Penrith are playing hardball with premiership-winning hooker Api Koroisau.
Wide World of Sports has learned that the premiers have told the classy dummy half that they can’t offer him a contract beyond his current deal, which expires at the end of next season.
But at the same time, the Panthers are refusing to release Koroisau for 2022 to enable him to sign one last long-term deal.
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Koroisau turned 29 two days ago and usually, when a club cannot guarantee a veteran a multi-season contract, it is prepared to cut him loose.
But the Panthers are determined to retain Koroisau for 2022, despite the fact that several clubs are willing to give him two or three year contracts on big dollars.
The stalemate has resulted in a tense situation between player and club.
Penrith’s premiership win has put them in a tricky salary cap situation, with the market value of their young grand final winners skyrocketing.
Strike forward Viliame Kikau and dynamic fullback Dylan Edwards are just two players also coming off contract at the end of next season who are already in hot demand.
At least two grand final stars will have to be released for 2023, with Koroisau the first to go.
Sims’ future still a mystery
Tariq Sims’ future remains up in the air – but there is no shortage of interest in the NSW State of Origin back-rower.
Four of the most successful clubs in the NRL in recent years – the Panthers, Storm, Roosters and Souths – are keeping a close eye on Sims’ negotiation process.
None can afford the big money Sims was on this year at the Dragons – but all realise the big fella brings plenty both on and off the field and if the price is right, they are looking at ways to fit him into their rosters.
Dragons sign boom rookie
The Dragons have snatched one of the best young middle forwards in junior rugby league from the Titans.
Kaden Somerville, a towering 18-year-old from well known league nursery Palm Beach Currumbin, has agreed to terms with the Dragons for next season.The youngster was spotted by former Dragons star Shaun Timmins and chose St George Illawarra as the club where he intends to make his mark.
Somerville will train with the Dragons’ NRL squad over the summer and start next season in the SG Ball Cup before pushing for a top-grade spot in 2023.
Rabbitohs poach Roosters rising star
Souths love nothing better than poaching a player from arch rivals Sydney Roosters – and they look to have come up with a good one in big prop Hugo Patterson.
The 22-year-old was a standout in the shortened Jersey Flegg Cup last season and Souths believe he will kick on in 2022.
“I used to coach Souths’ Flegg side and he really stood out when he played against us,” Rabbitohs Head of Elite Pathways and Player Development, Joe O’Callaghan, told Wide World of Sports.
“I’m really expecting big things of him.”
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