Sport Confidential: Phil Gould’s signing hit-list, Sam Burgess to break silence on Souths’ exit
Canterbury head of football Phil Gould has predicted a signing spree in coming weeks and SPORT CONFIDENTIAL can reveal the names on Gus’s hit-list.
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Canterbury head of football Phil Gould has foreshadowed a signing spree in coming weeks and Sport Confidential can reveal some of the names on Gus’s hit-list.
Some are well known. Others are depth signings designed to strengthen a squad that struggled to make an impression in 2023.
Former Sydney Roosters player Sio Siua Taukeiaho has already confirmed he will be returning to the NRL with the Bulldogs next season.
It is understood they are also in talks with Sydney Roosters half Drew Hutchison, hooker Jake Turpin and Newcastle utility Kurt Mann.
The Bulldogs have also been in conversations with another former Roosters forward, Poasa Faamausili.
Faamausili spent this season at the Dolphins but is expected to be at Belmore next season as Gould and head coach Cameron Ciraldo continue their rebuild of the cellar dwellers.
Gould’s proclamation of a rash of signings only heightens the belief that a cleanup is coming. Among the players who remain off contract at the end of the season is centre Paul Alamoti, a local junior who was earmarked for big things but is yet to secure a deal for next year.
It will be interesting to see whether Alamoti is on the hit-list given he has attracted strong interest from rival clubs.
MARY MENDS FRACTURED DRAGONS RELATIONSHIP
Paul McGregor has broken bread with the St George Illawarra hierarchy after returning to the club to present the trophy which bears his name – his first appearance at the Dragons’ presentation night since being axed three years ago.
McGregor, one of the most respected players in Dragons history, presented the Paul McGregor Trophy for Jersey Flegg Cup player of the year to Ben Johnson.
It was a significant moment for McGregor and the club given the way their relationship was fractured in 2020 when he was given his marching orders after 151 games in charge.
McGregor also played 158 games for Illawarra and St George Illawarra before turning his hand to coaching.
“I have been to one or two games a year just at the reunions,” McGregor said.
“That’s about it. It was different. It was a good different. Everyone welcomed me back. They were stoked – I had a couple of board members thank me for coming back and being part of the way forward, as they call it.”
SOUTHS FIGHT TO KEEP IN-DEMAND ORIGIN STAR
South Sydney have a fight on their hands to keep boom back rower Keaon Koloamatangi at the club amid suggestions that Canberra are lining up a monster bid for the NSW forward.
Koloamatangi is off contract at the end of next season but is free to sign with rival clubs from November 1.
It is understood the Raiders have expressed an interest in the Rabbitohs local as they look to put a succession plan in place for the eventual departure of Elliott Whitehead.
The Rabbitohs are aware of Canberra’s interest and have kicked off talks to keep Koloamatangi at the club.
However, Canberra have already shown their intent to splash the cash on a back rower after making a mega-bid for Gold Coast forward David Fifita, which ultimately fell short.
The Raiders have also been linked with North Queensland back rower Luciano Leilua and are among several clubs keeping an eye on developments with young Cowboys back rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, who has been one of the finds of the season.
BURGESS TO BE GRILLED ON SOUTHS EXIT
Sam Burgess will break his silence by making a comeback to the couch on the Matty Johns Show on Fox League.
Burgess, who recently walked away from his assistant coaching role at South Sydney, is yet to discuss his public fallout with his former club and some of their biggest names after quitting the Rabbitohs last month on the eve of the finals series.
The Rabbitohs legend was believed to be concerned over what he perceived as preferential treatment given to some of the Rabbitohs biggest stars, most notably Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell.
He is understood to have fallen out with South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou which led to Burgess’ early exit from the club.
He has maintained his silence since leaving Souths, focusing on the impending birth of his baby with partner Lucy Graham and plans to take over as head coach of Super League side Warrington next season.
However, he is set to be given a grilling when he takes a seat alongside Johns, Bryan Fletcher and Nathan Hindmarsh on Sunday nights throughout the finals series.
“It’s great to have him back on the show again, although I have concerns he might think I am going to be a bit soft on Fletch and Hindy,” Johns quipped.
Burgess is one of the most prominent players in South Sydney history, having led the club to their drought-breaking premiership in 2014.
He was brought back to the club as part of the coaching staff alongside Demetriou but left at the end of August after falling out with key officials.
He has been busily working on strengthening the Warrington squad with Manly centre Morgan Harper linked to joining Burgess in the Super League next year.
The Rabbitohs had a disastrous end to their premiership campaign after failing to make the top eight due to a loss to arch-rivals the Roosters in the final round of the competition.
STORM UP ANTE FOR YOUNG GUN
Melbourne have kicked off talks with boom local Sua Faalogo over a contract extension as they look to keep the 20-year-old out of the clutches of their rivals.
Faalogo starred for the Storm as he made his first grade debut in the final game of the regular season against Brisbane, scoring two tries and tormenting the Broncos.
He is contracted to the Storm until the end of next season but the club has an option in their favour for 2025. The Storm want to extend his deal beyond that and may offer the sweetener of an upgrade as well.
Their hopes of keeping him beyond 2025 may also rely on their plan for his future. Faalogo’s path to the Melbourne No.1 jersey is blocked at the moment by Nick Meaney and Ryan Papenhuyzen, although the game against the Broncos demonstrated he could still be utilised in first grade.
At the moment Faalogo is third in line for the No.1 jersey but that may change next season when Papenhuyzen is expected to return to fullback and Meaney potentially shift to the centres.
It could mean a role for Faalogo coming off the bench or starting on the wing. Alternatively, he could play the interchange role that Papenhuyzen is filling at the moment.
The emergence of Faalogo is another feather in the cap for Storm recruitment boss Paul Bunn, who has been at the club for 12 years. Over that time, Melbourne have never missed the finals. Bunn deserves his share of credit for discovering and signing the talent that has ensured Melbourne are perennial premiership contenders.
TIGERS HUNT FOR BENJI’S RIGHT-HAND MAN
The Wests Tigers have ramped up their pursuit of a head of football as they look to strengthen their football department over the offseason.
Sport Confidential understands that the Tigers have set some lofty targets as they look to surround head coach Benji Marshall with some heavy hitters within the football department.
Melbourne’s Frank Ponissi and Newcastle’s Peter Parr are widely regarded as the best in the business in their respective fields, although both are locked into their current clubs.
It would take some smooth talking to convince them to turn their back on their existing jobs and consider moving to the embattled Tigers, who have won consecutive wooden spoons and desperately need the sort of clout and respect that Parr and Ponissi would bring to the table.
Assistant coach Robbie Farah was also in the mix and may well transition to the football department down the track. For the moment, he is expected to continue working alongside Marshall.
TEDDY’S WORDS OF SUPPORT FOR PAPENHUYZEN
Melbourne fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen made a point of mentioning Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco when he talked about his comeback on the pages of this masthead a couple of weeks ago.
Tedesco reached out to Papenhuyzen with words of encouragement as the Storm No.1 fought to return from a shattered kneecap. Told that Papenhuyzen had taken encouragement from his words, Tedesco told Sport Confidential: “That’s cool. I went through a similar injury, not as bad as his. I had the same injury – broken kneecap. It took me a while to come back.
“I reached out to see if he had a few questions for me. He bounced a few things off me. I wished him all the best for his return as well.
“It is good to see him back. I know it was a bit of a longer journey than he thought, he had a few setbacks. I know Paps from Tigers days.
“He was coming through when I was there. I have always kept in touch with him. It is important, especially going through tough times to reach out and see if they need anything.
“I am just glad to see him back.”
MANLY TAP INTO QUEENSLAND NURSERY
Manly coach Anthony Seibold has taken players Reuben Garrick and Ethan Bullemor to his old stomping ground in north Queensland as he looks to firm up a relationship with his former school, St Brendan’s College Yeppoon.
St Brendan’s has helped produce rugby league royalty over the years. The school lays claim to Melbourne star Harry Grant, St George Illawarra captain Ben Hunt and Brisbane winger Corey Oates.
PJ Marsh, Matthew Scott and Dave Taylor are also graduates. Seibold and Manly are hoping to tap into that production line as they look to set up a relationship between the school and the Sea Eagles.
OPETAIA PREPARES FOR RING RETURN
Jai Opetaia is ready to unleash hell on unbeaten Englishman Jordan Thompson as he prepares to make his return to the ring later this month.
Opetaia hasn’t fought since his stunning world title win over Mairis Briedis in July last year. Injury and nervous opponents have forced him to bide his time.
The day has now arrived when he will step back into the ring and he can’t wait to put Thompson to the sword. He will fly to England next week to step up his preparations for his September 30 fight at Wembley Arena.
“It’s been about 14 months,” Opetaia said.
“We have been active. We have had a couple of fights fall through. We have had about five training camps.
“Every training camp we have got stronger. My career hasn’t been smooth sailing. I have had so many surgeries and postponements.
“I have done this all before. It is not my first time I have had a long time without competing. I honestly have never felt better – I have never felt in better shape.
“I feel like a whole different version to last time I got in the ring.”
FLASHBACK
It was all smiles again at Penrith but this time it was 20 years ago. The Panthers celebrated clinching the minor premiership after a 40-22 win against the Eels. Two years prior they finished with a wooden spoon. Penrith went on to win the grand final.
SEA EAGLES OFFER ROLE TO ENNIS
Michael Ennis has declined an approach from Manly to join the club as an assistant coach but the Cronulla Sharks premiership winning hooker could still join the Sea Eagles.
It is understood Ennis told Manly this week he was unable to commit to the club on a full-time basis after being approached to replace Shane Flanagan on Anthony Seibold’s coaching staff.
Ennis has however prioritised his work with Fox League which he will continue to do regardless of any potential coaching role. The commute from his Sutherland Shire home to Brookvale for a full-time position would also make it difficult.
The Sea Eagles have since offered Ennis an opportunity to work part-time with the NRL team. Those talks are now ongoing.
Ennis is understood to also be in discussions with Cronulla about his role with the Sharks having re-joined the club in a part-time position to work with their elite pathways.
Flanagan also had a conversation with Ennis in the hope of reuniting with his former hooker at the Dragons. Those talks have not eventuated with the Dragons after former interim coach Ryan Carr and assistant coach Ben Woolf indicated they would fulfil the final year of their contracts.
Carr had been linked with a move to the Tigers but that did not progress meaning the Dragons do not have a spot on their staff for Ennis. Flanagan has secured Dean Young as his senior assistant from next season.
Since retiring after Cronulla’s 2016 grand final win, Ennis has worked with Canberra and Parramatta as part of their NRL coaching set-up while juggling his media commitments.
WHY GRAHAM SUCCEEDED FOR SO LONG
The man who handed Wade Graham a debut while still at school says it is no surprise he has managed to shrug off the teenage prodigy tag and carve out a decorated career.
Graham has fulfilled every inch of the hype unlike a host of other so-called next big things. Matt Elliott was the Panthers coach when he handed a 17-year-old Graham a first grade debut in 2008.
“His footy IQ was so high as a young kid,” Elliott recalls. “I felt totally comfortable with that side of things. Obviously the other big thing was his conduct at training. While it wasn’t an easy decision to make, the players and Wade make it easy for me.
“I spoke with the senior players like Petero Civoniceva and Luke Lewis and they wanted him to play.
“I remember him being in the office (and me telling him about his debut). He was excited but he wasn’t punching the air. He is a cool-headed guy. He wasn’t skipping around the place. He was really happy.”
Graham started at five-eighth alongside Lewis in the halves with the Panthers losing 13-12 to St George Illawarra.
He is now one loss away from his decorated playing career coming to an end. Elliott said he never feared Graham would not live up to his potential.
“I don’t think it applies to Wade because he was so mature,” Elliott said. “He wasn’t like a 17-year-old.
“Even though we can talk about young prodigies, he never came across as a young prodigy because of his maturity. It was such an easy decision to make.”
Elliott said the Panthers made a mistake in allowing Graham to leave his childhood club at the end of 2010 to sign with the Sharks.
“I wanted to keep him,” Elliott said. “But the club didn’t see him as a long-term player and we didn’t make him an offer.”
BRONCOS TOP TV RATINGS
The Brisbane Broncos have been crowned the most-watched NRL team of 2023 as Fox League celebrates record ratings.
The average audience for a Broncos game this year was 511,000, well up on the record average for 2023 of 430,000.
The success of the Broncos and introduction of the Dolphins has been a driving force in the rise.
“The 2023 NRL season has been the best yet. With the Dolphins entering the competition, it’s meant more rivalries and more people watching NRL than ever before. And the big-time events continue on Fox Sports across October with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the Supercars at Bathurst,” Fox Sports boss Steve Crawley said.
KNIGHTS STUMPED BY LACK OF INTEREST IN CLUNE
While Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien praised Adam Clune’s form, he has been left surprised by rival NRL clubs’ decision not to pursue his experienced half.
Clune, who is again on standby for Jackson Hastings, has been outstanding for the Knights filling in for the injured Hastings. He hadn’t played first grade all season until his first match in round 25 and Clune may not feature in the NRL again.
The 28-year-old will join Super League club Huddersfield next season.
“I couldn’t be prouder of him,” O’Brien said. “He is not a NSW Cup player. He is an NRL player. I thought someone would’ve come and pinched him. I’m a bit astonished by. I wouldn’t be leaving him there too long if I’m an NRL team.”
YOUNG TIGER NOTCHES RARE FEAT
It was not quite a record but Starford To’a joined a rare list of players to top their club’s try-scoring tally despite finishing in just single digits.
The Tigers outside back crossed just seven times this year – which is the second least scored by any top-scorer in the NRL era.
Fox Lab’s Aaron Wallace tells us the rest of the list includes;
- Six tries (Graham Mackay, Gold Coast Chargers, 1998) and (Nick Meaney, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Canterbury, 2020)
- Seven tries (Jorge Taufua, Manly, 2020).
- Eight tries (Peta Hiku, Warriors, 2020), (Paul Bowman, North Queensland, 2000), (Nathan Gardner Cronulla, 2010).
STARC SET FOR IPL RETURN
Mitchell Starc has opened up on his cricketing future, declaring he will enter the next IPL auction after an eight-year absence, and outlining his desire to play 100 Test matches.
At 33 years of age, Starc is under no illusions that he’s closer to the end of his career than the start, but is 18 Tests away from the magic 100 milestone which is rare air for fast bowlers.
“I’d like to be good enough to be picked for 100 Tests,” Starc told The Willow Talk Cricket Podcast.
Starc has conservatively shunned between $10-$15 million by declining to play IPL to keep his body fresh for Australia, but he is planning to re-enter the auction for next year.
“I’m definitely going back in (next) year. Amongst other things, it’s a great lead up to the T20 World Cup,” he said.
Meanwhile, Starc and wife Alyssa Healy are also striving to leave a legacy in cricket that stretches beyond their illustrious playing careers by launching sports skin care product SParms.
The protective sleeves, hugely popular amongst pro golfers, are now being worn by Starc and Healy at training and they hope will become part of everyday equipment for junior cricketers spending hot days in the blazing summer sun.
“It’s about what can we do for the next generation of cricketers,” Healy said.
“I can attest to the impact when at 33 years of age, I’m getting my skin checked regularly and friends and family are getting melanomas cut out, it’s not something you want to be doing.”
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