Tim Sheens’ secret meeting with Parramatta outcast

James Tedesco has made a huge play to extend his stay at the Roosters while Tim Sheens’ secret meeting with Nathan Brown has been revealed.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 18: Nathan Brown of the Eels is pictured during the round 15 NSW Cup match between Parramatta Eels and the North Sydney Bears at CommBank Stadium, on June 18, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

Tim Sheens overhaul of the Tigers is set to continue after the new coach of the merger club was spotted meeting with Eels forward Nathan Brown.

Brown was given permission to negotiate with rivals during the 2022 season and featured only 14 times before he was re-called for the grand final.

The Tigers have already recruited Parramatta gun Isaiah Papali’i but could once again dip into the Eels forward pack to bolster their squad for 2023.

Sheens and Brown were spotted in Strathfield on Wednesday according to The Daily Telegraph, fuelling rumours of a Tigers homecoming for the firey lock.

Brown previously said he would be interested in a return to the Tigers, the club he made his debut for in Round 24 of the 2023 season.

“Go back to the Tigers? Yeah, I would be (interested),” Brown said.

“See what happens. They have a couple of good signings with Sheens there, Benji and Farah. I think they are going to be on the up.”

The merger club have lost James Tamou, Zane Musgrove and Luciano Leilua from their forward pack but have added Papalii, David Klemmer, Apisai Koroisau.

Following Jackson Hastings’ departure, Sheens is looking for a man to fill the No.13 jersey.

Former Raiders and English gun John Bateman is also reportedly being heavily pursued by the Tigers to take a spot in the backrow.

TEDESCO’S SHOCK CALL

Superstar James Tedesco’s management has reportedly approached the Roosters hoping to negotiate a contract extension — despite having two years left on his current deal.

The 29-year-old, who is widely considered as the best fullback in rugby league, recently won the World Cup with Australia, playing in every game under Mal Meninga.

However, with both Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii breathing down his neck at the Tricolours, Tedesco reportedly wants to lock down his long-term future according to the SMH.

While Manu is considered the successor to Luke Keary in the halves, Suaalii’s former adviser Steve Nasteski believes the young gun will be a fullback for years to come.

The 19-year-old flyer impressed for Samoa wearing the No.1 jersey and the Roosters now face a difficult task keeping the prodigy.

Suaalii contract includes yearly player options which would allow him to walk out of the club each season — which could see cross code rivals circle.

European rugby as well as Rugby Australia are set to table the talented outside back lucrative deals.

Suaalii was a vital member of Samoa’s charge to the World Cup final, before the Pacific nation were bested by a red-hot Kangaroos side, losing 30-10.

Originally published as Tim Sheens’ secret meeting with Parramatta outcast