Nov 19th, 2018

Nov 19th, 2018

NO ROOSTERS TEARS FOR NAPA

He’s a premiership winner and current State of Origin player, but the Roosters are shedding no tears over Dylan Napa’s impending departure to the Bulldogs.

In fact, I’m hearing that the Roosters are more than happy to let Napa walk, not pleased with his attitude and lack of discipline on the field.

A powerhouse forward on his day, Napa can give away silly penalties and has a rap sheet with the judiciary.

The Roosters believe that carrying him and another similar prop, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, is a problem and also feel Napa needs a change of scenery to spark his career.

Don’t be surprised if the Roosters move for Manly big man Marty Taupau now.

Dylan Napa (R) with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Trent Robinson after the 2018 Grand Final win. (AAP)

MANLY TO THE NFL

Two Manly players are set to attempt to make the quantam leap into American football next season.

Rugged back-rower Kelepi Tanginoa and Kiwi-born Taniela Paseka have both secretly been trialling for contracts in the NFL.

Neither have distinguished rugby league resumes - but former South Sydney reserve grader Jordan Mailata has proved that is not necessary to make it in the NFL.

While league superstar Jarryd Hayne struggled in his brief NFL stint, 21-year-old Mailata, who has never played a top level league game, recently signed a four-year $2.5 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Paseka has held talks with an NFL club while Tanginoa recently excelled in an NFL Combine Camp held by Australian agents Pacific Sports Management that was attended by scouts from leading NFL clubs.

Both are hoping to earn contracts in coming weeks.

Kelepi Tanginoa. (AAP)

MADGE'S LATE COOK PLUNGE

Damien Cook is close to coming to terms with Souths on a rich new four-year deal - but not before one last attempt to poach him by his former coach Michael Maguire.

‘Madge’ coached Cook at Souths two years ago and is keen to get him to his new club, the Tigers for 2019.

Cook was the most dynamic hooker in the game last season with his dashes out of dummy-half and Souths are desperate to retain him.

But the Tigers have money to spend and Maguire is even prepared to let a couple of players go to get Cook on board.

Damien Cook. (AAP)

WARRIORS EYE-OFF SEVENS STAR

The Warriors are believed to be in talks with one of the most exciting players in the world of rugby union sevens.

Neria Fomai, a 26-year-old halfback, shone in this year’s Commonwealth Games and has the skills and speed to be a sensation in league.

With the future of Shaun Johnson at the club under a cloud, Fomai could be a handy man to fill the void.

Former Warriors junior Patrick Herbert is set to rejoin the club from the Dragons.