NRL market watch: Dane Gagai re-signs with Newcastle Knights; Raiders grant duo permission to talk to rivals
Newcastle have extended in-form veteran back Dane Gagai, while the Raiders have told two players that they’re free to talk to rival NRL clubs effective immediately. MARKET WATCH.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Newcastle have extended in-form veteran back Dane Gagai by another 12 months.
Gagai was off-contract at the end of the season but the Newcastle fill-in skipper was in a stalemate with the club in recent weeks.
That had been resolved with the representative player agreeing to remain at Newcastle for another season.
The one-year extension comes after a fan-led petition for the former representative star to remain at the club.
RAIDERS DUO SET FOR EXIT
Canberra have granted young duo Trey Mooney and Chevy Stewart permission to talk with rival clubs immediately.
It is understood the high-flying Raiders met with the agent of Mooney and Stewart on Monday where the pair were told they were free to leave the club at the end of the season.
A host of clubs including Newcastle and St George Illawarra have expressed an interest in Mooney with the 23-year-old potentially on the move after Josh Papalii’s decision to reject a move to the Super League.
Mooney, contracted until the end of 2027, may be allowed to leave in order to keep Papali’i at the club for another 12 months.
Canberra have indicated to Mooney and Stewart that they aren’t desperate to move them on and would happily have them at the club beyond this season.
However, the players will now test the market to see what is available before holding further talks with the Raiders.
Stewart was highly-sought after as a rising star with the Raiders beating out a host of clubs to land the Cronulla junior. He has played just three games – all last season – with the 20-year-old off-contract at the end of next year.
The Raiders are interested in off-contract St George Illawarra winger Sione Finau despite Canberra becoming frustrated when news of their meeting last week surfaced publicly.
If they don’t pursue the injured Finau, the Raiders may explore a player swap with the Dragons for out-of-favour Tyrell Sloan. Sloan has also been granted permission to talk with rival clubs.
Canberra may look to swap Mooney or Stewart for Sloan if talks eventuate. Stewart has become stuck behind Kaeo Weekes who recently inked a mega extension to keep him at the club until at least the end of 2029.
RAIDERS MOVE TO KEEP KEY FORWARDS
Canberra have stepped up their bid to keep their table-topping side together after offering an extension to Morgan Smithies and holding talks with fellow Englishman Matty Nicholson.
It is understood the Raiders are also exploring the prospect of retaining Ata Mariota, who like Smithies and Nicholson is off contract at the end of next season.
All three shape as ideal targets for the Perth Bears as they prepare to enter the NRL in 2027 under the coaching of Mal Meninga, a man who knows the Raiders as well as anyone.
However, Canberra has moved to stave off a Meninga-inspired West Australian poaching raid by holding initial talks over long-term extensions for both Smithies and Nicholson.
The Raiders have also continued discussions in recent days with the management of young fullback Chevy Stewart and it is understood they may consider allowing him to leave at the end of the season – the Dragons are believed to be circling.
Stewart is regarded as one of the game’s emerging stars but his path to the No.1 jersey has been blocked by the outstanding Kaeo Weekes, who recently signed a long-term extension with the Raiders.
The future of forward Trey Mooney is also up in the air as the Raiders consider signing experienced prop Josh Papalii to an extension.
Mooney wanted playing time and was convinced to ignore a June 30 move because Papalii was expected to move to England at the end of the season.
However, Papalii has now had discussions over staying for another year, which may prompt Mooney to consider his future at the club.
Late to training, 0-4: Raiders falling standards expose big NRLW issue
The Raiders’ NRLW season is in free fall after four rounds, prompting a savage spray from their coach. But it highlights an issue in the women’s game no one is talking about.
Shut your mouth: Time for NRL stars to stop bullying referees
Every week NRL stars are deliberately placing pressure on referees by arguing decisions, complaining about rulings and demanding penalties … and its trickling down to junior rugby league matches, writes DEAN RITCHIE.