Monday Buzz: Roosters face contract conundrum on in-form Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

The Sydney Roosters’ recruitment and retention team face an awkward problem with in-form prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves’ cap money has already been spent elsewhere. Picture: Getty

Sports Editor-at-large Phil Rothfield runs his rule over the weekend sporting action.

From the future of in-form Roosters forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, to the tough challenge facing the Dolphins, to the deciding factor in Jack Wighton’s contract negotiations.

Read on for more.

HIGHLIGHT

A great rugby league tackle can be as good to watch as a length-of-the-field try. There were some rippers over the weekend – Harry Grant on Izaac Thompson and Nick Meaney on Alex Johnston in the Storm v Rabbitohs match. Plus Mitch Moses on Daniel Tupou and Clint Gutherson on Victor Radley in the Roosters v Eels.

LOWLIGHT

The Dolphins’ bubble bursting in Wollongong on Saturday night. They won’t run last but it’s going to be tough going from here on.

The Dolphins face a tough challenge from here with so many injuries. Picture: Getty.

SHOOSH

The Canberra Raiders’ terrible performance against the Penrith Panthers on Friday night has not helped their chances of retaining their best player, five-eighth Jack Wighton. He wants to win a premiership more than anything else.

SHOOSH

We often receive humorous contributions from readers for this column. This one is a beauty.

“Which South Sydney Forward was seen walking his dog along the path between South and North Cronulla Beach last week, when fido decided to do a big Number 2 on the pathway?

“Further, the unnamed player wasn’t carrying a ‘doggy do do’ bag, and was last seen standing next to the crime, like a stunned mullet, not knowing how to deal with the situation!! Last I saw he was trying to use his foot to push it off the path onto the grass! Hope no-one walked on it.”

SHOOSH

Another barnstorming performance from big Jared Waerea-Hargreaves against the Parramatta Eels has left the Roosters recruitment and retention team with much to think about. JWH is off contract this year and the club has already used his cap money to sign Spencer Leniu. There is now talk that JWH wants to go around again next year.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves’ cap money has already been spent elsewhere. Picture: Getty

SPOTTED

The Sydney Roosters players, partners, kids and coaching staff at Luna Park on Friday night.

SPOTTED

Melbourne Storm players, unlike the Parramatta Eels, love interacting with fans after games. They stayed on the field for at least 20 minutes after the win over Souths, giving away their boots, socks and jerseys to fans. “Some of them were almost naked by the time they left the field,” said one observer.

360 VIEW

Catch you on NRL 360 at 6.30pm with Dan Ginnane, Paul Kent, Peter Badel and Cooper Cronk to dissect all the issues from round five. Special guest is Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters.