Aug 19th, 2019

Aug 19th, 2019

The Dragons' cleanout is set to continue, with star backs Matt Dufty and Euan Aitken both told they are free to find new clubs for next season.

Flying fullback Dufty signed a new two-year deal in February of this year but the club is having second thoughts about his value.

He has played 16 games this season but scored just five tries.

Similarly, Aitken has also bagged only five tries from 21 games.

The club has already made changes to its coaching staff for 2020 following this season's disastrous campaign, with assistants Ben Hornby and Dean Young set to be moved on.

Star centre Euan Aitken (C) is on the outer at St George Illawarra. (AAP)

BRONCOS BRACE FOR FIFITA EXIT

He's the hottest young forward in the game and under contract until the end of next season - but the Broncos are already resigned to losing giant David Fifita.

The Warriors are set to give Fifita the chance to become rugby league's next million-dollar man.

Clubs can begin negotiating with Fifita in November and the word I'm getting from Auckland is that the Warriors are prepared to pay him a seven-figure sum to cross the ditch.

At least half a dozen clubs will be chasing the 19-year-old Queensland State of Origin forward, with the Warriors leading the way.

The Broncos have had to upgrade the likes of Matt Lodge, Tevita Pangai Jr and Jake Turpin and simply won't have the money to keep Fifita.

David Fifita impressed in his Origin debut, at just 19. (AAP)

BROWN SAFE AT KNIGHTS, FOR NOW

The Knights' finals hopes may be on life support after a great start to this season, but Nathan Brown's job is still safe for next year.

Brown is on a year-to-year contract with the Knights and under intense pressure to perform with a talented roster.

Word from inside the Knights camp is that Brown is safe, despite the recent run of outs that finally ended with the big win over the Cowboys last Saturday.

But, like Dragons coach Paul McGregor, he will need to win a lot of early season games next year to keep the wolves at bay.

Newcastle Knights coach Nathan Brown. (AAP)

NEW KING AT STRUGGLING TIGERS?

The 2020 kickoff is still seven months away, but the Tigers already have a massive problem to contend with.

Robbie Farah's retirement and Jacob Liddle's serious knee injury last weekend has left the Tigers without a recognised hooker for the start of the season.

Wide World of Sports has reported that Warriors hooker Issac Luke has put his hand up to join the club and now another contender has emerged.

Former Dragons and Eels hooker Cameron King is killing them in England's second division and believes he can help the Tigers.

His manager has contacted the club hoping a deal can be done.