Jun 17th, 2019

Jun 17th, 2019

Wayne Bennett is in England this week - on the face of it to meet with his Lions team in preparation for the end-of-season internationals.

But I’m hearing Bennett also has a secret mission while in the Old Dart: to sign St Helens star Luke Thompson.

The tough prop is regarded as one of the hottest forwards in the rugby league world and a host of NRL clubs are on his trail.

Thompson is happy at Saints, but Bennett is a persuasive man and Souths are believed to be prepared to pay a transfer fee to entice him Down Under.

The Rabbitohs have had tremendous success with the Burgess brothers in recent years and would love to have another British forward on their books, particularly of the calibre of Thompson.

Luke Thompson. (PA AAP)

T-REX BACK IN MANLY MIX

Injury-hit Manly could receive a handy mid-season boost in the shape of the forgotten man of the NRL - giant former Kangaroos forward Tony Williams.

Big 'T-Rex' has completed a 12-week drugs suspension and I’m being told he has lost 20 kilos and is training the house down.

The big back-rower is a Des Hasler favourite, having played his best football at Manly before following him to Canterbury.

On his day, 30-year-old Williams can be a powerhouse and made his return through the Sea Eagles’ feeder club, Blacktown Workers, last weekend.

Williams played more than half the game against the Dragons and made some strong runs, as well as pulling off a couple of big hits.

Tony Williams playing for Manly in 2012. (AAP)

CONTRACT MOVEMENT FOR UNDERRATED TIGER

A few weeks back, I wrote that the Tigers were stalling in holding talks with arguably the most underrated player in the NRL - utility back Corey Thompson.

Rival clubs had started showing interest in the pocket rocket and the Tigers risked losing him.

The good news for Tigers fans is that talks have now started to keep Thompson at Concord.

It’s not over the line yet, but Thompson is happy at the club and will stay if he gets an upgraded offer - which, on form, he deserves.

Corey Thompson scores a try for Wests Tigers. (AAP)

BULLDOGS SET FOR OFF-FIELD COUP

The Bulldogs are set sign one of the smartest men in the key role of recruitment - former Raiders and Titans official Dave Hamilton.

Hamilton helped build the strong Raiders teams of a decade and more ago before moving to the Titans.

Several clubs were keen on his services but the Bulldogs put in the strongest bid.

He will work alongside club legend Mark Hughes in identifying young talent around the country and in New Zealand.