NRL market watch 2023: Bulldogs withdraw interest in Mitchell Moses
The Eels hopes of re-signing star halfback Mitch Moses have received a major boost, with one club withdrawing their interest. See the latest transfer news.
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A major domino has fallen Parramatta’s way with Canterbury officially withdrawing interest in signing star playmaker Mitchell Moses.
After more than six months of negotiations, the Eels are now favourites to retain their most important player with the Wests Tigers the only opposition left duelling for the 28-year-old.
Apprehensive and doubtful prior to Christmas that they would be able to keep Moses, the Eels are now confident of locking down their gun long-term.
Moses’ confidence as a player under Eels coach Brad Arthur, his partnership with rising star Dylan Brown and the prospect of playing regular finals footy are three major factors in Parramatta advancing to the box seat.
Canterbury, in the process of a stunning rebuild, were considered the lead threat to the Eels.
However, the Bulldogs informed Moses’ management late last week that they are no longer in a position to advance negotiations.
The Canterbury hierarchy had originally met with Moses about the prospect of partnering five-eighth Matt Burton in the halves at Belmore.
However, the acquisition of teen half Karl Oloapu from the Broncos - rated the best 18-year-old in the country - and the impressive pre-season of Kyle Flanagan led the Dogs to put an end to discussions with Moses.
Parramatta have played a patient game with Moses, allowing him the time to exhaust his options elsewhere, whilst also refusing to enter a bidding war for his signature.
The Eels haven’t moved on their original offer tabled prior to Christmas, believing the deal reflects the club’s eagerness to ensure Moses stays in the blue and gold.
The re-signing last December of Brown, until at least the end of 2025, would also be a significant influence on Moses’ call.
The pair formed one of the most damaging attacking combinations in 2022, evidenced by the Eels advancing to their first grand final since 2009.
BULLDOGS MAKE SHOCK CHOICE ON 2023 CAPTAIN
Canterbury has made a shock selection as skipper for the upcoming season, with long-time servant Raymond Faitala-Mariner appointed club captain as part of a six-man leadership group.
Recruit Reed Mahoney will be joined by star playmaker Matt Burton as game-day captains in a group that includes Josh Addo-Carr, Viliame Kikau and Max King.
Faitala-Mariner is the club’s longest-serving player, having arrived at the club midway through 2016 from the Warriors.
However, the other five members of the group have all arrived at the club within the past 14 months, including another new recruit in Kikau.
The sextet step into the role vacated by Josh Jackson, who retired through the summer.
“When Jacko (Josh Jackson) retired and obviously being one of the older ones at the club, I felt like a few boys needed to step up – there are big shoes to fill for Josh Jackson – so I thought I will be one of those boys to step up,” said Faitala-Mariner in a statement on Saturday.
“I knew we had a young crew coming through and because I really love the club and what they’ve done for me, I thought the best way to give back is to be a leader in my own way and be true to myself.”
Mahoney revealed rookie coach Cameron Ciraldo broached the topic of leadership prior to his arrival from Parramatta.
“Cam (Ciraldo) touched on it when I came that he wanted me to come and give my presence when I turn up, and I took that on board,” Mahoney said.
“It took me a while to sort of feel comfortable in that, but I just based everything around my actions and training hard. That’s what’s got me to where I am today – working hard.”
STORM SECURES PAPS INSURANCE POLICY
Storm star Nick Meaney has capitalised on a successful first year at the club, signing a contract extension that will keep him in Melbourne until the end of 2024.
Meaney featured prominently for Storm in 2022, playing 23 games, scoring 148 point and being named as the club’s joint Best Back award, tied with Ryan Papenhuyzen.
With Papenhuyzen in some doubt for Round 1 as he recovers from a knee injury, the handy utility will be key again for the Storm in 2023.
Meaney filled in at fullback, five-eighth and on the wing in 2022, and if Papenhuyzen is not ready to start the season, could start in the No.1 jersey.
In a statement released by Melbourne, Meaney says he’s happy to have his future at the club secured.
“I’m really happy to have the negotiations done and to have those two years, 2023 and now 2024, locked in,” Meaney said.
“I can now concentrate on the main job and that’s training and soon we’ll be back playing.”
Meanwhile, the New Zealand Warriors have announced local junior front-rowers Bunty Afoa and Tom Ale have signed contract extensions, which will ensure they remain at the club until at least the end of the 2025 season.
EXCLUSIVE: BIG-SPENDING BULLDOGS EYE ANOTHER STAR TARGET
– Phil Rothfield
Newcastle’s English winger Dominic Young is in talks with the Canterbury Bulldogs as Phil Gould continues his multimillion-dollar buying spree.
News Corp can reveal the 21-year-old winger toured the Bulldogs’ Belmore headquarters on Friday afternoon with Gould and coach Cameron Ciraldo.
Rated among the top half dozen wingers in the game, Young is off contract at the Knights at the end of this season.
He has also had talks with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, who have put their assistant coach and fellow Englishman Sam Burgess on the case.
Ciraldo is pleased with his talent in the Bulldogs’ outside backs but is always looking to strengthen the team. Gould has a huge opinion of the youngster from West Yorkshire.
Young scored 14 tries in 20 games for Newcastle this year.
He also scored nine tries in five games at the World Cup.
News Corp understands Young is keen to move to Sydney but the Knights are fighting desperately hard to sign him on a long-term deal.
They have two other English players arriving next year - Will Pryce and Kai Pearce-Paul who will add plenty of strike power at a club that struggled last year – and probably help their chances of keeping Young.
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