Mar 4th, 2019

Mar 4th, 2019

Parramatta’s board has all but thrown embattled coach Brad Arthur under the bus a couple of weeks before the season kick-off.

With the Eels having the youngest spine in the NRL, Arthur and his coaching staff were desperate for some experience around the rucks for the new season and wanted to bring Warriors hooker Issac Luke on board.

The Kiwi club was prepared to release Luke and it was all set to happen - but the Eels board said an emphatic no.

One of the game’s most dangerous dummy-halves on his day, Luke would have been great for the Eels.

But now it’s not to be and Arthur’s future lies in the hands of rookie hooker Reed Mahoney and playmaker Dylan Brown.

Issac Luke won't be coming to the Eels. (AAP)

SEA EAGLES BOLTER LOOMS

A little-known rookie is pushing hard to be a shock selection in Des Hasler’s Manly team for round one of the comp in a fortnight.

Tevita Funa, a hard-running centre/winger and Parramatta junior, has been ticking all the right boxes and looked good in the Sea Eagles’ trial win over the Roosters at Gosford last Saturday night.

With Dylan Walker missing and Tom Trbojevic in doubt through injury, Manly are thin in the outside backs and Hasler has been telling his staff he is a big fan of Funa.

The youngster is already something of a favourite with Manly fans - he was the lad who kicked the late goal to win the club the 2017 NYC grand final.

Sam Kasiano could be playing for the Dragons - in either hemisphere. (AAP)

DRAGONS (x2) MAY SNARE KASIANO

French-based Super League club Catalans Dragons may come to Melbourne’s rescue in their bid to offload giant prop Sam Kasiano.

At least two NRL clubs are also keen, headed by the St George Illawarra Dragons, while Leeds are also showing interest.

But Kasiano’s manager Mario Tartak has told Wide World Of Sports the 11th-hour approach from Catalans may see the former Bulldog head to the northern hemisphere for a sea change.

“They are definitely in the hunt,” Tartak said.

With Jack de Belin sidelined indefinitely, St George Illawarra are a forward short in their roster and are showing most interest in the ex-Canterbury big man.

Benji Marshall looks set to win the Wests Tigers No.6 jersey. (AAP)

BENJI HAS EDGE ON REYNOLDS

New Tigers coach Michael Maguire has a pleasant headache on his hands with the battle for the five-eighth spot between Benji Marshall and Josh Reynolds.

The two are completely opposite players but both bring plenty to the table.

At this stage, I’m hearing Marshall has the inside running for the No.6 jumper for round one.

In a way, Reynolds’ versatility has become his worst enemy.

As well as five-eighth, he can also play back-row, hooker and centre and because of that, he shapes as the ideal No.14.