Kieran Foran signing won’t force Michael Lichaa out of Bulldogs

THE Kieran Foran to Canterbury whispers grow louder, but hooker Michael Lichaa won’t be moved on to accommodate the troubled Parramatta star.

THE Kieran Foran to Canterbury whispers grow louder, but hooker Michael Lichaa won’t be moved on to accommodate any potential move for the troubled Parramatta star.

That’s the message out of Belmore amid reports Lichaa has been told he is free to look elsewhere with one season remaining on his contract.

The former Cronulla junior’s departure would allow the Bulldogs to move Moses Mbye to hooker, leaving the five-eighth position open for Foran.

However, The Daily Telegraph has received assurances from a senior Bulldogs official they have no intentions of releasing Lichaa before his current contract expires at the end of next year.

The hooker’s manager Sam Ayoub reinforced this message when contacted last night.

Michael Lichaa is staying put at the Canterbury Bulldogs. Picture: Mark Evans

“I’ve spoken to Des a few times in the last few days and not for one second at any day has he mentioned Lichaa in any way,” Ayoub said.

“There is absolutely no truth in it (being shopped around) at all — zero.”

Lichaa won’t be going anywhere, while his opposite at hooker at ANZ Stadium on Friday night is hoping to follow suit.

Off-contract Dragons No.9 Mitch Rein remains confident of re-signing with the club in the coming weeks.

Rein has been linked to leaving the Dragons, but it’s understood he is edging closer to a new deal at the Red V.

Mitch Rein has been linked to leaving the Dragons.

This process has taken extra time due to the fact St George Illawarra are walking a tightrope with their salary cap.

The Dragons are keen to retain Rein, but only at an affordable figure that will help them under the salary cap.