Luke Keary could replace Benji Marshall at St George Illawarra Dragons

LUKE Keary must slash his asking price by $200,000 if he is going to replace Benji Marshall at St George Illawarra next season.

Luke Keary had his best game of the season against Parramatta.

OFF-CONTRACT South Sydney half Luke Keary must slash his asking price by up to $200,000 if he is going to replace Benji Marshall at St George Illawarra next season.

In the lead-up to Thursday’s clash against Marshall’s Red V at ANZ Stadium, The Sunday Telegraph can reveal the Dragons have told Keary’s management his desired value is too high.

It’s understood the Queensland-born playmaker wants upwards of $600,000 a season — a figure a number of NRL clubs have baulked at.

However, this could change if Keary is prepared to settle for less.

At present the Dragons are his best chance of remaining in the NRL beyond this season with the Rabbitohs reluctant to extend his contract.

This could have an impact on the future of Marshall, who has put contract talks on hold until he recovers from a hamstring injury and rediscovers form.

Keary’s potential arrival at the Dragons would almost certainly squeeze the former Kiwi Test star out of the club.

Marshall’s management have indicated they have options in the NRL, however the veteran half is yet to receive a formal offer.

Luke Keary scores to put Souths level with the Eels during the Parramatta Eels v South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL round 10 game at Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta. pic Mark Evans

Keary told The Sunday Telegraph after Friday’s impressive win over South Sydney that he expects to decide his future soon.

“I think I’ll sort something out in the next couple of weeks to a month and we’ll get it done,” Keary said.

“I’m not sure what is going on at the moment.

“Obviously the club is working through a few different things on their side with the salary cap and that.

“But we’ll definitely keep Souths in the loop.

“I’ve got a few options. I won’t name them publicly, but we’ve got a few there.”

Keary was linked to rugby union clubs the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds this week and the man himself admits rugby remains a serious option.

“Definitely — obviously I played rugby union from about 13 to 18 before I came over to rugby league,” he said.

“You could probably say I played more rugby than league when I was younger.

“At the highest level it’s a difficult thing, but I’d back myself.”

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Keary was relegated to the bench to make way for Greg Inglis’ move to five-eighth against Parramatta on Friday, but he excelled in the new position.

Greg Inglis was moved to the halves with Luke Keary making way.

In a potent 26-minute stint, he played a hand in two tries while he looked dangerous every time he touched the football.

Keary enjoyed the role, but wasn’t sure if it would be a permanent move going forward.

“I’m not sure if I’ll stay there (the bench) — we’ll see what happens,” he said.

“It was a different role and it was good fun.

“Madge wanted me to play that role and just come on at the back and bring some energy, so hopefully I did.

“I’m kind of used to it.

“When I started my career I probably did it for maybe 20-odd games, so I’m pretty familiar with it.

“Obviously we’ve got the Origin period coming up and we could lose some players, but I’ll deal with that when it comes.”

Originally published as Luke Keary could replace Benji Marshall at St George Illawarra Dragons