2014 NRL Player Rumours & Signings

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Brisbane Broncos prop Martin Kennedy set to return to Sydney Roosters


  • CHRIS GARRY
  • THE COURIER-MAIL
  • OCTOBER 26, 2014 12:00AM

BRONCOS prop Martin Kennedy is set for a shock return to his former club the Sydney Roosters.

Kennedy will not be at the Broncos next year and with the Melbourne Storm pulling out of negotiations, it is now a race between the Roosters and Gold Coast Titans to sign him.

Kennedy has met with Roosters officials and his old club wants him back on their books next season.

They have the cap space to do it following the retirement of Anthony Minichiello and Sonny Bill Williams’ return to rugby union.Kennedy was reluctant to discuss his future when contacted but said he was still unsure where he would be playing next year.

Kennedy left the Rosters at the end of their premiership-winning 2013 season.

He was forced out of their line up in the back half of the year by Kiwi prop Sam Moa and felt he had greater opportunities in an NRL starting line-up at Brisbane.

The Broncos paid close to $400,000 for his signature, an offer the Roosters could not match.

Now the Broncos will have to pay out a portion of the final two years of his contract, meaning Kennedy could be a bargain buy for the Roosters.

Kennedy had an inconsistent year at the Broncos but played his best football in the last six weeks of Brisbane’s disappointing season.

He and Anthony Griffin fell out during the season but to his credit, Kennedy never complained about the now sacked coach.

After being dropped, Kennedy’s month playing for the Ipswich Jets re-invigorated his career as the Walker brothers, Ben and Shane, coached him to use football instincts again.

Kennedy’s departure will provide the best under-20s prop in Australia, Joe Ofahengaue, a chance to crack the NRL next season at the Broncos.

The Broncos will use Corey Parker as a full-time prop, with Josh McGuire, James Gavet, David Hala, Mitch Garbutt and Ofahengaue to round out their front-row rotation.

The Broncos are trying to get Ipswich prop Rod Griffin a pre-season training contract but second-tier cap issues are making it difficult.

Brisbane have signed livewire hooker Matt Parcell from the Jets.

Shane Walker, a former Broncos hooker, told Bennett that Parcell, 22, was the best player in Queensland without an NRL contract.

It appears Ben Barba will be transformed into a utility back so he can be the Broncos’ No.14 next season.

Barba appears likely to stay at Red Hill but the Broncos would consider releasing him if the right offer was made.

Josh Hoffman will make a decision on his future in the next two weeks.His manager Paul Hogan met with Hoffman on Friday afternoon.

He said there were still “three to four clubs” that were an option for the fullback.

Either the New Zealand Warriors or Gold Coast Titans appear Hoffman’s likely destination.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-sydney-roosters/story-fni3gv5x-1227102076946
 
St George Illawarra Dragons eye George Rose, Heath L’Estrange and Beau Henry


  • DAVID RICCIO CHIEF SPORTS WRITER
  • THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
  • OCTOBER 26, 2014 12:00AM

ST GEORGE Illawarra’s back-up plan of George Rose could become their permanent solution with the club’s intention to sign jailed forward Russell Packer at least six months away from being realised.

The Dragons are keen to pick up Rose on a base-salary contract, believing the former Manly and Melbourne prop can plug a hole in their pack until Packer’s future is determined by the NRL.

The loss of Test winger Brett Morris to Canterbury isn’t the only change for a club whose legion of fans are demanding success after failing to make the finals since 2011.

Several new faces could join the Dragons on Monday under coach Paul McGregor, when they become one of the first clubs to return to pre-season training.

While Rose’s deal is yet to be signed off, the Dragons are close to announcing the signatures of former Sydney Roosters hooker Heath L’Estrange and Gold Titans utility Beau Henry — the same club to which Dragons outside back Gerard Beale has been linked.

And in a move that will ease salary-cap pressure and could enhance the club’s chances of keeping Test forward Trent Merrin beyond 2015, local junior Jack Stockwell is also expected to be granted a release to join Newcastle.

Stockwell was on a deal worth more than $200,000 at the Dragons.

But securing Packer will become the club’s greatest issue over summer, with the former Warriors prop behind bars after being found guilty of a drunken assault on a night out in Sydney almost 12 months ago.

Dragons officials have met repeatedly with Packer and while they are confident they have secured his signature, officially they are unable to spruik the deal until the NRL registers his contract.

That process could take a minimum of six months, with Packer’s alcohol issues expected to result in the NRL ordering he undergo a course with Alcoholics Anonymous and several other rehabilitation courses that prove he is worthy of a second chance.

Packer has been lured to the Dragons on a deal worth more than $200,000 while he is also a close friend of current forward Leeson Ah Mau.

The Dragons’ decision to sign journeyman L’Estrange is designed to assist the *development of current dummy-halves Mitch Rein and Craig Garvey.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...e-and-beau-henry/story-fni3g9a3-1227102088763
 
wow, they must know there selling players i mean i know morris money would be a lot but with already being over and all these signings merrin must be gone?
 
The Lurker - NRL Rumour File - Friday

Takairangi deal close

Expect Parramatta to announce they have signed lanky Titans utility Brad Takairangi any day now.

Talks stalled a few days ago because Takairangi wanted a three-year deal and the Eels were only willing to offer one season after his contract with the Tigers fell through.

In the end, Takairangi will take one year and an option - and the Tigers will foot some of the bill because they pulled out of the deal after agreeing to terms.

Welcome good news for Dragons

It’s dire times for Dragons fans but the club has signed a couple of budget buys who could surprise in 2015.

Former Dragon Jake Marketo returns to the club from Redcliffe in the Queensland club and the club has also picked up giant Kiwi prop Rulon Nutira, a New Zealand Maori representative who played this season for Gundagai in the bush.

Nutira played in the lower grades for both the Eels and Storm and is out to establish himself in the NRL.

The Dragons will also pick up jailed former Warriors prop Russell Packer - if the NRL clears him to play in 2015.

Word is the League may force Packer to sit out the early rounds to prove he has earned another chance after his conviction on a vicious assault charge.

http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nr...umour-file---friday/8x37ze8hbmsu139u6svkwc0gp
 
Manly have secured the services of Warriors forward Feleti Mateo on a two-year deal


  • MATT LOGUE
  • THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
  • OCTOBER 28, 2014 12:00AM

MANLY have secured the services of New Zealand Warriors forward Feleti Mateo on a two-year deal.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Mateo will link with the Sea Eagles after being granted a release by the Warriors with two years remaining on his contract.

Mateo’s signing means Manly are certain to lose veteran forward Anthony Watmough, with the NSW Origin and Test star to officially link with Parramatta as early as Tuesday.

On top of the ball-playing Mateo, it’s understood the Sea Eagles are also close to announcing the signature of experienced Newcastle forward Willie Mason.

The Daily Telegraph contacted Mateo on Monday, but the Tongan international declined to comment.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...n-a-twoyear-deal/story-fni3gnk1-1227104028318
 
Anthony Watmough meeting Parramatta Eels officials to negotiate early release

By Chris Barrett

October 27, 2014 - 10:00PM

Anthony Watmough's high-profile move from Manly to Parramatta could be finalised on Tuesday when he meets Eels officials and coach Brad Arthur.

The representative back-rower has been on holidays in Thailand but is now back in Sydney and ready to determine once and for all where his future lies.

Watmough is understood to have agreed in principle to a three-year contract at Parramatta beginning in the 2016 season but the Eels are keen to have him on board immediately, contingent on a release being ticked off on by Manly.

The hope is that his signing can be formalised as soon as possible, allowing him to join his new teammates for their off-season venture to the United States.

The Parramatta squad will fly to Seattle on Monday only weeks after now departed co-captain Jarryd Hayne enjoyed his own club-sponsored visit there to take in an NFL and an American college football game.

Watmough is seen by Arthur, who is close to him from his days as a Manly assistant coach, as a key acquisition that can add vital experience to a talented but young Eels forward pack as he seeks to take the next step and return the club to the finals.

The move struck a potential hurdle last week when the Penn family effectively performed a takeover of ownership at Manly but it's believed that the Sea Eagles' salary cap status is such that they aren't in a position to keep him even if he now wanted to stay.
Click to expand...

Read More:http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...-negotiate-early-release-20141027-11cnmq.html
 
Anthony Watmough released by Manly Sea Eagles, Feleti Mateo and Willie Mason in, new CEO


  • THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
  • OCTOBER 28, 2014 11:05AM

THE Sea Eagles have confirmed Anthony Watmough’s release to the Eels.

In a bombshell press conference, the club also announced:

* EXPERIENCED forwards Willie Mason, Feleti Mateo and Siosaia Vave will join the club for 2015

* Jamie Lyon has re-signed until the end of 2016;

* Joe Kelly will become the club’s new CEO from November 24. He is the former chief financial officer at South Sydney.

“I’m disappointed to lose a quality player such as Anthony Watmough,” said coach Geoff Toovey.

“He has been an integral part of the success here at Manly for many years.

“We wish him all the best for the future and thank him for his service to the Sea Eagles.”

Mason, a former Origin and Test front-rower, has made 271 NRL appearances since debuting in 2000, representing his state and country along the way.

The 34-year-old joins the Sea Eagles on a one-year deal after a three-year stint with the Newcastle Knights.Mason said:

“I’ve done pre-seasons at other clubs but I really want to show Geoff [Toovey] and the coaching staff that I’m ready to rip in from the get go.”

Mateo joins the Sea Eagles after making 183 appearances for the Eels and Warriors.

He has agreed to terms on a two-year deal.

Vave has played 55 first grade games for Cronulla and Melbourne since making his NRL debut in 2010, as well as appearing internationally for Tonga.

Sea Eagles recruitment manager Dave Warwick said of the 188cm and 115kg behemoth:

“Siosaia will provide a bit more power in our front row stocks as far as punch into the line is concerned.

“Given he’s only 25 years old, we think he’s got a promising future here at the Sea Eagles.”


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...mason-in-new-ceo/story-fni3gnk1-1227104562244

http://www.seaeagles.com.au/news/2014/10/28/anthony_watmough_granted_release_by_sea_eagles.html

http://www.seaeagles.com.au/news/20...on_mateo_vave_and_extend_lyon_s_contract.html
 
Dragons Add To Roster

Wed 29th October, 06:30AM

The St George Illawarra Dragons have announced that Heath Le’Estrange and Beau Henry have both agreed to terms on respective one-year contracts that will each join the Club until at least the end of 2015.

Heath L’Estrange, 29, can also player hooker and made his debut for the Sydney Roosters during the 2004 season before joining the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in 2008.

The Hills Bulls juniors won an NRL Premiership in 2008 during his tenure with the Sea-Eagles before joining the Bradford Bulls in the English Super League in (2010-13).

L’Estrange returned to the Roosters last season and arrives at the Dragons having played 175 NRL games to date.

Beau Henry is a local Warilla Gorillas junior who returns to the Club after previously being part of the Dragons National Youth Competition team before joining the Newcastle Knights in 2011.

Henry, 24, who can play as five-eighth or halfback, later departed the Knights to join the Gold Coast Titans (2011-14) and has played 14 NRL games to date.

The Dragons have also confirmed that Josh Ailaomai, Bronson Harrison, Willie Mataka and Shane Pumipi will not be at the Club in 2015.


http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2014/10/29/dragons_add_to_roster.html




 
Wouldn't mind Ailaomai on a cheap 2nd tier contract.

I'd also take a punt of Bronson Harrison, giving him a solid off season training program gaining a few kgs turning him into a prop, or even keep him at 2nd row, he was quite a good 2nd rower a few years back.
 
I had hope he would be able go good again when he moved to the Dragons, but he continued his average form there so i think he's pretty much done & dusted now.
 
Campo will play for Raiders again: Stuart

By David Barbeler
AAP
4:58pm Wed 29th October, 2014

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart insists captain Terry Campese has not played his last game for the Raiders despite the NRL club granting a last-minute request for an extra month's leave.

Barring Four Nations Test squad members Josh Papalii and Josh Hodgson, Campese was the only player on the club's roster not to show up for day one of pre-season training on Wednesday.

The Raiders confirmed that Campese had requested an extra month off through his manager Jim Banaghan on Tuesday.

Earlier this year Campese skipped the club's presentation dinner without notice after he was dropped to the NSW Cup for the final month of the 2014 season.

His latest no-show puts a big question mark over whether he'll ever be seen in the lime green again - let alone retain the club's captaincy.

However Stuart was at pains to play down the significance of Campese's request on Wednesday.

"He's got a contract here. So I don't think it's going to be his last game," Stuart said.

"Terry knows best - he's a very experienced player. There's no dramas there.

"I haven't even thought about the captaincy side of it. I will at the right time."

Stuart denied he was disappointed by Campese's decision, adding that the club's CEO Don Furner had gone to great lengths to check on his welfare.

"No. I'm not disappointed. It would be different if it was Terry's first, second or third year," Stuart said.

It's understood Campese returned from Cancun in Mexico with a group of Raiders teammates just recently.

Jarrod Croker, who went on the overseas holiday, admitted he was shocked when told of Campese's request.

"Yeah I was, I haven't spoken to him. I'll give him a ring and see him," Croker said.

"I'm sure he would be in a difficult head space, but he's one of the toughest blokes I know."

Croker also backed his good mate to fight his way back into the NRL - despite hot competition from Blake Austin, Mitch Cornish, Sam Williams, Josh McCrone and Jack Wighton in the Raiders' halves in 2015.

"I'm confident he can do whatever he wants to do," Croker said.

Campese has one year left on a five-year contract.

Furner said the month of leave would not affect his contract - pointing to Campese's service to the club over the past decade.


http://www.nrl.com/campo-will-play-...4/newsid/82777/default.aspx?cid=NRL_HP_Latest
 
Brisbane Broncos seek front-rowers after departures and injuries


  • CHRIS GARRY AND TODD BALYM
  • THE COURIER-MAIL
  • OCTOBER 30, 2014 12:00AM

THE Broncos are hunting for one more top-line forward after releasing three front-rowers in two weeks and then watching prop recruit James Gavet get diagnosed with a potentially serious shoulder injury.

The Broncos have lost 450kg of front-row muscle in the past fortnight as they make space in their salary cap to ensure they can upgrade their emerging stars and make a splash in the 2016 player pool.

Ben Hannant, Martin Kennedy and Dave Hala have all been released while Gavet had scans on Wednesday on a pre-existing shoulder injury to see if a reconstruction is needed.

The Broncos are awaiting the final result of Gavet's shoulder scans, but if it is worst-case scenario and a reconstruction is required he will be sidelined for up to five months and likely to miss the season’s opening rounds.

The Broncos knew Gavet had shoulder issues when they signed him on a bargain-basement two-year deal from the Wests Tigers last month but a reconstruction would be a bitter blow to Wayne Bennett’s rebuilding plans.

The Broncos now have one top-25 roster place to fill but will have two if Josh Hoffman secures a deal at a rival club, likely the Gold Coast or Canberra.

The departure of Hannant and Kennedy in particular has eased cap concerns at the Broncos, clearing a mess left by the previous football administration that had two front-rowers among the club’s highest paid.

The squad starts training under new coach Bennett on Wednesday.

Hannant has signed with North Queensland while, as revealed in The Courier-Mail, Kennedy has signed with the Sydney Roosters and Hala has signed with the Gold Coast Titans.

St George Illawarra utility forward Trent Merrin looms as a potential answer to the Broncos front-row crisis.

The Broncos have had informal talks with Merrin while the Dragons’ salary cap struggles saw them release backrower Bronson Harrison on Wednesday.

Harrison could be the ideal fit for the Broncos as Corey Parker moves to the front-row permanently next year.

Ex-Broncos captain Wally Lewis said Bennett must have a master plan otherwise he would have kept at least one of the three released props.

“When you first think about it you think it is concerning but the Broncos are the type of club that would not have done this without having a long-term plan,” Lewis said.

“They know what they are doing and have obviously made some tough decisions.

“I remember first seeing Marty near a golf course when he was doing his first training session for the Broncos and the way he spoke made me confident he would find success up here.

“I hope he kicks on because he’s a good person.”

The Broncos are confident in their front-row stocks, which is why they were happy to release Kennedy and Hala.

The Broncos have two of the best young props in Australia in Frank Molo and Joe Ofahengaue.

Their front-row rotation next year will be Josh McGuire, Parker, Mitch Garbutt, Mitchell Dodds, Jarrod Wallace, Molo, Ofahengaue and Gavet.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...artures-injuries/story-fnp0lyn3-1227106309832
 
How the **** can Broncos be putting together this team whilst we're signing no one, if they get merrin boyd gagai over next couple years to add to what they already have bennett may get his premiership
 
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