NRL 2022: Whisper Transfers; Ben hunts for the future; Gold Coast Titans bid; Martin Taupau, Manly, Sea Eagles, news, updates
Maroons star Ben Hunt has no shortage of suitors amid reports that the Gold Coast Titans are ready to launch a bold bid for his services.
News Corporation revealed that the Titans were considering a game to lure the Dragon captain north from the 2023 season.
The Titans are believed to be one of six clubs trying to secure Hunt’s services from at least the 2024 campaign.
Stream every match from every round of the Telstra 2022 NRL Premiership Season Live & Ad-Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
FURTHER NRL NEWS
‘DONE 100’: Keary rooster star confession reveals NRL’s big hip-drop problem
‘AT A TIPPING POINT’: Knight at a crossroads, O’Brien feels running a ‘soft ship’
STADIUM WARS: $800 million threat from NRL to NSW government over stadium funding backflip
But given he won’t be out of contract with the Dragons until the end of next season, the Titans will have to wait until November 1 to make an official offer.
It was reported last week that Hunt would sign a two-year contract extension with St George until the end of 2025.
“We have started the process of extending Ben, and we really hope we can keep him at the club in the long term,” said St George Illawarra chief executive Ryan Webb.
“He was an important person on the pitch and had a tremendous impact.”
Hunt, who led the Dally M race before the tally behind closed doors, signed a
a giant five-year deal worth more than $5 million with Dragons in 2017.
The 32-year-old has established himself as one of the main players in the competition ever since, having starred in State of Origin again this year.
The party was well and truly under way in Queensland when Hunt fled for a match-winning long-range try in the Origin decider in Brisbane last month.
But given his age, it is believed that he could commit to a smaller deal.
If Hunt does sign with the Titans, he could potentially line up on the sidelines along with another key signing in Kieran Foran.
The New Zealand international has signed a two-year contract that is reportedly worth $400,000 per season.
Prior to entering into contract negotiations, Hunt revealed that he was happy to play under “the right coach” at Anthony Griffin in Dragons.
“It’s no secret I love being coached by Hook (Anthony Griffin),” Hunt said.
“I know we’ve had some setbacks in the last two games, but we have the right foundations – and we have the right coach.
“I love my time at the club and enjoying myself. I know I’m also reaching the end of my career and want to win (an inaugural title).
“My manager will meet with the club next week so we’ll see what happens. I still think I’ve got at least three footy years in me. I’m signed for next year, and I want two more after that.
“I was lucky with the injury. I don’t understand why I can’t leave until at least the end of 2025.”
RABBITOHS LAUNCHES OFFERS FOR MANLY ENFORCER
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have reportedly entered the race to secure the signature of Sea Eagles prop Martin Taupau for the start of the 2023 season.
According to Zero Tackle, the club believe that Taupau would be a suitable replacement for the departure of Mark Nicholls, who will join the Dolphins for their inaugural season.
The Bunnies will reportedly give the 32-year-old a two-year contract that will keep him at South Sydney until the end of the 2024 season.
The Eels were close to locking in at Taupau for the remainder of the season, but the Sea Eagles opted to thwart that move in a last-ditch attempt to secure a place in the last eight come final time.
If Taupau is to join the Rabbitohs for the 2023 season, he will add depth to the club in forwards joining the likes of Thomas Burgess, Liam Knight, Tevita Tatola, Davvy Moale and Daniel Suluka-Fifita.
With prop Manly now in the final stages of his career, his two-year contract with South Sydney could be his last in the NRL.
While the Dolphins have expressed interest in Taupau, the experienced prop would ideally like to play for the Sydney-based club.
#NRL #Whisper #Transfers #Ben #hunts #future #Gold #Coast #Titans #bid #Martin #Taupau #Manly #Sea #Eagles #news #updates
Comments
Post a Comment