mozgrame
Engorged member
CANTERBURY are poised to officially release centre Tim Lafai from the final two years of his NRL contract as the club prepares for the arrival of Will Hopoate.
Despite being under contract until the end of 2017, the Bulldogs and Lafai’s management have been deep in discussions all week, trying to broker a release as Des Hasler attempts to make way for Hopoate.
Foxsports.com.au understands the Bulldogs are working through the final details of the release with paperwork expected to be finalised by Friday afternoon.
There has been no shortage of interest in the 24-year-old who is currently weighing up his options.
Gold Coast, Newcastle, Cronulla, St George Illawarra, Parramatta and Melbourne all have a vacant place in their top-tier backline for the taking.
The Sharks have been keeping a close eye on quality centres, while Penrith is the latest club to have entered the race for Lafai’s prized signature.
We can reveal the Titans have already reached out to Lafai through coach Neil Henry who is eager to add more punch to his backline.
Whether Lafai and his partner, who are expecting a child in May, would want to leave Sydney is yet to be determined but the Panthers could offer Lafai a more than suitable home should he want to stay in New South Wales.
The Panthers are still on the lookout for a player to replace Jamal Idris after he was released from his deal earlier in the year.
Foxsports.com.au contacted Lafai’s management on Friday morning but they declined to comment.
Meanwhile there are rumblings around Belmore that Hopoate could join the club as soon as this week with Hasler eager to get Hopoate integrated into training.
While Hopoate remains locked in a legal battle with his former club Parramatta over an unregistered contract his management believe should be paid, the NSW Origin winger won’t be at the Eels next season.
Hopoate is believed to have agreed to a deal with the Bulldogs in principle with only minor details to be finalised.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl...hopoates-arrival/story-e6frf3pu-1227633569783
Despite being under contract until the end of 2017, the Bulldogs and Lafai’s management have been deep in discussions all week, trying to broker a release as Des Hasler attempts to make way for Hopoate.
Foxsports.com.au understands the Bulldogs are working through the final details of the release with paperwork expected to be finalised by Friday afternoon.
There has been no shortage of interest in the 24-year-old who is currently weighing up his options.
Gold Coast, Newcastle, Cronulla, St George Illawarra, Parramatta and Melbourne all have a vacant place in their top-tier backline for the taking.
The Sharks have been keeping a close eye on quality centres, while Penrith is the latest club to have entered the race for Lafai’s prized signature.
We can reveal the Titans have already reached out to Lafai through coach Neil Henry who is eager to add more punch to his backline.
Whether Lafai and his partner, who are expecting a child in May, would want to leave Sydney is yet to be determined but the Panthers could offer Lafai a more than suitable home should he want to stay in New South Wales.
The Panthers are still on the lookout for a player to replace Jamal Idris after he was released from his deal earlier in the year.
Foxsports.com.au contacted Lafai’s management on Friday morning but they declined to comment.
Meanwhile there are rumblings around Belmore that Hopoate could join the club as soon as this week with Hasler eager to get Hopoate integrated into training.
While Hopoate remains locked in a legal battle with his former club Parramatta over an unregistered contract his management believe should be paid, the NSW Origin winger won’t be at the Eels next season.
Hopoate is believed to have agreed to a deal with the Bulldogs in principle with only minor details to be finalised.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl...hopoates-arrival/story-e6frf3pu-1227633569783