Dec 25th, 2017

Dec 25th, 2017

Sheik to target Dragons

The Qatari sheik interested in getting involved in rugby league is poised to make a bid to buy the St George Illawarra Dragons.

One of the world’s wealthiest men with an estimated worth of over $60 billion, Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani is set to target the Dragons.

Reports emerged earlier this month that the oil tycoon is keen to invest in rugby league after learning of the game from Australian mates.

And WWOS has been told that Thani is considering buying the Dragons and attempting to make them a super power in world sport.

St George Illawarra winger Jason Nightingale in action for the Dragons during the 2017 season. (AAP)

"We have heard he wants to buy the club but there is some resistance to it - believe it or not," a Dragons source tells me.

"Some officials are worried about losing their jobs and that could make the buyout not happen."

Carter goes with fan's blessing

The league fan ripped off by former Roosters player Paul Carter has given the controversial forward his blessing to resume his career with bush club Cessnock.

My story last week that Carter had 'sold' jerseys to battling teacher's aide Luke Phillips - who has three kids with autism - sent Twitter into meltdown.

Then days later, fans were up in arms again when Cessnock announced it would still sign bad bad boy Carter despite his latest misdemenaour.

Phillips was also taken aback that Carter had been given another chance despite a history of drugs and drink driving - but doesn’t have a problem with the ex-Titan, Rabbitoh and Rooster playing again.

Former NRL player Paul Carter pleads not guilty

"I was a bit shocked that Cessnock took him on when I first heard of it," Phillips says.

"But I’m a footy lover, my kids will never play and that hurts. So I would really hate to see him not play again. I guess he was always going to sign for someone.

"He's caused some pain - not just to me but to others as well.

"That's life, once it got out about how he ripped me off I was happy for him to live his life and me live mine.

"I knew the Roosters and NRL would never act on it."

Roosters five-eighth Luke Keary came to the rescue of a NRL fan who was scammed by Paul Carter. (AAP)

Roosters star Luke Keary made Phillips’ kids’ Christmas when he sent the family a signed jersey upon hearing of Carter’s evil deeds.

"Keary making contact was nice…. I’m just happy to be done with Paul Carter," he said.

Dragons keen on England star

So why did the Dragons let Joel Thompson go to Manly for 2018 after one of the best seasons of his career this year?

One rumour I am hearing is that the club has signed England World Cup star Alex Walmsley from St Helens for 2019 and needed to start making room in their salary cap.

The Dragons have definitely shown interest in Walmsley - and he won’t come cheap.

St George Illawarra backrower Joel Thompson on the charge for the Dragons. (AAP)

But I question the decision to release Thompson - a great influence for the club on and off the field - and it could well come back to bite the Dragons.

Clubs circle Eels' young gun

He’s yet to play in the NRL, but rival clubs are making big bids for Parramatta Toyota Cup prop Sean Keppie.

A former Australian Schoolboy, Keppie was superb for the Eels in the lower grades last season and good, young props are hard to come by.

The Eels haven’t lost him yet - but face a real battle retaining the Narellan junior beyond next year.