NRL Market Watch: Reece Robson set to sign Cowboys extension, Jojo Fifita pens new deal with Titans
The NRL transfer market is in overdrive, with one big gun set to ink a bumper extension and the Titans scoring a signing coup — keep up with all the latest NRL transfer news.
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One of the NRL’s most in demand free agents is about to be officially taken off the market.
Gun Cowboys dummy half Reece Robson is expected to extend his future at North Queensland in the coming days.
The Cowboys are aiming to lock down the tough hooker before November 1 to stave off significant interest from rival clubs.
Robson is due to return from his end of season trip to the United States on Friday and will walk straight into contract talks this weekend.
It appears all but certain the former St George Illawarra Dragon will be staying in Townsville for the long term.
Robson was considered a gun prospect while at the Dragons but at that point had then captain Cameron McInnes ahead of him in the pecking order.
But the 24-year-old has gone from strength to strength at the Cowboys to the point where he is now regarded as a future NSW State of Origin hooker, after being called into the Blues camp for the decider this year.
TITANS BOOST AS FIFITA SIGNS NEW DEAL
By Peter Badel and Travis Meyn
Gold Coast young gun Jojo Fifita has rejected interest from rugby union to sign a new deal with the Titans.
The classy outside back has ended weeks of speculation over his future by signing an extension that will keep him at the Titans until the end of 2025.
The 19-year-old had attracted interest from NRL rivals and rugby union following an impressive season that saw Fifita make his Titans debut and represent the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII against Papua New Guinea.
But in a coup for the Coast, Fifita is staying loyal as he looks to play a role in turning the embattled Titans into a finals force.
“Jojo is a real talent and a player that we’re excited to have here at the Titans long term,” Titans coach Justin Holbrook said.
“After growing up predominantly playing union, 2022 was just his second year of full-time rugby league and you can see how quickly he has adapted to our game.
“He’s a strike outside back but he is also a great defender and as he continues to develop we’re confident that you’ll see his game improve even further over the coming years.”
After starting the year with a string of impressive performances for Tweed Seagulls, Fifita made his NRL debut in round 18 against the Broncos.
The hard-running flyer played eight games in his debut season at both centre and wing, with his form earning him Australian selection for the Prime Minister’s XIII match.
Fifita’s stellar 2022 season also saw him represent Queensland in the under-19s State of Origin clash, as well as claiming the rookie of the year award at the Titans’ end-of-year function.
KEY EXIT OPENS DOOR FOR DREAM KNIGHTS COMBO
By Paul Crawley
Newcastle playmaker Jake Clifford has agreed to terms with Hull FC for next season.
The talented 24-year-old was on the outer with Knights coach Adam O’Brien but will now attempt to resurrect his career under Tony Smith in England.
It is understood Clifford has signed a two-year deal but the contract has an option that will allow him to return to the NRL at any point.
It comes as the Knights continue to chase hard for Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks.
Tigers coach Tim Sheens has remained silent on Brooks future in recent times despite previously saying he would not release the 27-year-old.
The Knights plan is to play Brooks in the halves with Kalyn Ponga at five-eighth next season.
Brooks is on a massive deal next year worth over $1 million so his exit would free up huge salary cap space for the Tigers.
The Knights have also been linked to Manly’s Reuben Garrick as a potential fullback replacement for Ponga.
Clifford is on $400,000 plus for next season so his move frees up good money for Newcastle.
Clifford is expected to make the move prior to Christmas.
Hull have also signed Clifford’s former Knights teammate Tex Hoy to play fullback.
Clifford is understood to maintain hopes of returning to the NRL at some stage in the future.
The Knights still have Adam Clune and former Bronco Tyson Gamble on their books for next season to partner Ponga in the halves if the Brooks chase fall short.
NAP TAPPED: CULT HERO’S CAREER IN BALANCE
— Dean Ritchie
Former Queensland State of Origin prop Dylan Napa has been asked by his French Super League club, Catalans, he can leave immediately.
French newspaper L’Independant is reporting Napa, the ex-Roosters and Bulldogs grand final winning prop, was instructed to move on despite having another season to run on his existing contract.
Catalans coach Steve McNamara – who has been an assistant coach at the Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors - wants to shift Napa to free up money to sign three or four players, possibly some playing in the current World Cup.
Napa - who is representing Cook Islands at the World Cup - may dig in and stay but knows he is unwanted. Despite being aged just 29, this decision could end Napa’s stellar career.
Rugged and hot-headed, Napa has only been playing in France for one year.
Another Australian-born Catalans player also free to leave is Josh Drinkwater.
Drinkwater had limited success at St George Illawarra and Wests Tigers before carving out a career at Catalans, twice, London Broncos, Leigh Centurions and Hull Kingston Rovers. He also played in Manly’s NYC side between 2010 and 2012.
L’Independant reported: “(Catalans) management told Dylan Napa and Josh Drinkwater that they would not be retained despite a year of contract, which brings the number of departures to twelve pending the recruitment of three to four additional players.”
Napa was suspended for five games in July for striking and copped an earlier four-game ban – after being sent off - in the opening round against St Helens.
He returned to play a key role in Catalans’ charge into the finals, only to be defeated in an elimination final against Leeds.
Catalans have or will allow 12 players to leave during the current off-season, the report stating this has been “one of the busiest off-seasons in recent history for the Dragons.”
Sydney Roosters prop Siosiua Taukeiaho has joined Catalans for next season.
After a disappointing end to 2022, where the club reached the top four, McNamara is seeking a total overhaul of his playing roster for 2023.
Another well-known former NRL player on the way out of Catalans is Sam Kasiano, the former Bulldogs giant who has joined Warrington.
Former Manly and Penrith centre Dean Whare has also parted ways with Catalans. He will play league one in France next season.
Catalans forward Joe Chan has joined Melbourne Storm.
Former NRL players Mitchell Pearce and Tyrone May will remain at the club for next season.
Napa played 122 games for the Sydney Roosters between 2013 and 2018 and a further 52 matches for Canterbury between 2019 and 2021.
He represented the Maroons in seven Origin games.
Napa may look to find another Super League club in hope of continuing his career.
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