Sport Confidential: RLPA monitoring Josiah Pahulu contract saga, Ronald Volkman signs with Parramatta Eels
The contract feud between the Gold Coast Titans and rising star Josiah Pahulu has taken another turn, with the RLPA keeping a close eye on developments. See the full SPORT CONFIDENTIAL.
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The Gold Coast Titans’ spat with rising star Josiah Pahulu has caught the eye of the players union. Sport Con can reveal that the Rugby League Players Association is keeping a close eye on developments with Pahulu after it emerged that the young prop had requested a release to join the Bulldogs next season.
It is understood Pahulu’s desire to leave stems from the Titans’ decision to rest him for the final game of last season, which prevented him playing 20 games and cost him a $40,000 bonus in his contract.
The Titans have refused to comment on the issue but it is understood Pahulu has hit heart set on leaving the Gold Coast.
While the RLPA has not had any official contact from Pahulu or his agent Nash Dawson, this masthead can reveal they harbour concerns over the breakdown in the relationship between the 19-year-old and his club.
The NRL has also been made aware of the developments. Pahulu has an offer on the table from the Bulldogs and they would be more than willing to take him immediately.
However, the Titans are digging in their heels as they look to make Pahulu play out the final year of his contract. They have also spoken about extending his deal beyond next year but it is believed Pahulu has no interest in staying at the Gold Coast given the way the season ended.
EELS LIFELINE: EXILED VOLKMAN COMPLETES EMOTIONAL NRL RETURN
Almost 12 months after his NRL career seemed over, Ronald Volkman has been granted an NRL lifeline after signing with the Eels.
Volkman began his first day at Parramatta on Thursday after passing an intense medical on the same shoulder which almost ended his career prematurely.
“I don’t think there are any words to explain how excited I am honest,” Volkman said. “This year has been tough for me. This is a good way for me to get my foot in the door. I’m just excited.
“It’s been tough. I don’t wish it upon anyone to be honest. It’s been a real journey for me. A dark path you could say. I’m just happy to come out of it.”
His decision to link with the Eels on a 12 month deal comes almost a year to the day where his world came crumbling down.
Volkman was left in rugby league limbo after the move to St George Illawarra did not eventuate because of an injured shoulder.
It left him in the wilderness and uncertain if he would ever add to the five top grade games he featured in at the Warriors.
“It’s pretty to crazy to think that it’s almost a year on,” Volkman said. “I thought coming back was going to be a bit of a longshot.
“I gave up on footy. I stopped watching it. I had to get my head in the right space to try and give it one more crack. I’m here, I’ve put myself through some hard training to get my body back to a good enough condition to be able to do a pre-season.
“It was in July when I started training. I started doing some training with Huss (El-Achrafi) at Final Round Gym. Before that I didn’t want to train at all but he made it clear that I needed to get in the right head space. As I was doing that work I was getting my shoulder rehabbed and by the time September came around I wanted to give it one more crack.”
Volkman had considered joining the Sea Eagles but instead signed with Parramatta. He said his shoulder is feeling strong.
“I’ve done a bit of tackling,” Volkman said. “I’ve jumped in to my brother (Henry’s) training. The body is all good.”
FORMER TIGER’S GLOWING ENDORSEMENT FOR BATEMAN
Wests Tigers forward John Bateman could be only days away from a move to South Sydney – and he will land at the Rabbitohs with a glowing reference from former teammate Isaiah Papali’i.
Bateman has two years remaining on his deal with the Tigers but it seems increasingly likely that he will instead be reunited with his former England coach Wayne Bennett at the Rabbitohs next season as they look to spend the money they saved when Lachlan Ilias moved to St George Illawarra.
Papali’i and Bateman spent two years playing alongside each other at the Tigers before Papali’i moved to Penrith in the off-season. Now Bateman looks set to exit the Tigers as well as the club shakes up its roster ahead of the 2025 season.
Papali’i just hopes his ex-teammate and his former club can arrive at an agreement that is best for both of them.
“He is passionate about winning and what he believes in,” Papali’i said.
“I guess that gets misunderstood sometimes. You veen see him on the field sometimes and he is fiery, but it comes from a good place and he just wants to win.
“Hopefully they figure out what is best for both of them.”
ROOSTERS SET TO POACH FUTURE FIRST GRADER
The Sydney Roosters are believed to be on the verge of landing one of the Bulldogs’ most promising juniors.
Itula Seve was the captain of the Bulldogs’ Harold Matthews Cup team and was regarded as a future first grader by club officials.
However, he now looks destined to land at the Roosters in a huge boost for the club.
KEY RE-SIGNING FOR RAIDERS
The Raiders have landed a key re-signing with Xaiver Savage agreeing to a two-year extension to remain at the club. Savage – who was off-contract at the end of next season – will remain at the Raiders until at least the end of 2027.
STORM STAR PIPS PAPENHUYZEN
Melbourne half Jonah Pezet has won early bragging rights over Storm teammate Ryan Papenhuyzen following the opening round of the Victorian PGA championship at Moonah Links.
Pezet, playing with NSW pro Jye Picken in the first round of the teams tournament, shot nine under to be within touching distance of the lead.
Papenhuyzen was three shots further back as he and teammate Harry Goakes finished the opening round in the middle of the pack.
Pezet is locked in delicate contact talks with the Storm but it clearly didn’t affect his concentration as he and Picken gave themselves a shot at taking out the title, which will be decided over four days culminating in the final round on Sunday.
The talented playmaker is expected to meet Storm powerbrokers over the weekend to discuss his contract, which expires at the end of next season.
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Originally published as Sport Confidential: RLPA monitoring Josiah Pahulu contract saga, Ronald Volkman signs with Parramatta Eels
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