BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 16: Payne Haas of the Broncos in action during the round 22 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium on August 16, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
There may not be a great deal of on-field action this weekend as preparations for Origin 3 hit fever pitch, but there has been a large amount of news off it.
Broncos table enormous offer to keep Haas
Following in the footsteps of the North Queensland Cowboys and Jason Taumalolo, reports suggest Payne Haas has been offered a new ten-year, ten-million dollar deal at the Brisbane Broncos.
The deal would keep Haas at Red Hill until the end of 2031.
It would also see a dramatic increase for the representative prop, who has quickly become one of the best in the game. He is currently said to be earning $550,000 per season.
Interest in Haas across the competition has been thought to be high, despite the Broncos’ poor performance on the NRL competition ladder.
FULL STORY: Payne Haas nearing new eight-figure deal
Matt Dufty and Will Hopoate in potential swap deal
The St George Illawarra Dragons and Canterbury Bulldogs are reportedly locked in discussions for a swap deal as both clubs attempt to unload out of favour fullbacks.
It’s reported the Bulldogs have shown interest in Matt Dufty, while the Dragons would take Will Hopoate off the Bulldogs’ hands for the remainder of this season and have a contract stretching into 2022 as Tyrell Sloan gets adapted to the rigours of first grade.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 26: Will Hopoate of the Bulldogs passes as he is tackled during the round 24 NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Canterbury Bulldogs at UOW Jubilee Oval on August 26, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
While the Broncos and Raiders were reportedly linked to Dufty, it’s understood both clubs have gone off the boil.
FULL STORY: Matt Dufty and Will Hopoate rumoured to be in player swap deal.
Connor Watson reportedly ready to explore contract options
The Newcastle Knights have reportedly been turned down by Connor Watson, who is off-contract at the end of the year.
The Knights are apparently very keen on Watson to sign an extension, but the offer has fallen short of Watson’s expectations, causing him to “pick up the phone” and call other coaches.
Watson did say he would prefer to remain in the Hunter Valley, but is unsure if the salary cap at Newcastle will allow it.
The 25-year-old has been something of a revelation this year, playing across multiple positions for the Knights.
FULL STORY: Knights utility Watson exploring options after baulking at extension
CONNOR WATSON
Five-eighth
Knights
2021 SEASON AVG
0.4
Try Assists
0.1
Tries
5.5
Kick Metres
Bulldogs enter the race for Tevita Pangai Junior
Tevita Pangai Junior is reportedly going to be hunted by both the Canterbury Bulldogs and Wests Tigers as he searches for a new club.
The unwanted Brisbane Broncos’ star has been the topic of much debate, with the Tigers opting out, then back in, and the Bulldogs now reportedly joining the race.
It’s understood the Canterbury deal is worth $700,000 per season over a three-year period.
FULL STORY: Bulldogs set to contend with Tigers for Pangai Junior
Half of the NRL goes hunting Melbourne lock
Eight clubs are rumoured to be chasing Melbourne Storm lock Dale Finucane, with the North Queensland Cowboys, Gold Coast Titans, Wests Tigers, Newcastle Knights, Cronulla Sharks, St George Illawarra Dragons and Brisbane Broncos all showing interest.
That is on top of the Melbourne Storm still wanting to keep their club co-captain.
It’s understood the Storm are unlikely to have the cap space to keep Finucane however, and a new club awaits.
FULL STORY: Eight clubs hunting Dale Finucane.
SUNSHINE COAST, AUSTRALIA – MAY 24: Dale Finucane in action during a Melbourne Storm NRL training session at Sunshine Coast Stadium on May 24, 2021 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Underused duo have England calling
Reports speculating that both Cronulla Sharks’ winger Nene Macdonald and Gold Coast Titans forward Sam Stone could be on their way to England have emerged.
The Leigh Centurions, who are battling to avoid relegation and haven’t won a game all year, could make a mid-year move for the NRL duo.
Macdonald is yet to make it onto the field in first grade this year for the Sharks, while Stone has played just five games on the Gold Coast.
FULL STORY: NRL duo reportedly set for move to England
Rabbitohs discussing shock offer for Milford
Anthony Milford, who has been told he won’t be required in Brisbane after 2021, is reportedly in the sights of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The club are currently working on re-signing Dane Gagai, but with the outside back attracting interest for a deal the Rabbitohs don’t want to do, South Sydney have begun to turn their attention to what might be next.
Milford has shown his class and potential during the early days in Brisbane, as well as during his time at the Raiders, and while it isn’t a deal likely to excite Rabbitohs’ fans, the likely cut-price nature of it could leave Souths with a bargain buy.
FULL STORY: Rabbitohs discussing offer for out of favour Broncos’ half
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 19: Anthony Milford of the Broncos looks dejected during the round two NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Brisbane Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium on March 19, 2021, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
OFFICIAL: Roosters’ lock to head north
The Gold Coast Titans have bolstered their forward ranks for 2022 and beyond, with Roosters’ lock Isaac Liu agreeing to a new deal with the club.
In news which broke on Wednesday, Liu, who has played 192 games for the Roosters and has also played for the New Zealand national team, will be a prized recruit for the Titans.
With the Titans holding one of the worst defensive records in the competition, Liu will be expected to bolster their middle third defence.
FULL STORY: Isaac Liu signed by the TitansCoach confirms Jaydn Su’A has a new deal
It’s been rumoured for the last week that out of favour South Sydney second-rower Jaydn Su’A would be on his way to the St George Illawarra Dragons, and Wayne Bennett confirmed it talking to the media during the week.
“I think that’s true,” said Bennett.
“South Sydney couldn’t offer him another contract under the salary cap, so I’m pleased he’s got another club.”
Su’A has been out of the Rabbitohs’ plans, going from State of Origin Game 1 to reserve grade in a matter of weeks, although he was recalled for Friday night’s win over the Cowboys.
FULL STORY: Wayne Bennett confirms Jaydn Su’A Rabbitohs’ departure
Dragons reportedly hunting George Burgess
Reports suggest the Dragons are out to continue bolstering their forward line. On top of Jaydn Su’A, as well as being in the race for Dale Finucane, it’s been suggested the club want to sign George Burgess with immediate effect.
The former South Sydney premiership winner, who returned to England, failed to play more than half a season for Warrington, but recovered from injury, the Red V are said to be interested.
While he is yet to officially agree to a deal, it’s reported the dynamic between Burgess and the Dragons was moving quickly.
FULL STORY: Former Rabbitoh reportedly set for Wollongong
Source:: ZeroTackle
