The premiers are locked in contract talks with captain Matt Orford as well as international wingers David Williams and Michael Robertson, and young forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
While Williams and Robertson are expected to remain, the Sea Eagles have begun to free-up money under the salary cap for Orford and Waerea-Hargreaves by offering winger Michael Bani to North Queensland for the next two seasons.
Bani, who has two years remaining on his existing deal, is due to receive $150,000 in 2010 and $170,000 in 2011. While its unlikely the Cowboys would pay his entire contract, they could take Bani if the Sea Eagles agree to pay part of the bill.
Even then that may not be enough to keep Orford and Waerea-Hargreaves. Orford will almost certainly have to take a pay cut to stay at Brookvale.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25523986-5012431,00.html
While Williams and Robertson are expected to remain, the Sea Eagles have begun to free-up money under the salary cap for Orford and Waerea-Hargreaves by offering winger Michael Bani to North Queensland for the next two seasons.
Bani, who has two years remaining on his existing deal, is due to receive $150,000 in 2010 and $170,000 in 2011. While its unlikely the Cowboys would pay his entire contract, they could take Bani if the Sea Eagles agree to pay part of the bill.
Even then that may not be enough to keep Orford and Waerea-Hargreaves. Orford will almost certainly have to take a pay cut to stay at Brookvale.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25523986-5012431,00.html