Raiders step up for a promising Eels adolescent; Panther extends an offer to competitor: TrAccording to reports, the Raiders have stepped up their efforts to sign teenage Eels star Ethan Sanders.
The Sydney Morning Herald claims that the club has presented Sanders with a multi-year offer, which is reportedly for two or three years.
Since last season, Canberra has been keeping an eye on the 19-year-old, but he has been unavailable because of a new regulation in the NRL’s contracting system.Transmit Whispers
This regulation barred emerging players who were about to expire from their contracts from engaging in contract negotiations with competitors until they had either participated in six senior games (reserve grade or NRL) or had finished Round 6 — whichever happened first.
Sanders, who now has a development deal with the Eels, is free to accept offers at this time. The Raiders have been aggressive in their efforts to get a highly sought-after half who can serve as Jamal Fogarty’s long-term replacement.
In his first six NSW Cup games, he has scored two tries and set up three, making a strong start to the season for the Eels.
According to the Herald, the Raiders have also exercised Josh Papalii’s 2025 contract option.
It follows the club’s earlier this week three-year extension of five-eighth Ethan Strange.
BRONCOS WAS OFFERED BY PANTHER
Luke Garner, a forward for the Panthers, reportedly had his contract rejected by the Broncos after being shopped to the Brisbane team.
That’s according to The Daily Telegraph, which claims backrowers have been sought after by Broncos powerbrokers.
Following Kurt Capewell’s off-season loss to the Warriors and Brendan Piakura’s hamstring injury, they made these transfers.
Before Garner’s management approached the club, Brisbane officials reportedly identified three targets, including Cowboys sharpshooter Jack Gosiewski.
At the end of the season, Garner’s contract expires, and it is unclear if he will be given a longer term to stay at the base of the mountain.
It was rumored that the Broncos objected to his asking price, which exceeded $300,000 each season.
Kevin Walters is said to be leaning toward signing Gosiewski, but he must first get his request for an early release granted.
According to reports, the Sydney Roosters are talking about a 2025 and beyond bid for Knights center Dane Gagai, a former star of Origin.
The veteran back, whose contract with the Knights expires at the end of this season, is reportedly being considered for signing by the Roosters, according to WWOS’ Danny Weidler.
The Roosters are searching for a center pair’s replacement since Joseph Suaalii and Joey Manu will be joining rugby union in the upcoming season.
The 33-year-old might benefit the Roosters as he is eager to play and wants the assurance of a multi-year contract.
Although the Knights would prefer to keep Gagai, they may only consider a one-year contract.
In any case, Gagai, who presently earns about $750,000 a year, is considering accepting a pay reduction, either from the Knights or a new team, if he wants to continue playing.
The Roosters want experience to complement youth in such a critical position, which is why they are still only talking about Gagai’s signature internally.
In 274 NRL games with the Broncos, Knights, and Rabbitohs, as well as 22 Origins for the Maroons and seven Tests for the Kangaroos, Gagai has scored 78 tries.
KINGS ARE GOING TO ATTACH RAIDERS FLYER
James Schiller, an up-and-coming star, is supposedly signed by the Knights to a three-year contract that will start in 2025 and extend beyond.
That’s according to The Daily Telegraph, who are claiming that on Wednesday, Schiller told his teammates he was heading to the Hunter.
Schiller apparently made his decision because he wanted to play in the centers, and the Knights were willing to let him play there.
His hiring raises questions about what will happen to seasoned player Dane Gagai, who does not have a contract through the 2024 campaign.
He may decide to test his worth on the open market if the Knights decide to offer him a 12-month extension for the 2025 campaign.
With five tries in four games as a winger thus far this season, Schiller has been in excellent form for the Raiders.
TARGET PANTHERS’ TOP PROP
At the conclusion of the 2025 season, the Panthers will lose premiership-winning prop James Fisher-Harris, and it is said that they already have a replacement in mind.
According to the SMH, the main candidate to replace Fisher-Harris at the base of the mountain is Tigers standout Stefano Utoikamanu.
Powerbrokers in Penrith are rumored to have already enquired about Utoikamanu’s contract status, as there is a clause that might cause him to depart Leichhardt.
If the Tigers don’t finish in the top eight in 2024, he is free to leave; but, if he plays two more Origin games this season, he will be required to stay at the club.
With the same manager as assistant Ben Gardner, the Panthers have apparently already had internal discussions about trying to get Utoikamanu to the team.
The one-game NSW player is apparently of interest to the Bulldogs and Storm as well.
The announcement follows Fisher-Harris shocking the rugby league world by confirming his departure and agreeing to a four-year contract with the Warriors.
The Panthers confirmed he approached the club with a desire to return home to New Zealand earlier this week.
The 28-year-old has previously won three premierships with the Panthers and earned the International Rugby League’s (IRL) Golden Boot award in 2023.
TRANSFERS OF COWBOYS, BRONCOS, AND BULLDOGS
After the team secured a rising Bulldogs forward, Cowboys forward Jack Gosiewski is expected to have his release request approved.
The Cowboys have signed 23-year-old Harrison Edwards to a three-year contract that will start immediately, according to News Corp.
That should make it possible for Gosiewski to be released and sign with the Broncos; but, he is reportedly going to play two more games before doing so.
The 29-year-old Gosiewski has submitted several release requests in an attempt to move to Brisbane and be nearer to his family.
The Cowboys have been understanding of his reasoning, but unless they can locate a replacement, they are unwilling to let him leave from his contract, which keeps him signed through the end of 2025.
The Cowboys should give Gosiewski the go-ahead now that they have a replacement.
Gosiewski, an NRL player with 67 games played, was traded by the Dragons to the Cowboys for the 2018 season. He has previously played for the Rabbitohs, where he made his debut in 2016, for two years and Manly for four.
Edwards has played in just one NRL game this season out of a career total of 17.
