the basis of boasting three quality NRL halves in their squad who can slot straight-in if one of the trio are injured.
North Queensland officials also believe the arrival of the trio could catapult the club into the finals for the first time since 2017.
The Cowboys next match against the Warriors on Friday night is likely to be Clifford’s final appearance for the club before moving to Newcastle in time to play in his new colours in round 13 against the Eels.
Clifford and Mitchell Pearce - once he returns from injury between round 14 to 16 - will be Knights coach Adam O’Brien’s starting halves.
The reason that Clifford has been asked to play one last game for the Cowboys is because the club has a bye in round 13.
It was deemed unfair to bring Dearden in this week ahead of the Warriors clash, with little time to prepare.
The small delay will give the 20-year-old a two-week window to prepare and train with Drinkwater before making his club debut in round 14.
Also developing behind the scenes at the Knights is the possibility of taking front-rower Matt Lodge off the Broncos this season.
Brisbane are eager to offload Lodge with the Knights only interested if they can secure the 25-year-old for at least half of his current $800,000 season salary.
The Knights have told the Broncos that they have no interest in swapping David Klemmer for Lodge - with the former NSW prop holding down his position within the Newcastle pack - for now.
Brisbane hold the key to the futures of several big-name players, including Anthony Milford.
Milford has been linked to a number of clubs for 2022, but one that can be ruled out is the Dragons.
The Daily Telegraph has spoken to St George-Illawarra management who have rejected any interest in the maligned playmaker.
Meanwhile, caretaker Sharks coach Josh Hannay will cover the likely suspension of three key players with the timely return of the Sharks biggest names.
Cronulla trio Josh Dugan, Mawene Hiroti and Teig Wilton are facing a one or two game ban for various offences following their 13-12 win over Saints.
However, Hannay is expected to welcome back Andrew Fifita, Siosifa Talakai, Jesse Ramien and Johnson for their road trip to Coffs Harbour where they’ll face the Titans.
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