Eels’ $250k waiting game revealed; Knights target another Tigers star

The Eels are looking to sign former Warriors star Matt Lodge on a short-term deal, while the Knights are eyeing Tigers halfback Jackson Hastings.

Matt Lodge and Jackson Hastings.

The Eels are looking to sign former Warriors star Matt Lodge on a short-term deal for their run to the 2022 finals.

Meanwhile, the Knights are eyeing Tigers halfback Jackson Hastings after making a play for his halves partner Luke Brooks in the off-season.

Eels’ bid to sign Lodge on short-term deal

The Eels are reportedly trying to lure former Warriors star Matt Lodge to Parramatta for the remainder of the 2022 season.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported the Eels have made inquiries about Lodge’s availability and what it would cost them on the salary cap for the rest of the year.

The NRL has estimated Lodge’s current market value and told the Eels they would need to come up with $20,000 a game for a total of $250,000 on their salary cap to sign Lodge.

That amount will decrease every week Lodge remains unsigned, which opens the possibility of the former Tigers and Broncos prop joining the Eels for their run to the finals.

Parramatta are keen to bolster their front row depth as they bid to break their premiership drought, but don’t want to pay over $200,000 to do it.

However, the Eels could opt to emulate the Panthers’ acquisition of Tevita Pangai Jr on a short-term deal last season around five weeks out from the finals.

The Eels need to sign Lodge before August 1 if they want him to be eligible to play in the 2022 finals series.

Lodge has history with Eels stars Mitchell Moses and Nathan Brown having come through the Tigers system together as youngsters.

Lodge has scored four tries in 91 games for the Tigers, Broncos and Warriors since his debut in 2022.

Matt Lodge is in the Eels’ sights.

Knight hunting another Tigers playmaker

After reportedly making a big play for Luke Brooks in the off-season, the Knights have now set their sights on Jackson Hastings.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported the Knights have had discussions about luring Hastings to Newcastle for 2023.

Hastings is contracted to the Tigers until the end of 2023, but after Michael Maguire’s departure his future at the club remains uncertain.

Hastings’ management share a close relationship with Knights recruitment manager Clint Zammit.

Hastings is currently on a deal worth $375,000 in 2022, but that increases to around $500,000 next season.

The Tigers also have Adam Doueihi and Luke Brooks signed for next season, while Jock Madden is off-contract this year and is looking for a new deal at the Tigers or at an NRL rival.

The Tigers have a mandate to develop the youngsters coming through the ranks, which opens the possibility of Hastings moving on to secure a long-term deal elsewhere if he is not part of the club’s future plans.

That would be a tough pill to swallow for Tigers fans as Hastings has been one of their best players this season.

The 26-year-old has scored three tries and 92 points in 56 NRL games for the Roosters, Sea Eagles and Tigers since his debut in 2014, while he played 86 games in four Super League seasons for Salford and Wigan.

The Knights are eyeing Jackson Hastings.

Originally published as Eels’ $250k waiting game revealed; Knights target another Tigers star