Australian and NSW State of Origin back-rower Beau Scott is reportedly set to sign a three-year NRL deal from next season with Parramatta.
The 30-year-old Newcastle forward is poised to trigger a get-out clause in his Knights contract to return to Sydney in 2016 for family reasons.
Fairfax Media is reporting Scott has requested to leave the Knights on compassionate grounds because his son requires treatment at the Children’s Hospital in Westmead.
While the Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra had expressed interest, the Eels look set to lure Scott to Parramatta.
According to the report, it is understood the Tigers and Dragons had offered more money, but Scott is believed to have decided to link with Parramatta because of the proximity to the Children’s Hospital and a view the club is entering a ‘premiership window’.
Having already landed Manly playmaker Kieran Foran for 2016, on top of the earlier signing of former Sea Eagles Anthony Watmough, the Eels will add strength and experience to their forward pack for next season.
Meanwhile, Dane Gagai has signed a two-year contract extension with Newcastle that will keep him at the club until the end of 2017.
The talented centre has been one the Knights’ most consistent players since joining from Brisbane following his release by the Broncos due to disciplinary reasons midway through the 2012 season.
With Wayne Bennett leaving the Knights at the end of last year, there had been speculation the 24-year-old Queenslander might rejoin his old club.
However, Gagai said he owed the Knights for the loyalty they had showed to him since his arrival and that was the key factor in his why he opted to stay.
“This was a really big decision for me and my family,” Gagai said.
“I owe the Knights a lot because they gave me a chance when Anthony Griffin let me go in 2012.
“But I still had a number of factors to consider in making this decision with my family living in Queensland.
“I am really happy the decision has been made because I am enjoying my football and I love it here.”
chris n
Guest
Yeah that's what I am counting on that our last two losses were due to the wet condtions and hopefully we will have a nice dry day and get back to playing good footy next week.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
They don't seem to adapt to the conditions well. If a few passes stick they would've been right in it and probably would've won but I don't think they played to the wet conditions.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Boy Parramatta are loading up on back rowers, I'm surprised by this, but I suppose unless they can manage Moeroa's busted shoulder they'll need an extra one..
chrisn
Guest
I think they were all a bit off last night
Casper
Guest
Gee, wanted him at the Broncos but great to see a young guy putting loyalty first. Hope he goes well. Maybe that accounts for him being a bit off last night.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Yeah. Bummer. I would have liked him at the Broncos. Oh well, plenty of more fish in the seas. Keep Kahu, Hodges and Copley and spend the money making sure Joe Offythealphabet, Sam Thaiday and The Nikorima boys don't go anywhere. Glad Scott isn't coming. Chase Napa or Taupau for the front row rotation. Or Izzy. I still feel we are a couple players short of a picnic. Hopefully there are some gun wingers coming through the juniors. Oates isn't a winger, but will be a great backrower in 1 or 2 years. I expect he will come back from the offseason 10 kilos heavier. Maranta could end up being a Brett Morris style career winger. Doesn't have the attacking ability to play fullback though. how many plays died in his hands last night. And how good does RTS look.
Mike L
Guest
I am pretty happy Scott is NOT coming to the Broncos!
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Didn't see that one coming at all. Until a week ago all I was hearing was he was all but signed to go back to Brisbane.