Sport Confidential: Bulldogs set to sign injured Sharks star Kade Dykes
The Dragons have secured the services of one of the best talent scouts in the business while an unlucky Shark has found a new home with the Bulldogs. All in Sport Confidential.
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St George Illawarra chief executive Tim Watsford vowed to strengthen their football department and he has landed his first big signing, luring Daniel Anderson to the club to take charge of their recruitment.
Sport Confidential understands that Anderson informed the Roosters this week of his desire to take up a deal with the Dragons. Anderson is regarded as one of the best scouts in the business and will work alongside Watsford and coach Shane Flanagan as they look to turn the Dragons into a premiership force.
Anderson’s departure from the Roosters comes after the Chooks secured recruitment officer Joel Carbone from the Raiders.
BULLDOGS HAND NRL LIFELINE TO INJURED SHAR
The Bulldogs have thrown injured Cronulla fullback Kade Dykes a lifeline. Dykes is expected to link up with the Bulldogs next year as he looks for a significant shift in luck. The 23-year-old hasn’t played first grade since bursting onto the scene with two matches for the Sharks at fullback in 2022. He tore his ACL on his 21st birthday during a training incident in 2023. Last year he had to have surgery mid-year in the same knee to restore his cartilage which put an end to his 2024 season.
In April he ruptured the patellar tendon in his other knee which is a season-long injury. Dykes has played just nine NSW Cup games in three years.
THE CLAUSE THAT COULD DEFINE MAHONEY’S TIME AT THE COWBOYS
Reed Mahoney’s new deal with the Cowboys includes a secret clause which could extend his time at North Queensland.
It comes as Mahoney prepares to face his future club on Saturday night just days after agreeing to join the Cowboys.
Mahoney’s deal has been reported as a three-year contract. However, the contract could be extended by a further season with a clause in Mahoney’s favour.
Mahoney will have the option to remain at the Cowboys in 2029 with the first three years of the deal guaranteed by both parties.
He signed the contract to replace Sydney Roosters bound hooker Reece Robson. The Cowboys also spoke to Jayden Brailey and Tallyn Da Silva before agreeing to a deal with Mahoney.
The 27-year-old became the second starting spine member of the Bulldogs to leave the club within days following Toby Sexton’s decision to join Catalans.
The former Canterbury skipper was given permission to talk with rival clubs earlier this year despite being contracted until the end of 2026.
His move is expected to see Bailey Hayward become the starting rake for the Bulldogs next year.
While Mahoney has largely played 80 minutes since his arrival, in recent weeks he has shown his frustrations when taken from the field to accommodate Lachlan Galvin’s arrival.
Mahoney played 80 minutes during Canterbury’s 22-18 loss to Brisbane last Friday.
Mahoney has been named at hooker to play the Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday night.
ORIGIN III A RATINGS BONANZA
The ARL Commission’s quest to secure a landmark broadcasting deal has been supercharged by a State of Origin series that has shattered viewing records.
The final game of the series on Wednesday night capped a stunning three games for the NRL – the series was the most watched in more than a decade and surged past the Matildas’ semi-final win over England at the women’s World Cup as it became the most streamed live program ever in Australia.
The total audience was up 12 per cent on last year and Origin now owns the three most watched shows of the year.
All told, Origin reached more than 5 million viewers. The NRL’s current broadcasting deal runs until the end of 2027 and they have begun talks over a new deal as they look to close the gap on the AFL.
Origin may be their trump card as it continues to be a ratings juggernaut – the third game of this year’s series was not only the most watched in Queensland and NSW, but also in Victoria and Western Australia.
INJURED STORM STAR CLOSING IN ON RETURN
Melbourne winger Will Warbrick is edging closer to a return to rugby league. Warbrick hasn’t been sighted in the NRL since the Storm’s round four loss to St George Illawarra but Sports Confidential understands that Melbourne officials are hopeful he could be available for selection again in coming weeks.
The former New Zealand sevens representative has been struggling with the after-effects of a head knock he suffered earlier in the year but it is understood he has been on the improve in recent weeks.
Warbrick’s return would add more ammunition to a backline that is already loaded. The Kiwi international scored 32 tries in two seasons leading into this year and was twice named the Storm’s back of the year.
RAIDERS SET TO LOCK DOWN ONE STAR, LOSE ANOTHER
Canberra are poised to sign Zac Hosking to a two-year extension but will allow Pasami Saulo a year ahead of schedule as the powerful front rower prepares to join Newcastle.
Hosking has been one of the signings of the season for the surprising Raiders and the club is set to reward him for his form with a deal that takes him through until at least the end of the 2028 – he is off contract at the end of next season.
Hosking’s new deal means that the Raiders keep him out of the clutches of the expansion sides – Perth enter the competition in 2027 and PNG in 2028.
Hosking has been a fixture in the Canberra back row this season, playing 13 games after joining the club last season from Penrith.
Saulo, on the other hand, hasn’t been able to crack the starting line-up and the Raiders are ready to let him go so he can join the Knights.
Saulo is contract to the Raiders until the end of 2027 but Sport Confidential understands that the Raiders have given him the green light to take up a deal with Newcastle.
Fellow forward Trey Mooney was also a target for rival clubs in the lead-up to June 30 but the Raiders held firm and it is believed they have no desire to let him leave given he has another two years remaining on his contract.
However, Saulo will depart at the end of the year and it is understood that the Knights have moved fast as they look to strengthen their forward pack for next season.
ANASTA PRAISES MUNSTER OVER ORIGIN BRAVERY
Braith Anasta has spoken of his pride at the performance of star client Cameron Munster after the Queensland captain overcame the passing of his father Steven to lead the Maroons to a series win.
Anasta was on the sideline at Accor Stadium to embrace Munster at full-time on Wednesday, the pair sharing a moment as Queensland celebrated a remarkable victory on foreign soil.
“Just very proud of Cameron and the way he’s handled the whole week,” said Anasta, the host of NRL 360 on Fox League.
“It’s been an inspiration, really. The way that he got back to see his family – his mom Deborah, his sister Danielle, his wife Bianca and the kids and made sure that he was there for them.
“But also to then come back and be there for his state, his teammates and his coach and the QR, it’s a phenomenal effort to ride the emotions of what he’s going through and then to turn up and deliver the way that he did.
“Very special. It says a lot about Cameron. I’m not surprised by it and I know his family and friends aren’t surprised by it. It’s just the human being that he is.
“If you actually break it down, to be named captain after a bad loss in game one and to win games two and three, get man of the match in game two, and then to have the sudden passing of his amazing dad Steven, then to win a series and be the captain.
“In that period of time, I don’t think many others could have done it. So I’m just proud of him and I’m really proud to be a good mate of his.
“From here on in, he’s still got to grieve. He’s gone straight back with his family, Bianca and the kids, his mom and sister and everybody else up in Queensland.
“He’s still got a grieve and he’s still got a tough period ahead. We’ve all got to get around him still because this week was such a high and a low emotionally for him.
“He’s still got a few challenges ahead. So we’re just going to make sure that everyone who knows him and loves him is there for him.”
FLASHBACK
Veteran coaches Brian Smith and Warren Ryan were involved in a war of words on this day 25 years ago. Bulldog Ritchie reported that Smith rang his rival after accusing him of talking “rubbish”. Smith was reacting to comments Ryan made following Parramatta’s 22-18 win against Ryan’s Newcastle side.
SHARKS SECURE RISING STAR
Cronulla have locked down one of their most promising players with Queensland under-19 star Prestyn Laine-Sietu committing to the club. Laine-Sietu, a centre, swept Cronulla’s junior representative awards this year, after being named the Sharks’ junior representative player of the year. He was also named SG Ball player of the year.
POLICE HUNTING ACCOR BOTTLE ATTACKER
Police remain on the lookout for the person who threw a bottle at the Broncos bench during Brisbane’s win against Canterbury at Sydney Olympic Park last Friday night. Police and venue security have been looking at surveillance footage but have so far been unable to find the culprit.
“Police are aware of the incident however, officers were unable to identify the individual,” a police statement read. “Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
The bottle just missed the Brisbane players on the bench as they celebrated their remarkable come from behind win. The incident occurred in the 76th minute.
Police said on Thursday that they had yet to receive a complaint following a can which was hurled at NSW player Connor Watson at the end of the game on Wednesday night.
GOOD NEWS FOR UNDER PRESSURE TIGERS OWNERS
The Holman Barnes Group have been given some much needed good news with the owners of the Wests Tigers cleared by Liquor and Gaming NSW.
Liquor and Gaming NSW opened an investigation into the running of the Holman Barnes Group earlier this year following the banning of three directors.
“Liquor and Gaming NSW has finalised an investigation into Western Suburbs Leagues Club following a complaint alleging board misconduct and governance failures,” a Liquor and Gaming NSW spokesman said. “The investigation identified no breach of the Registered Clubs Act 1976 (NSW). The club’s debenture system was found to be lawful and not to confer any unlawful or undue advantage to members.
“No further action will be taken at this time.”
The decision comes after long-term chief executive Simon Cook stood-down last week. Cook – who was also once interim boss of the Wests Tigers – spent nearly 14 years at the helm of Western Suburbs Leagues Club.
The court case between banned former director Rick Wayde and the Holman Barnes Group will continue with a hearing set for September.
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