Feb 18th, 2019

Feb 18th, 2019

Who will Storm palm off?

The Storm have major salary cap problems leading into the new season and are attempting to offload three players to England before the start of the new season next month.

In a bid to balance the books, the club has told Super League clubs that giant prop Sam Kasiano, utility back Cheyse Blair and Tongan international Patrick Kaufusi are all available.

Kasiano in the cross-hairs.

The re-signing of skipper Cameron Smith on huge dollars, as well as the retention of star players Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jahrome Hughes, Felise Kaufusi and Curtis Scott, has left the Storm in a pickle.

A couple of English clubs have shown interest in the trio, but so far no deals have been done.

If the Storm can’t offload at least two of the three before the new season comes around, it will make life very difficult for their accountants.

Former star out of control

It’s not just big-name current NRL players who can’t keep it in their pants.

One former NRL and Super League star captain-coaching in the NSW bush has found himself in hot water - for getting up close and personal with the club treasurer’s wife.

Remarkably, the club, which can sniff a premiership, hasn’t sacked him and is trying to sweep the incident under the carpet.

Axe set to fall at Sharks

I’m hearing there is a bit of a witch hunt going on at Cronulla, with more heads set to roll.

The club is looking to rid itself of any of the staff that were closely aligned to sacked coach Shane Flanagan.

Officials believe it’s the best way to have a fresh start - and a show of faith in new coach John Morris by giving him a clean slate.

John Morris. (AAP )

At least two officials are likely to be moved on in coming weeks.

On the flip-side, Flanagan’s departure could cost the club the services of son Kyle, one of Cronulla’s brightest young juniors.

Kyle is under contract until the end of 2021 but the tension between his father and the club may see him seek a release for next year.

Brittain set to earn stripes

Don’t be surprised to see little-known hooker Billy Brittain make his NRL debut for Souths this season.

Brittain, 23, was a standout as the Rabbitohs thrashed Riverina 52-10 in Albury last weekend.

The captain of Rabbitohs’ feeder team North Sydney, Brittain joined Souths last year after stints with Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos, as well as the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

Souths boast the most dynamic hooker in the game in Damien Cook but veteran coach Wayne Bennett is wary that his star number nine may burn out over a long season.

With his back-up Robbie Farah leaving Souths and Cook certain to play State of Origin football, the stage is set for Brittain to earn his stripes this campaign.