Dane Gagai linking with Newcastle next season is poised to set off a chain reaction of backline movement sure to shake up the NRL player market.
Gagai’s decision has held the key to where a host of off-contract centres will land next year.
Player managers were waiting with great anticipation for the Queensland Origin representative to make his decision and now he’s agreed to a three-year deal with the Knights, the phones have been running hot between agents and clubs.
The most approached clubs have been Brisbane, South Sydney, Wests Tigers, Cronulla and Parramatta.
With Gagai exiting Redfern, incoming South Sydney head coach Jason Demetriou has been running through several scenarios when it comes to his backline roster.
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Broncos utility back Tesi Niu is a name high on their wish list. He can cover wing, centre and fullback.
Kevin Walters pulled no punches when asked whether he wanted to re-sign the youngster.
“We certainly do,” the Brisbane coach replied.
“He shows great maturity for his age, he’s been good for us and sort of helped us turn around our season at fullback.”
Whether the Broncos will be able to compete with other clubs’ offers remains to be seen though.
Should Niu remain in Queensland, the Rabbitohs still have options. Outside back Braidon Burns is unsigned beyond 2021 and could still remain at the club.
Keeping Burns is one option for the Rabbits but that’s if Cronulla don’t swoop in.
The Sharks are believed to have expressed interest in Burns with Josh Dugan, Will Chambers, Nene Macdonald and Mawene Hiroti all off-contract.
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
The Roar can reveal young North Queensland centre Murray Taulagi has also appeared on both the Sharks’ and Souths’ radar.
Taulagi is unsigned for next year, along with fellow backs Connelly Lemuelu and Justin O’Neill.
There has been plenty of discussion around the recruitment at the Wests Tigers recently, although their backline is relatively settled.
They will welcome Oliver Gildart to the club from Wigan next season and have an option in their favour on Joseph Leilua’s contract.
When it comes to quality and big-game experience, Josh Morris is the highest profile player off-contract. Morris turns 35 in August and is yet to make a call on his future.
His twin brother Brett announced his immediate retirement a few months back after suffering a season-ending ACL injury.
(Photo by Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
While Morris’ form took a dip, seeing him rested in Round 19, the 300-plus gamer is like a fine wine. He’d be a wonderful addition to any backline in need of some polish and/or a mentor.
As the 2021 regular season nears the end, expect the signing news to ramp up. And just like a ball-playing backline, there will be plenty of movement to keep us all entertained.
Notable off-contract backs
Gerard Beale, Braidon Burns, Will Chambers, Renouf Atoni, Mawene Hiroti, Will Hopoate, Nene Macdonald, Tautau Moga, Tesi Niu, Justin O’Neill, Enari Tuala, Murray Taulagi, Blake Ferguson, Dylan Walker, Edrick Lee, Tevita Funa, Michael Oldfield, Jordan Rapana, and Josh Morris.
Tony Harper
Editor
Hey William thanks and you're correct. Yes, I didn't write it but I didn't change it nor do I think .it needed changing. It was more a joke with Nathan over something that happened a week earlier.
William W
Roar Rookie
That is rubbish as the EDITOR of any Newspaper/Magazine/Media outlet always has the final say on ALL stories and headlines.
Nat
Roar Guru
He's off contract, he's been able to talk to others since Oct last year. Your points are what concerns me though, he has obvious talent but a lot of work to do. He shouldn't be demanding or expecting a big payday but, like Walsh, some club will throw $400k at him and hope he comes good. (which has been the Broncos MO for the last 4yrs so I won't be too upset if they show some restraint with their offer).
What the!
Guest
Nui is gone... Brisbane have said that he can look elsewhere. The salary cap will be full. No place for him there. Another player who can be brilliant in attack. Not so steady under the high ball & goal line defence is not one of his priorities.
Muzz
Guest
Renouf Atoni is a Prop Forward who is likely to sign a 2 year deal with the Roosters.
William W
Roar Rookie
As far as the Rabbitohs are concerned. Signed for 2022 are WINGERS: 4 players are required Alex Johnston, Josh Mansour, Jaxson Paulo, CENTRES: 4 players are required Campbell Graham Off-Contract. Taane Milne (Club option for 2022) Steven Marsters (Club option for 2022) Braidon Burns Tautau Moga
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Mine's okay when I tried to type that. :happy:
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Would prefer Klemmer to be honest.
Tony
Roar Guru
:laughing:
Paul
Roar Guru
You might want to have words with the person who did! :happy:
Tony Harper
Editor
I didn't write the headline :laughing:
What the!
Guest
Absolutely correct! I still think it should come with a transfer fee, if their juniors are bought by another club. When the original club wishes to retain that player. Still a discount / allowance in the salary cap to retain your clubs own juniors is a must . Anything that makes all clubs wish to bring through their own junior talent into first grade, is good for the game. As it brings greater investment in junior clubs & more players to the game.
Nathan Ryan
Expert
I wrote the article yesterday. Cows hadn't announced the deal for Muz but those other clubs listed were keen on landing him. So now, where do they turn their attention to seeing as they've missed out?
Brisguy51
Roar Rookie
Maybe a change of scenery and being back in his home state. The responsibility of being a leader with all of the young forwards the Broncos have I think would be a really good move for him.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
when is a player a junior?
Adam
Roar Guru
I think there's s0mething wr0ng with y0ur keyb0ard :laughing:
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Not on your life with Napa .
RobboMaroon
Roar Rookie
Well Muzza Taulagi has resigned with the Cowboys so he won't be going anywhere. Clubs that develop players & hold onto them should get some kind of compensation for the effort, time & money they put into these young players. Compensation through the Salary Cap would be the best way for Clubs to be rewarded for the time, effort & cost of developing young players & senior players who have remained at the Club.
Larry1950
Guest
Surely the broncos would prioritise Niu re-signing ahead of keeping the much respected but aging Alex Glenn despite the need for experienced heads in their squad. I’d be happy for them to also sign either of Tuala or Tualagi as Qld bred centres/wingers ahead of blow-ins. Give Niu a longer back-ended contract knowing they’ll eventually stop subsidising McCullough at the dragons, they’ve done all of the development work on him.
Nat
Roar Guru
It would be a shame to see some of those players go out not on their own terms. The game has gone past guys like O'Neil and Hoppa but their long service should be acknowledged. Gee, Moga was the 'next best thing' that never eventuated (admittedly I was happy Wayne took him to Souths). I do hope Nui stays at Brisbane. I don't know his best position yet but there's a group of kids there that came through together and could be special in a few years ala the Panthers boys.