Jul 8th, 2019

Jul 8th, 2019

Wests Tigers are attempting to poach arguably the most improved player in the NRL this season: Manly centre Brad Parker.

Parker was just of a run-of-the-mill performer in a disappointing Manly team last year and is on a bargain basement contract.

But he has been one of the big success stories of Des Hasler’s resurgent Sea Eagles this season and is playing great attacking football for Manly, scoring tries and setting up his outside men.

His defence has also improved and the Tigers are prepared to offer him good money to switch camps.

The powerful centre is happy at Manly - but the club will need to find more money if they want to keep him.

Manly centre Brad Parker. (Getty)

EELS FAN FAVOURITE ON WAY OUT

Former Parramatta fan favourite Bevan French is set to quit the NRL and move to England.

A prolific tryscorer in his early days with the Eels in 2016-17, French is out of favour with the Eels and languishing in the Canterbury Cup with the Wentworthville Magpies.

The Wigan club has made French an offer for next season and the 23-year-old could make the move even before then.

French could be a sensation in England with his pace and evasive skills, especially playing outside another new signing: former Rooster and Sea Eagle Jackson Hastings.

Eels flyer Bevan French. (AAP)

BULLDOGS, TITANS AFTER GUN COACH

Justin Holbrook is the most wanted man in coaching at the moment - with the Bulldogs and Titans both chasing the St Helens boss.

Bulldogs boss Andrew Hill even flew to England this week to talk to the former NRL halfback.

Holbrook is the next big thing in coaching and the two struggling NRL clubs have recognised that.

But if the Bulldogs do sign Holbrook, I’m hearing it may not necessarily mean the end for Dean Pay next season.

Pay still has the support of Bulldogs powerbrokers Lynne and Chris Anderson and I’m told their plan is to make Holbrook Pay’s assistant in 2020 - and then possibly have him take over the reins in 2021.

St Helens head coach Justin Holbrook. (PA AAP)

ROOSTERS PINCH FLYER FROM COWBOYS

The Roosters have signed a try-scoring ace from North Queensland - and the Cowboys aren’t happy about it.

Xavier Chatfield-Mooka, from the Cowboys’ renowned junior nursery Kirwan High, is just 16 but is already being tipped as a future first-grader.

He was the top scorer in the local Townsville comp for Centrals Black last year, bagging 28 tries.

A winger/centre, Chatfield-Mooka stood out for the Queensland Under-16 Murri side earlier this year.