How mid-season NRL signings will affect your club
A new recruit or a young gun already at the club? Find out who your NRL team has signed and could still recruit to finalise their roster before the June 30 deadline.
The NRL’s June 30 deadline is rapidly approaching and clubs are scrambling to finalise their rosters.
All 16 NRL clubs need to have 30 players signed to their top squad by the end of the month, and there is plenty of movement still to come.
Keep up to date with all the transfer rumours, signings and contract upgrades ahead of June 30.
In recent signing news:
* Melbourne have promoted Cooper Johns — son of Knights great Matthew Johns — to their top squad, while also landing Fiji Test centre Isaac Lumelume from Cronulla
* Parramatta have landed star Penrith centre Waqa Blake on a four-and-a-half-year deal. The big Fijian is expected to stay on the sidelines until Round 20 but when he does return it’ll be in blue and gold. Blake previously re-signed with Penrith until the end of 2023 last October. The move could open the door for Tyrone Peachey to return to Penrith
* The Broncos have poached one of Wayne Bennett’s Bunnies in a bid to bolster their forward pack, luring giant prop Rhys Kennedy north
* Exciting young fullback Scott Drinkwater has been released from his Storm contract to join the Cowboys
* Melbourne have signed Tongan centre Solomone Kata from the Warriors and Titans prop Max King, and also promoted young hooker Harry Grant to their top 30
* St George Illawarra have finally landed a replacement for the suspended Jack de Belin with Storm prop Patrick Kaufusi joining the club
* The Warriors have recruited young forward Josh Curran from the Roosters
* The Titans have signed Knights forward Sam Stone
BRISBANE BRONCOS
Recent Ins: James Segeyaro, Rhys Kennedy
Recent Outs: Kodi Nikorima (Warriors), James Roberts (Rabbitohs), Tanah Boyd (Titans)
Full squad (29):
Jack Bird, Darius Boyd, Patrick Carrigan, Troy Dargan, Tom Dearden, George Fai, Shaun Fensom, David Fifita, Thomas Flegler, Matt Gillett, Alex Glenn, Payne Haas, Jamil Hopoate, Jamayne Isaako, Richard Kennar, Rhys Kennedy, Matthew Lodge, Patrick Mago, Andrew McCullough, Anthony Milford, Corey Oates, Joe Ofahengaue, Sean O’Sullivan, Tevita Pangai Junior, Kotoni Staggs, Jaydn Su’A, James Segeyaro, Gehamat Shibasaki, Sam Tagataese.
Analysis: New coach Anthony Seibold has overseen two high-profile departures in what’s been a season of upheaval at Red Hill: halfback Kodi Nikorima left to join the Warriors before star centre James Roberts quit to link with Wayne Bennett at the Rabbitohs. Nikorima’s exit came on the back of Seibold promoting young gun Tom Dearden to play in the halves alongside Anthony Milford. Brisbane snared former Cronulla hooker James Segeyaro last month to ease what was then a hooker crisis following an injury to Andrew McCullough. Segeyaro’s instant impact — he scored the matchwinning try against the Roosters on his club debut — combined with the form of rookie rake Jake Turpin and McCullough’s quick recovery now provides coach Anthony Seibold with a selection headache. The Broncos do, however, face a battle to retain Turpin, with the Bulldogs heading a list of NRL rivals keen to lure him away from Brisbane.
— Dominic Burke
Update: The Broncos have poached one of Wayne Bennett’s Bunnies in a bid to bolster their forward pack.
Rhys Kennedy, 24, has signed a one-and-a-half year contract with Brisbane, effective immediately.
The 197cm tall giant prop trained at Red Hill for the first time this morning and could play as early as next week against Cronulla.
Kennedy has spent three years in the Melbourne Storm system before making his NRL debut for South Sydney in Round 3 this year.
— Chris Honnery
CANBERRA RAIDERS
Recent Ins: None
Recent Outs: None
Full squad (29):
Brad Abbey, John Bateman, Luke Bateman, JJ Collins, Nick Cotric, Jarrod Croker, Emre Guler, Ata Hingano, Josh Hodgson, Corey Horsburgh, Siliva Havili, Royce Hunt, Sebastian Kris, Joseph Leilua, Dunamis Lui, Jack Murchie, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Michael Oldfield, Josh Papalii, Jordan Rapana, Aidan Sezer, Bailey Simonsson, Sia Soliola, Ryan Sutton, Joseph Tapine, Elliott Whitehead, Jack Wighton, Sam Williams, Hudson Young
Analysis: Canberra’s sensational late pre-season raid of the player market has contributed significantly to their 2019 success. More so, it’s left them with 29 spots filled in their roster and a stack of genuine NRL quality depth. Cut-priced purchases Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Bailey Simonsson were signed as capable reserves, they’ve since transitioned into top 17 players. Nicoll-Klokstad has evolved from a reserve grade winger at the Warriors to one of the NRL’s most reliable fullbacks, while 21-year-old Simonsson is a frighteningly raw talent with limitless potential. Add in the rapid growth of rookie’s Hudson Young and Corey Horsburgh and the squad is well-placed to continue their unlikely surge towards a first premiership in 25 years. Ricky Stuart is unsure whether the final spot on his roster will be a recruit or a development player upgrade. If it’s the latter, highly regarded lightweight hooker Tom Starling is the frontrunner for a promotion, particularly given the opportunity to impress in Josh Hodgson’s absence through injury.
— Tim Williams
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
Recent Ins: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
Recent Outs: None
Full squad (30): Fa’amanu Brown, Jack Cogger, Christian Crichton, Adam Elliott, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Kieran Foran, Danny Fualalo, Corey Harawira-Naera, Morgan Harper, Kerrod Holland, Will Hopoate, Josh Jackson, Lachlan Lewis, Michael Lichaa, Jeremy Marshall-King, Rhyse Martin, Nick Meaney, Marcelo Montoya, Dylan Napa, Ofahiki Ogden, Jayden Okunbor, John Olive, Chris Smith, Reimis Smith, Sauaso Sue, Aiden Tolman, Renouf To’omaga, Francis Tualau, Brandon Wakeham, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
Analysis: Unwanted at Penrith, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has found a home at Belmore and secured the final spot at Canterbury for 2019. The addition of the New Zealand international adds some much-needed fire power to the bottom-placed side. Salary cap issues and mismanagement have meant this roster has been in a state of flux over recent seasons, which has seen the likes of Moses Mbye, Aaron Woods and David Klemmer released from their contracts. While things have been more stable this year there could still be some more movement to come after reports the Bulldogs are chasing Brisbane hooker Jake Turpin. The hooking position has been a trouble spot for the Bulldogs and neither Michael Lichaa nor Jeremy Marshall-King have excelled in the role. It has long been rumoured that Lichaa, who has been relegated to the reserves, would be free to move on if he found another club. The push to move him on could be ramped up in a bid to find a spot for Turpin. “I don’t know if we can fit anyone into our squad before June 30, but we think Jake would be a good fit for the Bulldogs down the track,” Canterbury director Chris Anderson said.
— Fatima Kdouh
CRONULLA SHARKS
Recent Ins: None
Recent Outs: James Segeyaro (Broncos), Ava Seumanufagai (Leeds), Isaac Lumelume (Storm)
Full Squad (27):
Blayke Brailey, Jayden Brailey, Jayson Bukuya, Kurt Capewell, Josh Dugan, Sosaia Feki, Andrew Fifita, Kyle Flanagan, Paul Gallen, Wade Graham, Aaron Gray, Shaun Johnson, Sione Katoa, William Kennedy, Billy Magoulias, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Josh Morris, Matt Moylan, Briton Nikora, Matt Prior, Scott Sorensen, Cruz Topai-Aveai, Chad Townsend, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Jack Williams, Aaron Woods, Bronson Xerri
Analysis: Cronulla boast arguably the most well-balanced roster in the NRL with serious depth in all positions. The club have fought through a barrage of injuries to come out a superior squad than the one that began the year. The injury crisis, which is almost behind them, has allowed John Morris to blood his less experienced players which will prove vital at the back end of the season. The accelerated development of Braden Hamlin-Uele, Jack Williams, Bronson Xerri, Blayke Brailey, Kyle Flanagan and Briton Nikora has provided healthy competition for spots. The versatility of Kurt Capewell, Matt Moylan and Josh Dugan has proven invaluable for the side during tough periods. Cronulla have two more spots to fill on their roster, while persistent rumours have linked Kyle Flanagan with a switch to the Sydney Roosters. Flanagan’s potential departure seems odd, as an injury in the halves would force Matt Moylan back to five-eighth which would be a major disruption in the hunt for a second NRL premiership. With depth certainly not an issue for the Shire folk, it will likely present an opportunity for Morris to upgrade two younger players.
— Tim Williams
GOLD COAST TITANS
Ins: Kallum Watkins, Tanah Boyd, Sam Stone
Outs: Max King (Storm), Tyrone Peachey (expected)
Full squad (29):
Jai Arrow, Jesse Arthars, Shannon Boyd, Tanah Boyd, AJ Brimson, Bryce Cartwright, Dale Copley, Anthony Don, Moeaki Fotuaika, Michael Gordon, Keegan Hipgrave, Ryley Jacks, Ryan James, Brian Kelly, Leilani Latu, Brenko Lee, Will Matthews, Nathan Peats, Kevin Proctor, Mitch Rein, Tyrone Roberts, Phillip Sami, Treymain Spry, Jack Stockwell, Sam Stone, Ash Taylor, Jarrod Wallace, Kallum Watkins, Jai Whitbread
Analysis: The arrival of England Test centre Kallum Watkins can’t come soon enough for a battered Gold Coast side facing another failed season. Watkins’ signature will offset the likely departure of utility Tyrone Peachey (Penrith) and he’ll compete with Jesse Arthars and Treymain Spry for the number three jersey. Tanah Boyd joins the Titans to bolster their playmaking stocks. Ash Taylor’s expected return gives Garth Brennan five playmaking options in Taylor, Boyd, Tyrone Roberts, AJ Brimson and Ryley Jacks. Jai Arrow’s injury means GC miss their two most consistent forwards (Ryan James is out for the season) and the Titans’ forward depth will be sorely tested in the back half of the year.
— Lachlan Grey
MANLY SEA EAGLES
Recents Ins: Morgan Boyle (Titans)
Recent Outs: Frank Winterstein (Penrith), Kelepi Tanginoa (Wakefield)
Full squad (30): Morgan Boyle, Daly Cherry-Evans, Lachlan Croker, Cade Cust, Zach Dockar-Clay, Brendan Elliot, Kane Elgey, Manase Fainu, Addin Fonua-Blake, Tevita Funa, Reuben Garrick, Jack Gosiewski, Trent Hodkinson, Albert Hopoate, Semisi Kioa, Apisai Koroisau, Abbas Miski, Brad Parker, Taniela Paseka, Lloyd Perrett, Toafofoa Sipley, Curtis Sironen, Moses Suli, Jorge Taufua, Martin Taupau, Joel Thompson, Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic, Corey Waddell, Dylan Walker
Analysis: Manly’s injury troubles and the departures of Winterstein and Tanginoa means there’s been a fair bit of squad turnover at Brookvale. Lebanese international Abbas Miski is expected to claim a vacant spot in the top squad and he may be joined by Zack Dockar-Clay, who has been included in the extended squad for the Sea Eagles several times this season and may now earn a bench spot in the coming weeks following the injury to Apisai Koroisau.
— Nick Campton
MELBOURNE STORM
Recent Ins: Solomone Kata (Warriors), Max King (Titans), Isaac Lumelume (Sharks), Cooper Johns (promoted), Nicho Hynes (development player)
Recent Outs: Cheyse Blair (Castleford), Sam Kasiano (Catalans), Patrick Kaufusi (Dragons), Scott Drinkwater (Cowboys)
Full squad (30): Josh Addo-Carr, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich, Will Chambers, Brodie Croft, Sandor Earl, Thomas Eisenhuth, Tino Faasuamaleaui, Dale Finucane, Harry Grant, Jahrome Hughes, Cooper Johns, Tui Kamikamica, Solomone Kata, Felise Kaufusi, Max King, Isaac Lumelume, Cameron Munster, Justin Olam, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Curtis Scott, Marion Seve, Brandon Smith, Cameron Smith, Joe Stimson, Albert Vete, Suliasi Vunivalu, Billy Walters, Christian Welch
Update: Melbourne have been one of the busiest teams in the lead-up to the signing deadline. Exciting young fullback Scott Drinkwater was first released to take up a deal with North Queensland, as the club recruited Tongan centre Solomone Kata and Gold Coast prop Max King. Young hooker Harry Grant was also promoted to their top 30. Now giant Fijian back Isaac Lumelume has joined Melbourne from Cronulla, while young playmaker Cooper Johns — son of Knights great Matthew Johns — has been promoted to the top squad as the Storm finalise their roster ahead of June 30.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Recent Ins: None
Recent Outs: Sam Stone (Titans)
Full squad (27): Mitch Barnett, Jamie Buhrer, Herman Ese’ese, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Tim Glasby, Slade Griffin, Hymel Hunt, David Klemmer, Edrick Lee, Danny Levi, Mason Lino, Kurt Mann, Tautau Moga, James Gavet, Aidan Guerra, Brodie Jones, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Josh King, Sione Mata’utia, Mitchell Pearce, Kalyn Ponga, Jesse Ramien, Nathan Ross (retired), Daniel Saifiti, Jacob Saifiti, Pasami Saulo, Sam Stone, Connor Watson, Zac Woolford.
Analysis: Newcastle still have one roster spot to fill before June 30, most likely from within the club’s development players. Contenders include Beau Fermor, a Queensland under-20s backrower who was signed from the Melbourne Storm system and is described by club insiders as “a weapon”. Another possible option is teenage halfback Phoenix Crossland. Born in New Zealand, the gifted playmaker moved to Newcastle with his family as a child and is well rated by Knights No.7 Mitchell Pearce. Despite the retirement of cult winger Nathan Ross, the club will not replace him in the top 30.
— Nick Walshaw
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Recent Ins: Kodi Nikorima, Josh Curran
Recent Outs: Solomone Kata (Storm)
Full squad (30): Bunty Afoa, Blake Ayshford, Leeson Ah Mau, Adam Blair, Gerard Beale, Lachlan Burr, Josh Curran, Jackson Frei, David Fusitu’a, Blake Green, Tohu Harris, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Patrick Herbert, Peta Hiku, Solomone Kata, Adam Keighran, Karl Lawton, Issac Luke, Sam Lisone, Ken Maumalo, Taane Milne, Kodi Nikorima, Agnatius Paasi, Isaiah Papali’i, Hayze Perham, Leivaha Pulu, Nathaniel Roache, Ligi Sao, Chris Satae, Jazz Tevaga, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Development players: Selestino Ravutaumada, Paul Turner, Eliesa Katoa
Analysis: The only major recruit for the Warriors since the season began is former Brisbane half Kodi Nikorima. The New Zealand Test representative shapes as the long-term replacement for Shaun Johnson after joining the club from the Broncos in May. Adam Keighran has been told he’s free to leave if another club wants him but the halfback is expected to stay in Auckland until season’s end. He takes up the final spot on the club’s 30-man roster and no movement is expected in the lead up to June 30.
— Nick Campton
Update: The Warriors have recruited young forward Josh Curran from the Roosters. The 20-year-old made his NRL debut in the Roosters’ 21-20 win over Melbourne in Round 6.
“We’ve been watching Josh closely and he’ll give us more depth among our back row options,” Warriors general manager football Brian Smith said.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Recent Ins: Jordan Kahu, Josh McGuire, Scott Drinkwater
Recent Outs: None
Full squad (30):
John Asiata, Kurt Baptiste, Scott Bolton, Javid Bowen, Jake Clifford, Gavin Cooper, Scott Drinkwater, Mitchell Dunn, Kyle Feldt, Gideon Gela-Mosby, Jake Granville, Ben Hampton, Coen Hess, Peter Hola, Corey Jensen, Jordan Kahu, Nene Macdonald, Te Maire Martin, Josh McGuire, Jordan McLean, Michael Morgan, Francis Molo, Justin O’Neill, Tom Opacic, Emry Pere, Matthew Scott, Murray Taulagi, Jason Taumalolo, Enari Tuala, Shane Wright
Analysis: The Cowboys are facing an injury crisis with almost half of their squad affected by an injury at some stage this year. The club is still on the hunt for a specialist fullback following the debacle with Ben Barba during the off-season which forced coach Paul Green to reshuffle his backline. The signing of former Bronco Jordan Kahu in the pre-season seemed to relieve the pressure but was shifted to the centres for Te Maire Martin to play at the back. However, with both players going down to injury, Queensland Origin star Michael Morgan has been forced to play in the No.1 jersey. The club is still on the hunt to fill the last spots on their roster before the June 30 deadline and it’s rumoured Melbourne fullback Scott Drinkwater is in the equation.
— Chris Honnery
Update: Exciting young fullback Scott Drinkwater has been released from Melbourne to join North Queensland and he could be playing for his new NRL side as soon as Friday night’s Round 15 clash against St George Illawarra.
Drinkwater had already signed with the Cowboys for 2020 and sought an early release with the Townsville side facing an injury crisis in their backs.
PARRAMATTA EELS
Recent Ins: Waqa Blake (Penrith)
Recent Outs: Kaysa Pritchard (retired)
Full squad (30): Daniel Alvaro, Waqa Blake, Dylan Brown, Nathan Brown, Andrew Davey, Kane Evans, Blake Ferguson, Bevan French, David Gower, Clint Gutherson, Josh Hoffman, George Jennings, Michael Jennings, Oregon Kaufusi, Shaun Lane, Greg Leleisiuao, Matt McIlwrick, Reed Mahoney, Tim Mannah, Manu Ma’u, Tepai Moeroa, Michael Moses, Marata Niukore, Junior Paulo, Jaeman Salmon, Maiko Sivo, Will Smith, Raymond Stone, Brad Takairangi, Peni Terepo.
Analysis: Tim Mannah’s departure to Wests Tigers has collapsed, with Parramatta no longer desperate to secure a top class middle forward before the June 30 deadline. The Eels have an estimated $600,000 to spend on their 2019 salary cap and after missing out on Matt Lodge, Melbourne’s Christian Welsh had been in the Eels’ sights. Mannah’s likely exit at season’s end would allow the club to extend the futures of young props Oregon Kaufusi and Stefano Utoikamanu. Waqa Blake comes in for Kaysa Pritchard who was forced into early retirement.
— Paul Crawley
PENRITH PANTHERS
Recent Ins: Frank Winterstein, Mitch Kenny, Brian To’o
Recent Outs: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Tim Grant, Waqa Blake
Full squad (29): Caleb Aekins, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Jed Cartwright, Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Wayde Egan, Kaide Ellis, James Fisher-Harris, Tyrell Fuimaono, Jack Hetherington, Sione Katoa, Mitch Kenny, Viliame Kikau, Moses Leota, Jarome Luai, Nick Lui-Toso, James Maloney, Josh Mansour, Liam Martin, Tyrone May, Brent Naden, Paea Pua, Hame Sele, James Tamou, Brian To’o, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, Dean Whare, Frank Winterstein, Isaah Yeo
Analysis: New coach Ivan Cleary still has one more spot on his roster to fill even though Brian To’o and Mitch Kenny were recently added into the NRL squad. Kenny was called into grade from outside the top 30 via an exemption. But the termination of Tim Grant’s contract due to injury has allowed Kenny to earn a full-time gig. Local junior and Kiwi international Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s time at Penrith came to an end recently after a rumoured falling out with coaching staff. The future of James Maloney has come into question at different stages this season but the veteran playmaker in no uncertain terms told The Daily Telegraph he intends on seeing out the rest of his deal. “I have another year and I intend to play it out and be here. The club has told me they want me to be here,” Maloney said.
— Fatima Kdouh
Update (Jun 27): Young outside back Brent Naden has been upgraded and
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Recent Ins: Ethan Lowe (Cowboys), Jaxson Paulo (Gold Coast), James Roberts (Brisbane)
Recent Outs: Greg Inglis (retired), Rhys Kennedy
Full squad (30):
Corey Allan, Tom Amone, Dean Britt, Billy Brittain, George Burgess, Sam Burgess, Tom Burgess, Braidon Burns, Damien Cook, Corey Denniss, Kurt Dillon, Adam Doueihi, Dane Gagai, Jacob Gagan, Campbell Graham, Mawene Hiroti, Alex Johnston, Liam Knight, Ethan Lowe, Cameron Murray, Mark Nicholls, Jaxson Paulo, Adam Reynolds, Bailey Sironen, John Sutton, Tevita Tatola, Connor Tracey, Kyle Turner, Cody Walker.
Analysis: Young prop Tom Amone has taken the final spot in the top 30 roster after making his NRL debut off the bench against the Panthers in Round 14. James Roberts’ recent arrival has certainly thrown a spanner in the works in relation to Dane Gagai’s future. While Gagai won’t be released before the June 30 deadline, there is still a chance the Queensland Origin star could be on the move at season’s end, despite the club’s assurance Gagai will see out the remainder of his contract until the end of 2021.
— Paul Crawley
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA
Recent Ins: Patrick Kaufusi
Recent Outs: None
Full squad (30):
Euan Aitken, Mitchell Allgood, Jack de Belin*, Matt Dufty, Jai Field, Tyson Frizell, James Graham, Jacob Host, Ben Hunt, Patrick Kaufusi, Josh Kerr, Tim Lafai, Jeremy Latimore, Blake Lawrie, Luciano Leilua, Zac Lomax, Lachlan Maranta, Cameron McInnes, Darren Nicholls, Corey Norman, Jonus Pearson, Jordan Pereira, Mikaele Ravalawa, Reece Robson, Tristan Sailor, Korbin Sims, Tariq Sims, Lachlan Timm, Paul Vaughan, Gareth Widdop.
* Banned under the NRL’s no-fault stand-down rule
Analysis: The Dragons are hopeful of adding an outside back to their roster before June 30. They have looked externally but if they are unable to sign a first grade player they may look at promoting one of their young players with Australian Schoolboy Jason Saab the leading contender. St George Illawarra are still chasing certainty regarding a Jack de Belin replacement. The sticking point has been they can only offer a deal to the end of this season as their salary cap is stretched next year. They have $239,000 to spend for this year with the likes of premiership winner Trent Merrin linked to a return to the club. The Dragons have also sounded out the possibility of loaning a player from a rival club and that talk could heat up in the next couple of days. Long-term they don’t have many spots to fill for next year. Reece Robson is tipped to move to the Cowboys while Jai Field, Josh Kerr and Jeremy Latimore are the only NRL players off-contract.
— Michael Carayannis
Update: St George Illawarra have finally landed a replacement for the suspended Jack de Belin with Storm prop Patrick Kaufusi joining the club.
The deal is for the rest of the season.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Recent Ins: Drew Hutchinson
Recent Outs: Craig Garvey, Josh Curran (Warriors)
Full squad (27): Mitchell Aubusson, Egan Butcher, Nat Butcher, Lindsay Collins, Boyd Cordner, Angus Crichton, Cooper Cronk, Josh Curran, Poasa Faamasusili, Jake Friend, Ryan Hall, Matthew Ikuvalua, Luke Keary, Asu Kepaoa, Lachlan Lam, Brock Lamb, Bernard Lewis, Isaac Liu, Joseph Manu, Latrell Mitchell, Brett Morris, Victor Radley, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, James Tedesco, Zane Tetevano, Sitili Tupouniua, Daniel Tupou, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
Analysis: The Roosters have two vacancies in their top squad and judging on the first half of the season Sam Verrills and Drew Hutchinson seem certainties to fill the gaps. Hutchinson has come from nowhere to partner Cooper Cronk in the last two matches and with Lachlan Lam and Luke Keary injured and Brock Lamb out of favour he could be the starting five-eighth for some time yet. Verrills has impressed since making his debut against Melbourne earlier this year and the clever dummy half would be a good addition. The club has been linked with Cronulla’s Kyle Flanagan but it remains to be seen if a deal will be done by the deadline.
— Nick Campton
WESTS TIGERS
Recent Ins: Robert Jennings
Recent Outs: None
Full squad (29):
Josh Aloiai, Luke Brooks, Michael Chee-Kam, Oliver Clark, Matt Eisenhuth, Robbie Farah, Mahe Fonua, Tyson Gamble, Luke Garner, Robert Jennings, Chris Lawrence, Jacob Liddle, Benji Marshall, Esan Marsters, Ryan Matterson, Ben Matulino, Moses Mbye, Sam McIntyre, Chris McQueen, Thomas Mikaele, Paul Momirovski, David Nofoaluma, Russell Packer, Josh Reynolds, Robbie Rochow, Dylan Smith, Elijah Taylor, Corey Thompson, Alex Twal
Analysis: Veteran Parramatta forward Tim Mannah was set to lock up the final spot in Michael Maguire’s roster but the move has now fallen through. While Mannah’s switch didn’t eventuate it does provide an insight into Maguire’s intentions for the final spot in the top 30. There could be further movement if speculation that the premiership winning coach is looking to offload players from all parts of his roster comes to fruition. The immediate future of the likes of Russell Packer, Elijah Taylor, Chris McQueen and Josh Reynolds are all still up in the air. Maguire inherited a roster with the fingerprints of former coach Ivan Cleary all over it — such as the signings of Reynolds, Packer and Ben Matulino. Matulino addressed speculation he is not wanted by Maguire last week: “He’s (Maguire) told the guys individually whether they are staying or not. But he’s told me I’m staying for two more years.”
— Fatima Kdouh
Billy Slater in crazy career shift
Storm legend and Queensland coach Billy Slater has taken up a new position that nobody saw coming after the NRL season.
Broncos star named to become dual international for Kiwis
The Kiwi Ferns have called up four debutants for the Pacific Championships including Brisbane star Gayle Broughton who is poised to join one of sport’s most exclusive clubs.