NRL Rumour Mill: Off-season player news and movements

THE NRL player market has launched into overdrive with the passing of the November 1 deadline. Check out all the contract talk as it unfolds.

• FRENZY: $20m worth of talent goes on the market

• TRANSFER CENTRE: 2019 NRL player movement

THE NRL player market has launched into overdrive with the passing of the November 1 deadline. Check out all the contract talk as it unfolds.

The game’s premier talent coming off-contract for the 2020 season are officially allowed to negotiate and sign with rival NRL clubs.

The Daily Telegraph estimates the total worth of talent on the open market to be around $20 million.

Kurt Mann has been linked with a move to Newcastle. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Newcastle coach Nathan Brown has declared David Klemmer may not be the Knights’ last signing for 2019.

With luckless utility Slade Griffin (ACL) not expected back until July, the Knights have their sights on St George Illawarra’s Kurt Mann. But their hopes of a deal have stalled with the Dragons dropping out of the race for Jarryd Hayne.

“We’ve spoken about (in connection to) a utility player, Kurt Mann who could play that type of role,” Brown said.

“Whether those things unfold or not, we’re not sure. We’re certainly comfortable with where our squad is at.”

Brown also confirmed Sione Mata’utia would return to the back-row in 2019 after spending this year in the centres.

In other potential movements:

- Gareth Widdop has reportedly asked for a release from the final three years of his contract with St George Illawarra.

- Tevita Pangai Jnr indicated via social media he’s set to stay with Brisbane for the 2019 NRL season.

- Canterbury playmaker Kieran Foran has been strongly linked with a return to Manly under mentor Des Hasler.

- Valentine Holmes will make a stunning move to the NFL in 2019.

- New Zealand Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has been given permission to pursue a future elsewhere. Johnson’s departure could set off a transfer frenzy among NRL halves.

- Should Johnson leave the club, the Warriors are expected to engage in talks with off-contract Parramatta halves Mitchell Moses and Corey Norman.

- Australian prop David Klemmer is believed to want out of his deal with Canterbury, with the Newcastle Knights strongly favoured to secure his signature should he secure a release from Belmore.

- The Rabbitohs had hoped to announce the re-signings of John Sutton and Robert Jennings, who are officially free agents, but their salary cap is tight.

- South Sydney hooker Damien Cook will also attract enormous attention after a breakout season in 2019.

- Parramatta star Jarryd Hayne has been linked to French rugby as soon as the 2019 season.

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