Saint, sinner, shoosh: Parramatta ramp up Jayden Brailey chase, rival targets Ronaldo Mulitalo
The Parramatta Eels have space in their salary cap and a need at number nine – but will the Knights come to the party? That and more in Saint Sinner, Shoosh.
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Jayden Brailey is expected to be a target for Parramatta after they cleared up significant salary cap space. It is understood the Eels are considering making a play for the Newcastle hooker for an immediate release, despite the dummy half having 12 months left on his current contract.
The Knights aren’t overly keen to let Brailey walk out the door, but may need to in order to get their salary cap back in shape.
Kiwi hooker Phoenix Crossland is the logical choice to replace Brailey if he does leave.
BIG BLOW FOR BRONCOS, COLLINGWOOD
Melbourne Storm general manager of football Frank Ponissi is on the verge of signing a new deal with the NRL club in a blow to not just the Brisbane Broncos, but also AFL giants Collingwood.
Ponissi, one of the most influential figures at the Storm for almost two decades, was believed to be atop the Broncos’ hit list as they look to complete an overhaul of their operations by appointing a head of football.
There were also reports out of Melbourne in recent weeks that Collingwood had earmarked Ponissi as one of the chief contenders for their general manager of football role.
However, Ponissi is poised to reject arguably the two biggest clubs in the country to stay at the Storm and oversee their football operations, alongside coach Craig Bellamy.
Ponissi’s show of commitment will be a huge fillip for the Storm as they look to put the devastation of last month’s grand final defeat in the past.
His decision to spurn the AFL is also a coup for the NSW Rugby League given the role he played in the Blues winning the State of Origin series this year.
Coach Michael Maguire deservedly received much of the credit but Ponissi played a key role as well as manager of the successful team.
SAINT
Departing Newcastle forward Daniel Saifiti gave away a stack of his Knights gear to fans and charity as he did a spring clean before his move to the Dolphins.
SINNER
Israel Folau thinking he can walk back into the Wallabies at 35. Although, given the way Rugby Australia is run, who could blame him.
SHOOSH
Which recently retired international tore his hamstring during a division two Oztag game?
SHOOSH
Which club is attempting to negotiate removing a clause from a high-profile player’s contract, which would have led to him getting a new deal in 2026?
SHOOSH
Which Sydney club is expected to offer big coin to entice Cronulla’s representative winger Ronaldo Mulitalo to their club for 2026?
SPOTTED
NSW Origin hero Trent Hodkinson was left with a badly damaged nose after taking a toy golf club to the face from his young daughter.
SPOTTED
Manly forward Ben Trbojevic on a flight back from Bali this week. His brothers Tom and Jake were also seen training with former Sea Eagles forward Matt Lodge on the Northern Beaches.
SPOTTED
Parramatta Eels forward Kelma Tuilagi marrying partner Kaylie on Tuesday.
SPOTTED
Former Sydney Roosters centre Joey Manu was back in town this week for a fleeting visit as he moved his belongings out of his Sydney home. Manu has joined Japanese rugby union side Toyota Verblitz and began training with them recently in preparation for the upcoming season.
TRIPP’S CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH OBAMA
Melbourne Storm chair Matt Tripp was in America on business last week when he decided to sneak in a round of golf at the exclusive Shadow Creek course in Las Vegas.
Unbeknown to Tripp, former US president Barack Obama was playing on the same day. Tripp, the Storm’s majority owner, ended up in the group behind Obama and found himself in the crosshairs of the Secret Service after giving the ex-president an accidental hurry-up.
“I got told off by the Secret Service for hitting up on him,” Tripp said.
Tripp managed to issue a personal apology when he bumped into Obama in the clubhouse after the round.
“After the game, I apologised for hitting up on him,” Tripp said.
“He was sweet. He copped it. He is a cool dude. He has this presence about him. He is quite impressive, as you would imagine.”
Tripp, an avid golfer, also managed to squeeze in a round with Australian author Matthew Reilly at the Bel Air Country Club.
GOUT GOUT’S GOLDEN CHANCE TO TRAIN WITH A LEGEND
Australian sprint sensation Gout Gout has been given the opportunity of a lifetime after being invited to America to spend time training beside the fastest man in the world, Noah Lyles.
Gout Gout, the teenage phenom who won a silver medal in the 200m at the world under-20 championships this year, recently inked a sponsorship deal with Adidas.
Adidas’ stable of athletes is headlined by footballers Lionel Messi and David Beckham, as well as basketball superstar Steph Curry and Kansas City Chiefs NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes.It also features Lyles, the biggest star in track and field and the reigning Olympic 100m champion.
Gout Gout, his coach Di Sheppard and his manager James Templeton have been invited to spend time with Lyles and his coach Lance Brauman in Florida in January.
“The deal with Adidas will bring with it a lot of opportunities,” Templeton said.
“One of them is the chance to go to Florida for a few weeks in January ... to spend time with Noah Lyles and the training squad of Lance Brauman.”
Gout Gout has already drawn comparisons with Jamaican legend Usain Bolt for his sprinting style and his phenomenal speed at such a young age.
Adidas certainly saw his potential, striking a deal that will allow the 16-year-old to turn professional and train alongside some of the elite sprinters in the world.
Gout Gout has a busy few months coming up. He competed in the Queensland All Schools this week and has the Australian All School Championships at the start of December.
He’s then off to Florida before turning his attention to the Australian titles in April. His chance to train with Lyles comes after fellow sprinter Torrie Lewis revealed she was heading overseas to train alongside Dutch superstar Femke Bol.
GET TO KNOW YOUR CEO
Cameron George – New Zealand Warriors
First job: Racing Integrity (stipendiary steward), approximately 15 years. It was an awesome job, working at some of the biggest race days in Australia and NZ involving the best jockeys, trainers and horses. A complete learning on managing a large industry under immense public scrutiny.
Greatest personal sporting achievement: Playing footy around regional NSW and Gold Coast and more recently beating our seven-year-old daughter Stella Rose at UNO.
Sporting team you supported as a kid: Canterbury Bulldogs – The Mortimer brothers and Gus Gould.
Who was your sporting hero: As I got older Brad Fittler and Gorden Tallis are guys I held in high regard and respected for various reasons. Would love to sit down with them together over a few beers and listen to their stories.
What did you want to be when you were younger: Racehorse trainer or jockey.
Most famous person in your phone:
The one and only Mark Robinson (Warriors owner) followed by a close second to the PM of NZ, Christopher Luxon. Both are champion blokes.
What’s at the top of your 2025 wish list: Win and have fun with our fans.
Originally published as Saint, sinner, shoosh: Parramatta ramp up Jayden Brailey chase, rival targets Ronaldo Mulitalo
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