Nov 4th, 2019

Nov 4th, 2019

LATRELL IN LIMBO

The Bulldogs have dropped off their chase for Latrell Mitchell, leaving the enigmatic centre's future in limbo.

Mitchell is on a deal worth around $800,000-a-season at the Roosters but comes off contract at the end of next year.

Relations are strained between player and club and Mitchell held a secret meeting with a leading Canterbury official last week.

Roosters star Latrell Mitchell during his side's preliminary final win over Melbourne. (Getty)

But the Bulldogs have done their sums and decided not to try to match or better the Roosters' big contract for Mitchell, whose form was only patchy last season.

The Bulldogs believe their money would be better spent on two to three good solid first graders, rather than one player who can run hot or cold.

The Canterbury move shapes as a setback for Mitchell, who faces the possibility of a pay cut from the Roosters.

ROOSTERS PICK UP CAYLESS

The Roosters have signed former Kiwi skipper Nathan Cayless as a development coach for next season.

With Islander players dominating the game, it's a smart move by the Roosters, who have plenty of Kiwi, Samoan and Tongan players in their ranks.

Cayless during his playing days. (Getty)

Former Eels star Cayless was on the Warriors' coaching staff last season but has decided his future lies in Australia.

There are changes aplenty at the Warriors - director of football Brian Smith is leaving, as is strength coach Alex Corvo and Cayless.

KEARNEY FEELING THE PINCH

Still on the Warriors, and former Eels, Raiders and Warriors forward Justin Morgan is set to put the pressure on Stephen Kearney next season.

Morgan has been appointed as the club's NSW Cup coach and sources across the ditch tell me there will be a push to install his as NRL coach mid-season if the Warriors again start the year poorly.

Morgan putting pressure on Kearney. (Getty)

A former Warriors assistant coach, Morgan is highly regarded in league circles and most recently coached the Kiwi Ferns women's team.

DESSIE STEPS UP

Manly coach Des Hasler went out to Parklea Jail to check on the welfare of young hooker Manase Fainu last week.

Fainu made headlines for all the wrong reasons recently when he was charged after a stabbing incident at a church gathering in Sydney's west.

The Tongan international was refused bail and will spend another week behind bars as the legal system weighs up his future.

Manaise Fainu (Getty)

He has been charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm as well as affray and recklessly cause grievous bodily harm in company.

Hasler is concerned about the 21-year-old's welfare and paid him a visit to lend him some much-needed support.