NRL 2016: Around the grounds club news — contracts, injuries and possible rep call-ups
AROUND the clubs: Jeff Robson considering heading back to Australia, other players may be on the move and injuries hampering form.
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We take you around the grounds to find out what’s happening in clubland.
WARRIORS
JEFF Robson is weighing up leaving the club at the end of the season to reunite with his family in Sydney. Robson made the brave decision to leave behind his autistic daughter Charlotte and wife Gabi to sign a one-year deal with the Warriors. But his manager Gavin Orr has confirmed the playmaker is considering returning and also hasn’t ruled out hanging up the boots.
“Jeff is going to just play it by ear and he’ll have a look at what’s going on,” Orr said. “I think halfway through this year he’ll let me know what he wants to do, so if he wants to continue playing or retire.”
Robson didn’t take the field for the Warriors this week, being dropped to NSW Cup with Tuimoala Lolohea playing in the halves.
SHARKS
WADE Graham wants a City jumper in a bid to push his claims for an Origin debut this season. Graham has represented City on two occasions and believes the annual match on Sunday, May 8 is the perfect platform to launch a representative career.
“The City versus Country game is always a great experience to get in that arena and be able to play with other big name guys,” Graham said. “I’ve always had great experiences in the City camp with ‘Freddy’ (coach, Brad Fittler).
“That’s still a couple of weeks away, so I’ve got a few games left at the Sharks to build up some momentum.”
TIGERS
HALFBACK Luke Brooks insists his ongoing contract negotiations are not a distraction. Brooks and halves partner Mitchell Moses face an uncertain future at the club, as they ponder a 12-month contract extension. Brooks said there would be continued dialogue with the Tigers.
“It’s still ongoing,” Brooks said. “My manager and the club are in talks. They will sort it out. I’m not distracted by it. I’ve put in a bit of thought, but I’m not thinking about it too much.”
The duo have until June to decide if they’ll take up the extensions offered.
TITANS
HOOKER Matt Srama may be sidelined for the season after suffering an ACL injury, but the hooker remains part of the club’s long-term plans. Srama hurt his knee playing for Burleigh Bears in the Intrust Super Cup in late March and has been working hard in rehab to return to the field. While the Brisbane-born No. 9 won’t play again until 2017, it’s understood the club want to retain him.
ROOSTERS
SKIPPER Jake Friend says Mitchell Pearce will hit the ground running when he returns from his suspension in Round 9 against Newcastle.
“Mitch is ready to go,” Friend said. “It has been awesome to have him back out in the field. He has been running against us, which is good for our defence. He looks really good and he is clear and happy, but also hurting that he is not out there.
“I’m looking forward to getting him back and having a little bit more direction.”
BULLDOGS
STAR halfback Moses Mbye is in the process of starting a commerce degree at the Western Sydney University. Mbye has always been savvy about his future, now he wants to add a degree to understand how to manage his money.
The Brisbane-born playmaker is set to officially sign a new multi-million dollar deal with the Bulldogs in the coming days.
KNIGHTS
PROP Kade Snowden faces a fight to play again this season due to ongoing battles with knee and back injuries.
Snowden hasn’t played since the opening round loss to the Gold Coast and is working overtime in rehab in a bid to return.
The former Test and Origin bookend still has one year remaining on his contract and he will do everything in his power to comeback from injury and contribute to an emerging Newcastle outfit.
PANTHERS
CAPTAIN Matt Moylan believes consistent winger Josh Mansour would excel for the Kangaroos if he was chosen for the mid-year Test against New Zealand on Friday, May 6.
“I think Josh would do an outstanding job if he was picked there,” Moylan said about Mansour, who has played four Tests for Australia. “He has played there before and he was pretty handy, so if he gets selected he won’t let anyone down.
“He does a lot of work for the side bringing the ball out of yardage and I think it has been massive for us. He has also been in pretty good form.”
STORM
LUKE Keary has been linked to a move to Melbourne if the Cooper Cronk deal falls through, but it’s understood it won’t happen because the club is keen to retain its current halves pairing.
The Sunday Telegraph can reveal Keary’s management phoned the Storm about taking on the South Sydney playmaker if Cronk doesn’t re-sign, but the Test and Origin No.7 is edging closer to officially signing a contract extension.
The club is also keen to retain five-eighth Blake Green beyond this season.
BRONCOS
CAPTAIN Corey Parker is edging closer to officially extending his contract at Brisbane to remain at the club until at least the end of the 2017 season. Parker has hired Cameron Smith’s manager Isaac Moses to negotiate the new deal and it’s understood it’s on the cusp of being finalised.
The veteran forward has played 330 top grade games and is on track to surpass Darren Lockyer (355) as the most-capped player in NRL history. Parker is also keen to finish his career with an appearance for the Kangaroos at the 2017 World Cup.
EELS
MICHAEL Gordon has recaptured his best form at Parramatta, now the fullback is set to extend his contract beyond this season. Gordon only signed a one-year contract coming over from Cronulla, but his manager Paul Sutton confirmed the veteran No.1 was keen to open talks with the Eels about a longer stay.
“Mick has been playing well and he wants to have a couple more years,” Sutton said.
DRAGONS
BENJI Marshall, his management and the club have mutually agreed to put contract talks on hold to allow the playmaker to find form. Marshall’s manager met with the club late last week and they decided to recommence discussions at a later date. It’s understood the veteran half isn’t happy with the club’s initial offer of $300,000 and will attempt to negotiate for a new deal once talks resume.
Marshall is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and recently had PRP injections in a bid to return as soon as possible.
RABBITOHS
GREG Inglis and his knees have created constant debate this season, but his manager Allan Gainey insists the star fullback is fighting fit. Inglis’s mixed form has been linked to his ageing body, but Gainey said the Test and Origin star was holding up fine.
“Greg’s knees are OK and he has said before he just has to monitor them for the rest of his career,” Gainey said.
RAIDERS
SAM Williams will wait until mid-season to open talks with the club about his future beyond this season. Williams has only played three NRL games because of Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin are the preferred starters, but will get another chance against the Sharks after Austin was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
The Cooma-born playmaker is keen to remain in the NRL.
COWBOYS
JAMES Tamou will make a decision on whether he’ll leave the club for personal reasons in the coming weeks. Tamou’s wife originally hails from the Goulburn area and it’s understood the family is seriously considering moving for extra support, especially with a third child on the way.
The Test and Origin bookend has received interest from a number of rival clubs, while he has also opened discussions with the Cowboys. But the final decision will come down to what’s best for Tamou’s young family.
SEA EAGLES
TOM Symonds remains a chance to stay at Manly beyond this season despite the off-contract back-rower receiving interest from up to four rival clubs. Symonds was linked to a mid-season transfer after being dumped to the NSW Cup for the opening two rounds, but has since played the past two NRL games.
The Sea Eagles are yet to open talks with Symonds about his future beyond this season, but it’s understood this could happen if he maintains strong form. Manly take on Newcastle in an Anzac Day blockbuster at Hunter Stadium next round.
Originally published as NRL 2016: Around the grounds club news — contracts, injuries and possible rep call-ups
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