Canberra Raiders express interest in signing Luciano Leilua but baulk at $900K price tag

North Queensland has made a key concession which is set to pave the way for Luciano Leilua to join Shane Flanagan’s Dragons revolution.

Luciano Leilua is set to leave the Cowboys but his destination is uncertain. Picture: Evan Morgan

Canberra has emerged as a potential suitor for North Queensland’s Luciano Leilua despite Leilua’s interest in returning to his former side St George Illawarra.

The Raiders have long been keen to sign Leilua and discussed the prospect of enticing him to the club last season. Now that he is on the open market they are prepared to make a significant play for the 27-year-old.

The Dragons have also indicated they are keen but have rejected his $900,000 price tag.

The Raiders have some salary cap space but are still awaiting final clearance on the future of Corey Harawira-Naera who may be forced to medically retire. That would free up about $650,000 from the Raiders’ salary cap.

Luciano Leilua is keen on joining the Dragons. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Leilua’s agent Mario Tartak met with the Dragons earlier this week before Leilua had a Zoom meeting with St George Illawarra officials on Thursday.

The Cowboys have given him permission to negotiate with rival clubs after Leilua formally requested a release from the final two years of his contract.

The Dragons have pursued his North Queensland teammates Heilum Luki and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki with the pair also locked in discussions to remain at the Cowboys.

Leilua was not named in North Queensland’s trial team to play the Broncos on Sunday afternoon. The St George junior made his debut for the Dragons in 2016 playing 43 matches before joining the Tigers.

The Dragons would need to move a player out of their top 30 to accommodate Leilua.

Injured outside back Corey Allan could be paid out given he will miss the rest of the season.