Paul Alamoti extends time at Panthers, Eels back-rower set for Bulldogs switch

The Panthers have future-proofed their backline and Canterbury has added to its forward stocks by snaring a back-rower from Parramatta. Latest signing NRL news

Paul Alamoti has extended his stay at the Penrith Panthers. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Penrith have quietly extended the contract of young centre Paul Alamoti, giving them an insurance policy as they step up talks with off-contract star Taylan May.

Alamoti, regarded as one of the best young centres in the game when he was at the Bulldogs, joined the Panthers this season after failing to strike a new deal at Canterbury.

He landed on his feet at the premiers and has now agreed to stay until the end of 2025. His retention comes as the Panthers extend the contract of strike centre Izack Tago and turn their attention to keeping May.

May, outstanding in the club’s opening two games of the year, would no doubt have taken notice of the money Penrith spent on Tago, who is believed to have signed a deal worth more than $700,000 a season.

Alamoti gives the Panthers protection in case May decides to move at the end of the season. The 20-year-old played 19 games for the Bulldogs last season but is yet to make his first grade bow for the Panthers.

Paul Alamoti has extended his stay at the Penrith Panthers. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

BULLDOGS ADD SOME BACK-ROW INSURANCE

Jirah Momoisea is expected to join the Bulldogs after he was granted an immediate release from Parramatta.

Momoisea, 25, only played three matches for the Eels last season after joining the club on a two-year deal from Newcastle.

Those matches all came in the opening three games of the season before he was relegated to NSW Cup. Before that he played eight games for Newcastle, all off the bench.

The back-rower is likely to join the Bulldogs on a second-tier contract with Canterbury’s top 30 already filled.

The Bulldogs added props Daniel Suluka-Fifita and Zane Tetevano in recent weeks. The Eels remain on the look-out for an outside back and have been linked with St George Illawarra’s Zac Lomax.

Jirah Momoisea is set to join Canterbury. Picture: NRL Photos

Manu’s rugby destination revealed after overlooking French league

By Michael Carayannis and Brent Read

The Roosters’ bid to ramp up talks with Jorgensen comes amid revelations that Manu may only miss one full season of rugby league after choosing to move to Japanese League One instead of French rugby. Manu has reportedly been convinced to sign with the Toyota Verblitz team led by Steve Hansen, who played a big role in helping Sonny Bill Williams excel in rugby union.

If Manu leaves for two seasons it would enable him to return to the Roosters midway through the 2026 season.

The Roosters have made it known they want Jorgensen at the club at some point in the future and have continued to have informal discussions with the 19-year-old.

However, Roosters chair Nick Politis denied an offer had been made but confirmed the club had held talks with the son of ex-Rooster Peter Jorgensen.

The Roosters’ bid to ramp up talks with Jorgensen comes amid revelations that Manu may only miss one full season of rugby league, with Japanese rugby now his most likely destination.

If he leaves for two seasons it would enable Manu to return to the Roosters midway through the 2026 season.

Joey Manu out, Max Jorgensen in?

What is certain though, is that the Roosters have given up hope of keeping Manu at the club next year.

But they remain confident that he will not be lost to the club long-term. Originally the Roosters were hopeful that Manu may just play Japanese rugby for one season before rejoining the side at some point in 2025.

Manu has since indicated that he wants a multi-year deal in rugby to give himself the best chance of success in the rival code.

French rugby had been an option but that is now off the table.

The Japanese rugby season runs between December and May, meaning Manu would miss at least the first 10 rounds of any NRL season should he return in 2026.

With James Tedesco’s contract expiring at the end of next year, Manu may be convinced to return to the club and play in the No. 1 jersey.

Regardless, the Roosters are not waiting around with Jorgensen now at the top of their list. The Roosters are confident that if Jorgensen does switch codes it will only be with their club.

However, early talks have indicated that Jorgensen wants to be part of the British Irish Lions tour in Australia next year. There is also a World Cup in 2027.

The Roosters have given up hope of keeping Manu at the club. Picture: NRL Photos

Roosters coach Trent Robinson confirmed an interest in Jorgensen but indicated nothing formal was on the table.

“(I’ve) known him since he was a kid,” Robinson said. “I’m great mates with his dad. We had him training here a while ago.

“There’s always a door open for that at some point but that hasn’t been discussed from the last time we tried to sign him. The door is always open for Jorgo at some point. There’s no pressure there. When that time comes we’ll need to speak probably a fair while in advance to get that organised knowing how good he’s going to be.”

Jorgensen is locked in talks with Rugby Australia at the moment. If they stall, the Roosters are prepared to pounce. But they believe they are more of a chance to sign the outside back in either 2026 or 2028.

Jorgensen was part of Australia’s World Cup squad last year before getting injured.

He has been ruled out of the Waratahs clash this week because of injury.

Despite needing to secure an outside back to cover for the losses of Manu, Joseph Sua’ali’i and the potential retirement of Daniel Tupou, the Roosters do not have an interest in St George Illawarra’s Zac Lomax.

They have already signed Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase for next season.

Originally published as Paul Alamoti extends time at Panthers, Eels back-rower set for Bulldogs switch