The Raiders ars set to play hardball with the Tigers over the future of English hooker Josh Hodgson.
The Tigers want Hodgson to give them experience around the rucks – but the Raiders want something in return – promising Tigers hooker Jacob Liddle.
At 24, Liddle is one of the best young hookers in the NRL and only injuries have held him back in recent seasons.
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But the Tigers can’t have three hookers in their top 20 – Hodgson, Liddle and Jake Simpkin – and this works in the Raiders’ favour.
Canberra has a talented back-up hooker in Tom Starling, but he is in strife for an off field incident for the second time in two years and his future is under a cloud.
The Tigers are currently weighing up the pros and cons of signing Hodgson – who turns 32 later this week and has had injury problems of his own – at the expense of one of their brightest young stars.
Several other clubs have also expressed interest in Liddle should the Tigers sign Hodgson.
Manly legend axed
Manly has parted ways with former club favourite Matt Ballin.
Ballin was coach of the Sea Eagles’ feeder club, Blacktown Workers, but was told last week his services were no longer required.
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Ballin has paid the price for the team’s poor performances in the COVID-shortened NSW Cup over the past two seasons.
The former Queensland State of Origin hooker was a real mainstay of the Sea Eagles on the field, playing nine seasons, over 200 games and winning two premierships in a glittering career.
But all that counts for nought if you don’t win games as a coach in the ruthless world of rugby league.
Blacktown has yet to name a replacement but Ballin’s assistant Nathan Hogan is the favourite to take over at this stage.
Sea Eagles, Knights fight over boom rookie
Manly and Newcastle are involved in a tug of war over a talented 18-year-old outside back.
Fletcher Myers, a flyer who is equally at home at fullback or centre, is contracted to the Knights for next season but has asked for a release to join the Sea Eagles.
Manly coach Des Hasler has a high opinion of the youngster, who starred at fullback for NSW Koori Under-16s a couple of seasons ago.
The Knights want to retain Myers and the situation is currently at a stalemate… but watch this space.
Manager walks out on player
Which up and coming player was sacked by his own manager recently after signing a deal with a leading NRL club?
Why? Because after the contract was agreed on, the player’s father kept calling the club direct – bypassing the manager – asking for more money!
As a result, the player, who has ability, is now on the lookout for a new agent.
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