It is a case of ‘another day, another load of NRL player speculation’ in rugby league today, with Beau Scott, Russell Packer and Dane Gagai all making news.
New South Wales Blues Origin star Beau Scott is reportedly set to sign a three-year deal with the Parramatta Eels.
Beau Scott will seek a get-out clause in his Knights contract to return to Sydney for family reasons, as his son requires treatment at the Children’s Hospital in Westmead.
The $1.5 million deal will see Scott join fellow representative stars Kieran Foran and Anthony Watmough as he moves to his fourth NRL club after stints with Cronulla, St George Illawarra and Newcastle.
Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra had reportedly expressed interest in the three-test Australian representative offering him more money, but Scott ultimately chose the Eels due to its close proximity to the Children’s Hospital.
In other news, former Warriors player and Kiwis Test star Russell Packer will not be allowed to play NRL for the 2015 season.
Russell Packer has been cleared by the NRL to train with the St George Illawarra, but will play NSW Cup for the remainder of the year.
“The club will be considering the NRL’s advice, as will Russell and his family,” said Peter Doust, “We will need to clarify additional matters, to then be able to discuss with appropriate stakeholders and advisors.”
Russell Packer was charged in November 2013 with assaulting a 22-year old man, fracturing his eye socket. Packer was sentenced to one year in jail after pleading guilty assault occasioning actual bodily harm in January 2014. He was released a year later.
Finally, Knights star Dane Gagai has signed a two-year contract extension with Newcastle that will keep him at the club until the end of 2017.
Gagai has attracted interest from several NRL clubs including the Brisbane Broncos and the Gold Coast Titans, but the young Queenslander elected to stay put in the steel city.
“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.”
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Someone didn't see San Francisco 49ers' first workout drill. http://www.49ers.com/video/videos/The-Remix-49ers-Offseason-Workouts-Begin/09504365-e951-4253-8f8b-abc0e810ee5d
Hans Murdok
Guest
After watching Parra play for the last 5 seasons, they'll need more than Foran & Scott!
rookie ld
Guest
Smh is reporting the 49ers qb as very impressed with hayne - a natural who needs to be given opps to showcase his athleticism. Mind you it is 4th day of a 53 day camp.
pjm
Roar Rookie
Probably be a special clause that he will be paid outside of the cap for the Eels.
curaeus
Guest
Hayne must have been on 2 million a year because every time Parramatta sign someone now, its being paid for (allegedly) out of Jarryds former salary! Wonder what will happen when-not if-Jarryds bid to make the 49ers top 53 flops and he wants to return to the NRL. Roosters perhaps?
Jay C
Roar Guru
Cheers. you can have Reed if you want. Please. Anyone.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Norman to fullback you reckon? Has Sandow re-signed?
Scott Pryde
Expert
Eels are going to have a gun side: 1. Norman 2. Radradra 3. Hopoate 4. Folau 5. Robinson 6. Foran 7. Sandow 8. Mannah 9. Peats 10. Wicks 11. Ma'u 12. Scott 13. Watmough 14. Lussick 15. Moeroa 16. Edwards 17. De Gois / Paulo
Scott Pryde
Expert
Would love the Dragons to cut Dan Nielsen lose. All yours Jay C.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Its a shame that Manu Ma'u, Tepai Moeroa, Kenny Edwards, etc. won't be getting a start at the Eels anytime soon. Parramatta could be a real premiership force. Dane Nielsen is signed with the Dragons until 2016 but is way too inconsitent. Personally, I think Patrick Ah Van is there man. Off-contract at the Vikings, 27 years of age, has played rep footy and over 50 games in NRL.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Here come the Eels I guess. I personally would have been locking up their young forward pack instead of targeting another player on the downhill slope but cool I guess. Bummer for Brisbane. I wonder if Dane Nielsen is available