A CRONULLA forward looks for a new club as interest rises in a return home for veteran enforcer Greg Bird.

Plus Brad Fittler pushes David Klemmer’s case to lead the Bulldogs next season, as Private Ryan takes a look behind the scenes of the greatest game of all.

CAPTAIN KLEMMER?

NSW great Brad Fittler has nominated David Klemmer as the man to take over from James Graham as Canterbury skipper next season.

Round 20

With Graham headed to the Dragons, the Dogs need a new leader and Fittler, who crowned Klemmer as the Blues’ Brad Fittler Medallist for player of the Origin series last week, believes the firebrand has all the qualities to take the reins.

David Klemmer of the Bulldogs celebrates after scoring. Source: Getty Images

“He’s a beauty,” Fittler said.

“Everyone loves him. He doesn’t have many soft moments. He trains hard and plays hard. He does everything hard. Sometimes they’re the things you need.

“His heart’s in rugby league. It’s part of him. His intentions are always good.”

HUSH, HUSH

We know of at least three NRL clubs keen on Greg Bird if he returns to Australia. Watch this space!

SHARK ON THE MOVE

Sam Tagataese’s time at Cronulla has come to an end.

Sam Tagataese on the charge. Source: News Corp Australia

The premiership winner has not been offered a deal for 2018 as the club looks to add some young blood to their pack.

While his time at the Sharks has finished, it’s understood he has options.

Two NRL clubs are keen on the 30-year-old, while several Super League clubs have also expressed interest.

“Nothing has been confirmed yet,” Tagataese told Private Ryan.

“Still in the pipelines. Hopefully we’ll get something done before next season starts.

“My focus is to stay here in the NRL and I’ll probably go overseas for a couple of years in the future.”

SPOTTED

Canberra captain Jarrod Croker was sung ‘happy birthday’ by the crowd at the Mal Meninga Medal presentation last week.

SPOTTED II

Dragons duo Euan Aitken and Jack de Belin at WWE Live in Sydney on Friday.

DID YOU KNOW ...

Jack Littlejohn goes to the line. Source: News Corp Australia

Wests Tigers utility Jack Littlejohn looks set to continue his career in the Super League next season.

It’s understood he rejected a modest offer from the Tigers earlier in the year and the club opted not to reopen negotiations.

BLUES MIA

Why was Aaron Woods missing from the Brad Fittler medal last week?

He was in Melbourne on a five day end of year trip with his punters club.

NSW chairman, Dr George Peponis, was on a golf trip and Laurie Daley was in Hawaii.

PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF

Newcastle’s top try scorer in the NSW Cup has signed on for next season.

Tom Hughes has inked a one-year-deal with the club. The winger was named the club’s ISP NSW Players’ Player at their end of year presentation night.

Hughes, 22, joined the Knights from South Sydney last year.

SHOULDERING THE ORIGIN WORKLOAD

Tim Glasby fires up. Source: Getty Images

Tim Glasby was recently given a well-earned break for a few weeks.

The 28-year-old Rockhampton product has enjoyed his busiest NRL season yet.

Having made his Origin debut for Queensland this year, Glasby has also been battling a recurring shoulder complaint.

“The body is coping pretty well. I’ve had a couple of rests in the last few weeks which is nice,” Glasby told Private Ryan.

“The club’s aware that it’s been a bigger year than usual for me and on top of that, we were in a good position to be able to have a little rest.

“I had a little shoulder complaint after the Roosters game and took advantage of taking two weeks off.

“I feel good now. It’s been an interesting year. The shoulder is good. It’s just an older injury that flares up here and there. There’s no major concerns.”