May 16th, 2017

Cult hero winger Nathan Ross could leave Newcastle over a contract dispute. (Getty)

May 16th, 2017

Cult hero winger Nathan Ross is considering walking away from Newcastle at the end of next season in the wake of a contract dispute with the club.

Ross has been the Knights’ best and most dangerous attacking player for the past two seasons – but is among the lowest paid players on the Newcastle roster.

There are reserve graders on more money than Ross – who joined the club as an unknown on a pittance in 2015.

The club has offered Ross an extension without an upgrade in salary – and sources close to the tryscoring ace say it hasn’t sat well with Ross.

The man known as ‘Ross Dog’ has refused to agree to the extension and rival clubs are already waiting to pounce when his deal ends at the conclusion of next season.

Ross made his representative debut for City against Country last Sunday week and is an outside chance for State of Origin selection if he continues to produce the spectacular tries that have become his trademark.

"Nathan loves Newcastle and the fans love him - but he needs to maximise his money making potential while he can," a source close to Ross says.

"If the club doesn’t pay him what he is worth, he will walk away once his contract is up."