NRL transfer window: Clubs ready for late Christmas shopping rush ahead of 2020 shutdown

It’s nearly Christmas and the futures of some of the NRL’s biggest names remain uncertain. PAUL CRAWLEY tackles 10 of the biggest questions that need to be answered.

Brandon Smith, Josh Mansour, Boyd Cordner and Gareth Widdop.

With the futures of some of the NRL’s biggest names and brightest young stars still up in the air heading into the final week before all clubs shut down for the Christmas break, PAUL CRAWLEY tackles 10 burning questions that still need to be sorted out.

1. CAMERON SMITH

I suppose we all should be grateful that this long-running retirement soap opera is finally expected to be settled this week.

But even if Smith produces a last-minute curve ball and decides to play on at a rival club next season, I still can’t see how anyone could justify why this had to drag on for as long as it did.

No one disputes Smith has earned the right to take time to consider his options after such an illustrious career, but the way it played out went beyond a joke and just ended up embarrassing all involved.

The Cameron Smith saga is set to finally end. Picture: Grant Trouville/NRL Photos

2. GARETH WIDDOP/BENJI MARSHALL

This could be a public relations disaster if the Tigers end up handing Widdop a lifeline after pushing Benji out the door.

Right now Widdop’s best chance of securing a start in the NRL next year appears to be at Concord.

Of course, Widdop can return and finish his deal at Warrington, which is probably his most likely option.

Benji Marshall was released by Wests Tigers. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty

But after arriving back from England to try to sort out some family issues, Widdop is due out of quarantine in coming days and it is understood his agent did have talks with the Tigers last week.

With Billy Walters now reportedly pushing to join his dad at Brisbane, a player of Widdop’s experience could fill a hole at a bargain price.

Would he be a better option than Benji is the big question? Because Benji still can’t find a home, either.

3. JOSH ADDO-CARR

This is another circus that has left a sour taste.

While the “Fox hunt” has gone quiet in recent weeks, the Storm and the Bulldogs both want a decision before the players return in the new year.

Melbourne want Addo-Carr to focus on 2021 while the Dogs need to know if he will be at their club in 2022 or whether they need to spend elsewhere.

Rumours Addo-Carr wants in at Souths just won’t go away even though the Rabbitohs are adamant it won’t happen.

Brandon Smith is now the hottest signature on the market. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty

4. BRANDON SMITH

Every club would want this bloke but it appears Smith will end up at either Brisbane or Gold Coast in 2022 because Smith wants to live in southeast Queensland.

Imagine him in the same Titans pack as David Fifita and big Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.

5. STEPHEN CRICHTON

Young Crichton is worth every cent of his reported asking price of $750,000 a season. We’re not only talking about the game’s best young centre but a young superstar more than capable of making the shift to fullback.

While the Dogs would love to land him for 2022 and beyond, it is hard to see the Panthers letting him walk unless if they can’t fit him in a cap that is busting at the seams with so many players wanting an upgrade.

Stephen Crichton is one of the most talented youngsters in the game. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty

6. MICHAEL JENNINGS

There is still no word when Jennings’ B-sample for his positive drug test result will arrive back.

But if, as expected, the Eels are without Jennings next season they need to find a suitable replacement fast.

No disrespect to Tom Opacic and young Haze Dunster, but neither of them are in Jennings’ league at this point.

Mostly known for his tryscoring prowess, Jennings is also one of the best defensive centres in the game.

7. BOYD CORDNER

The Roosters are keeping this very private and no one holds that against them.

But what is clear is that Cordner will be given as long as he needs to get himself right before he returns from his latest concussion setback.

The Roosters certainly have enough quality forwards to get by if Cordner is not back for the start of the season.

Roosters Boyd Cordner during Sydney Roosters training at Moore Park, Sydney. Picture: Brett Costello

8. COREY ALLAN

Was given permission to see if he could find a long-term deal elsewhere rather than wait behind Latrell Mitchell but so far that opportunity hasn’t arrived.

That said, Souths are happy to keep him on their books for next year if he doesn’t get a chance elsewhere.

9. JOSH MANSOUR

The Tigers are set to offer David Nofolauma an extension and if they get Mansour that would complete a pretty fair backline.

Although it raises another question as to where Tommy Talau would fit into the picture given Joey Leilua and James Roberts will be starting centres.

10. MATT BURTON/DAINE LAURIE

The Bulldogs are desperate to get Burton for next season and the same goes for Tigers who want Laurie to play fullback, but the Panthers are playing hardball with both.