mozgrame
Engorged member
PRE-SEASON is underway and the 2016 draw kicks off in little more than three months.
You would imagine all 16 NRL clubs would have their playing squad finalised and ready to rip into another campaign.
But there’s 12 players floating in limbo, unsure of what colours they will be wearing when that first whistle blows on March 3.
Chris Houston
The 30-year-old forward has reportedly been told by new coach Nathan Brown not to attend pre-season training, and to look elsewhere for a new contract.
Houston is signed with the Knights for another year but is already testing the Super League waters.
He’s yet to land an overseas contract, but has been linked to Widnes.
Tim Lafai
Canterbury’s interest in Will Hopoate could come at the cost of 24-year-old Lafai.
The talented outside back was forced to hose down rumours of an approach from Manly back in August, and has most recently been linked to St George Illawarra.
Will Hopoate
The messy legal battle between Hopoate’s camp and the Eels continues to play out in court.
But if one thing’s for certain, he won’t play another game for Parramatta if he can help it.
The Bulldogs appear ahead of the pack in the chase for Hopoate’s signature and it’s only a matter of time before the 23-year-old Origin player finds a new home. Manly has also crept into the race following the recruitment of father John Hopoate to the coaching staff.
James Roberts
Roberts’ future appeared set in stone until a bizarre contract bungle cast it into disarray.
A forged signature on a piece of paperwork has the speedy outside back fuming at his club, and looking for an increase in pay and potentially a new home.
He’s recently enlisted the help of cousin Anthony Mundine to sort out the mess and no shortage of options with North Queensland one of many clubs keeping an eye on the 22-year-old.
Chris McQueen
McQueen could become collateral damage in the wake of Sam Burgess’ return to Redfern on big dollars.
The Origin backrower is reportedly being told to find a new contract, despite having a year to run at South Sydney.
Penrith has pulled out of discussions with his management, leaving the Gold Coast his most likely destination.
Chris Grevsmuhl
Following a solid rookie season with the Bunnies, Grevsmuhl appears set to leave the warren early and head to the foot of the mountains.
Already committed to Penrith from 2017, it’s understood the Panthers are keen to get him there a year early, which would also free up room in South Sydney’s cap.
Dylan Walker
The only thing we’re waiting on is the formality of Manly officially announcing Walker’s signing for next season.
The Test centre was released by the Rabbitohs last week and is expected to confirm his move to the Sea Eagles in the coming days or weeks.
South Sydney has secured former Melbourne outside back Hymel Hunt as a cheaper replacement.
Brenton Lawrence
Trent Barrett’s clean-out at Manly isn’t finished yet, and Lawrence is one player being linked to a club switch.
Wests Tigers have already secured former Sea Eagle Matt Ballin, and Lawrence is thought to be considering joining the orange and black from next year.
Jamie Buhrer
The backrower reportedly rejected an offer from Newcastle but could still leave Brookvale before the start of the 2016 season.
If the Knights are out of the picture, Buhrer could potentially reconnect with Des Hasler at Canterbury, if the Bulldogs can pick up the salary left after Manly pays its share.
Gold Coast and Melbourne could also have Buhrer on their radar.
Peta Hiku
St George Illawarra is said to be keen on securing Hiku to strengthen their backline.
Manly is keen to offload a few players and the 22-year-old is towards the top of that list.
He also provides a fallback option in the halves, having played five-eighth for New Zealand during the recent Test series in England.
The Titans and Eels also have their eye on Hiku.
Robbie Farah
The veteran hooker has been linked to almost every club in the competition over the past two months.
Although his salary would be massive, the Tigers would be paying the majority of the cash, meaning he could be a cheap option for a club in need.
The problem is there’s not many clubs in need of a hooker at this time.
St George Illawarra is thought to be interested, but already have three rakes on their books.
Tim Grant
He only signed a four-year deal with South Sydney a year ago but is reportedly being shopped around to make way for Sam Burgess.
Canberra is one club who could be in the hunt as the Raiders search for a big-man to add some muscle to the pack.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl...-season-kick-off/story-fn2mcuj6-1227628432601
You would imagine all 16 NRL clubs would have their playing squad finalised and ready to rip into another campaign.
But there’s 12 players floating in limbo, unsure of what colours they will be wearing when that first whistle blows on March 3.
Chris Houston
The 30-year-old forward has reportedly been told by new coach Nathan Brown not to attend pre-season training, and to look elsewhere for a new contract.
Houston is signed with the Knights for another year but is already testing the Super League waters.
He’s yet to land an overseas contract, but has been linked to Widnes.
Tim Lafai
Canterbury’s interest in Will Hopoate could come at the cost of 24-year-old Lafai.
The talented outside back was forced to hose down rumours of an approach from Manly back in August, and has most recently been linked to St George Illawarra.
Will Hopoate
The messy legal battle between Hopoate’s camp and the Eels continues to play out in court.
But if one thing’s for certain, he won’t play another game for Parramatta if he can help it.
The Bulldogs appear ahead of the pack in the chase for Hopoate’s signature and it’s only a matter of time before the 23-year-old Origin player finds a new home. Manly has also crept into the race following the recruitment of father John Hopoate to the coaching staff.
James Roberts
Roberts’ future appeared set in stone until a bizarre contract bungle cast it into disarray.
A forged signature on a piece of paperwork has the speedy outside back fuming at his club, and looking for an increase in pay and potentially a new home.
He’s recently enlisted the help of cousin Anthony Mundine to sort out the mess and no shortage of options with North Queensland one of many clubs keeping an eye on the 22-year-old.
Chris McQueen
McQueen could become collateral damage in the wake of Sam Burgess’ return to Redfern on big dollars.
The Origin backrower is reportedly being told to find a new contract, despite having a year to run at South Sydney.
Penrith has pulled out of discussions with his management, leaving the Gold Coast his most likely destination.
Chris Grevsmuhl
Following a solid rookie season with the Bunnies, Grevsmuhl appears set to leave the warren early and head to the foot of the mountains.
Already committed to Penrith from 2017, it’s understood the Panthers are keen to get him there a year early, which would also free up room in South Sydney’s cap.
Dylan Walker
The only thing we’re waiting on is the formality of Manly officially announcing Walker’s signing for next season.
The Test centre was released by the Rabbitohs last week and is expected to confirm his move to the Sea Eagles in the coming days or weeks.
South Sydney has secured former Melbourne outside back Hymel Hunt as a cheaper replacement.
Brenton Lawrence
Trent Barrett’s clean-out at Manly isn’t finished yet, and Lawrence is one player being linked to a club switch.
Wests Tigers have already secured former Sea Eagle Matt Ballin, and Lawrence is thought to be considering joining the orange and black from next year.
Jamie Buhrer
The backrower reportedly rejected an offer from Newcastle but could still leave Brookvale before the start of the 2016 season.
If the Knights are out of the picture, Buhrer could potentially reconnect with Des Hasler at Canterbury, if the Bulldogs can pick up the salary left after Manly pays its share.
Gold Coast and Melbourne could also have Buhrer on their radar.
Peta Hiku
St George Illawarra is said to be keen on securing Hiku to strengthen their backline.
Manly is keen to offload a few players and the 22-year-old is towards the top of that list.
He also provides a fallback option in the halves, having played five-eighth for New Zealand during the recent Test series in England.
The Titans and Eels also have their eye on Hiku.
Robbie Farah
The veteran hooker has been linked to almost every club in the competition over the past two months.
Although his salary would be massive, the Tigers would be paying the majority of the cash, meaning he could be a cheap option for a club in need.
The problem is there’s not many clubs in need of a hooker at this time.
St George Illawarra is thought to be interested, but already have three rakes on their books.
Tim Grant
He only signed a four-year deal with South Sydney a year ago but is reportedly being shopped around to make way for Sam Burgess.
Canberra is one club who could be in the hunt as the Raiders search for a big-man to add some muscle to the pack.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl...-season-kick-off/story-fn2mcuj6-1227628432601
