NRL transfer news 2022: Wests Tigers recruiment, Dolphins target Oliver Gildart after release

MARKET WATCH: There’s more change afoot at Wests Tigers, with the club set to cut a key off-season signing loose - with one NRL club in line to poach him next season.

Wests Tigers are poised to issue an immediate release for English centre Oliver Gildart – but he will likely be back in the NRL next season.

Tigers officials and Gildart’s management are locked in discussions about the Test player being released 18 months early to return home and play out the season with Super League club, Leeds.

Gildart, 25, sees a stint with the Rhinos as a pathway to representing England at the end-of-season World Cup.

But the Dolphins are ready to sign Gildart for 2023, provided his asking price isn’t excessive.

Gildart and Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett have a solid relationship after the pair worked together in the England and Great Britain sides.

While the release isn’t yet official, it is understood Gildart will join Leeds, effective immediately.

England international Oliver Gildart is set to return home. NRL Imagery

His short time at Concord was unremarkable but was well-liked among his peers.

Gildart struggled in the NRL and privately felt his demotion at Wests Tigers could impact his chances of playing in the World Cup.

Toward the end of his spell in Australia, Gildart wasn’t training with the Wests Tigers’ NRL squad.

He played just eight NRL games this season and hasn’t been picked in the NRL side for the past two months.

Gildart’s last match with Wests Tigers was against Manly on May 7.

While he had a strong reputation in England, Gildart’s form would need to improve to be included in coach Shaun Wane’s World Cup squad.

EIGHT FACING AXE AS DOGS URGED TO BREAK BANK FOR BURTON

- By Fatima Kdouh

Jake Averillo has urged Canterbury bosses to pay Matt Burton whatever the playmaker asks for, declaring the NSW Blues centre is ‘worth every dollar.’

It comes as general manager of football Phil Gould revealed the club has five top-30 spots to fill for next year with $700,000-800,000 to spend.

Burton is on around $500,000 per season but will hit the market, where he is free to field offers from rivals from November 1 after opting not take up an offer for 2024.

A stunning debut for the Blues in Perth has only added to his asking price and it’s believed the Dubbo junior could command up to $700,000 a year.

“Hundred per cent, he is worth every dollar,” Averillo said.

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Jake Averillo wants the Bulldogs to lock in Matt Burton long term. Picture: Getty

“He gives our team a lot of confidence. Especially coming back from Origin with how he played in that last game. He is just a freak. He always comes up with those big plays and he’s got that big boot as well. He’s an in and out footy player.

“He’s the kind of player we need in this team.”

Averillo shares the same manager, David Riolo, with Burton and the duo will hit the player market at the same time.

“It’s a cliche but I want to let my footy do the talking, if you play well then things sort of unfold for you,” Averillo said.

“I haven’t had any extension talks, if clubs come and talk to me then I’ll deal with it then.”

A five-eighth coming through the ranks, Averillo was moved from the halves into centre after just two games.

Interim coach Mick Potter switched Averillo to fullback in round 14 and the 21-year-old believes he can be Canterbury’s long-term No.1.

Jake Averillo’s form at fullback is sure to catch the eyes of rival clubs. Picture: Getty

Five tries in three games at the back has done no harm to Averillo’s chances at an extension with the Bulldogs but will certainly catch the attention of rival clubs.

“This is the most I have enjoyed my footy for a while, especially at the top grade,” Averillo said.

“You don’t have to think too much, you just react and I can play eyes up footy and use my speed, which are my strengths.

“There is a lot more freedom at the back there, I just follow the ball and wherever the ball goes. If I keep putting in good performances, hopefully I can stay there long term.”

While the likes of Averillo and Burton are hoping to secure their future beyond 2023, up to eight unsigned players, including Matt Doorey and Raymond Faitala-Mariner, are vying for the five remaining roster spots next season.

The Daily Telegraph understands Canterbury has shown interest in retaining both Doorey and Faitala-Marnier and are looking at upgrading a number of development players within the club.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner has returned to strong form after a long injury lay-off. Picture: Getty

Officials are keeping a close eye on Doorey, a local junior, who returned from an ACL injury through NSW Cup early this month. It’s believed three other clubs are circling the Junior Kangaroos backrower.

After making a successful from a long-term injury that kept the forward out for 14 months and threatened to prematurely end his career, Faitala-Mariner’s management met with the club on the weekend.

“I’m waiting for the call from manager to give me some good news, he had a catch up with club on the weekend. It was to do with how I’m going and my injury, they are happy with how I am going at the moment. This is my second home, my heart is with Dogs,” he said.

“I know I still have a lot more to offer in the NRL. I feel like after the break, longevity is on my side and I feel fresh, I feel good.”

UNSIGNED DOGS

Matt Doorey

Matt Dufty

Zac Hetherington (development)

Reece Hoffman

Tuipulotu Katoa

Joe Stimson

Jackson Topine

Brandon Wakeham

Raymond Faitala-Mariner

BBQ-GATE TO GOOD SAMARITAN: WATCH BULLDOG’S KIND ACT

Canterbury forward Paul Vaughan took time out of a busy day of training at Belmore on Monday afternoon to help a young mother change a flat tire.

The woman had punctured the tyre driving her son to Belmore Sports Ground, where the club was holding a gala day for its junior representatives.

Noticing she was in distress and unable to drive her car out of the carpark at the ground, Vaughan did not hesitate to help the woman.

Teammates Josh Addo-Carr, Jeremy Marshall King and Raymond Faitala-Mariner kept a watchful eye on the situation, offering Vaughan some words of encouragement.

Paul Vaughan changes a tyre for a lady at Belmore.

Paul Vaughan has a crack at journalists after Trent Barrett quit.

With a bit of muscle and know how Vaughan was able to get the mum and her young boys back on the road in no time.

In May, Vaughan had a crack at the media the morning after Trent Barrett quit as Canterbury coach, calling journalists ‘the worst kind of people’ as he drove out of the ground.

It’s not the first time the prop has come to the aid of a member of the public. In 2021, Vaughan and Parramatta forward Reagan Campbell-Gillard helped to rescue a mother and son after they got into trouble in a rip at Shellharbour.

The duo were the first to reach the distressed swimmers before lifeguards on patrol were able to get the two to the safety of the shore line.

Originally published as NRL transfer news 2022: Wests Tigers recruiment, Dolphins target Oliver Gildart after release