RIVAL clubs are taking their chance to disrupt the Roosters in the wake of the Cooper Cronk signing with the Warriors the latest to be linked to a move for Luke Keary.

According to Channel 7 reporter Josh Massoud the Auckland-based club is keen to make Keary the next long-term partner for Shaun Johnson, should their offer to Blake Green fall through.

The Sea Eagles will only give Green the release he needs to take up a lucrative three-year deal with the Warriors if they can get a quality half, such as Mitchell Pearce to replace him.

Round 19

According to the report, if that doesn’t happen they will focus on an attempt to lure Keary for 2019 and beyond.

The Roosters five-eighth has been offered a three-year extension to stay at Bondi but his situation is thought to be dependent on whether or not Pearce asks for a release.

If not Keary will be in a battle with Pearce for a starting spot and if Keary is forced back to the bench he is likely to consider rival offers seriously.

Catch the latest rugby league news in Media Watch.

Sharks’ cheeky texts to Pearce

In other news on Roosters playmakers, Cronulla stars Paul Gallen and Wade Graham have been trying to persuade Pearce to join them at the Sharks next season, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Pearce, who is currently on an overseas holiday in the US, is yet to make up his mind whether he’ll remain at the Roosters next season after the club signed superstar halfback Cooper Cronk.

Despite their acquisition of Matt Moylan on a $3.6 million four-year deal, the Sharks reportedly have salary cap room to sign Pearce and The Telegraph says Gallen and Graham have been actively trying to enticing him to the Shire.

Mitchell Pearce and Wade Graham in camp with the NSW team in 2017. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

Pearce is good mates with a number of the Sharks players through their time with the NSW Origin side.

If Pearce joins the Sharks, he’s likely push Moylan to fullback which may cause friction in the ranks.

Valentine Holmes, who is in camp with the Kangaroos, claims he’s been assured the No.1 jumper in 2018.

“That’s why I re-signed,” Holmes told Channel Seven.

It’s a backline conundrum that hasn’t been lost on senior rugby league reporter Phil Rothfield.

Rothfield told NRL 360 on Monday night that he believed the Sharks were more than a 50/50 chance of snaring Pearce.

“I could see (Pearce) at seven, Chad Townsend at six, Moylan at one, Dugan in the centres with Val on the wing,” he said.

Catch the latest rugby league news in Media Watch.

CARTER’S NEW CLUB

Former NRL bad boy Paul Carter has landed himself a one-year contract with bush footy side the Cessnock Goannas.

Carter, who was sacked from Gold Coast, South Sydney and the Sydney Roosters, recently plead guilty to drug supply and is awaiting his sentence on November 29.

Ex-NRL player Paul Carter leaves the Downing centre after appearing on drugs charges. Picture: John Grainger Source: News Corp Australia

“Cessnock are proud to Announce the signing of Paul Carter to the Cessnock Goannas 2018,” the club posted on Facebook.

“Coach Alan Lantry is extremely please to have Paul join our club & Cessnock look forward to welcoming Paul into the Black & Gold.”

Carter has 40 NRL games to his name.

PRINCE’S MILF CHALLENGE

It’s time for Anthony Milford to step up and take control of Brisbane.

That’s the message from former Broncos star Scott Prince who believes the crafty playmaker must start to own games, especially after the departure of Ben Hunt to St George Illawarra.

“The thing that takes time for these super-talented young players to learn is that game management, knowing when to kick and what your team needs at a certain time,” Prince told NRL.com.

“You’re in the game but as a half you have to almost step out of the game and be aware of the clock, be aware of what your team needs at that moment, what the opposition are doing.

“I remember when people would say I was a half and I just wanted to play five-eighth or fullback. Until you’re settled in regards to your position in the team, that’s a hard responsibility to take on.

“Is he ready? He needs to be ready.”

PALMER BACK IN TIGERLAND

Veteran rugby league trainer Ronnie Palmer says he could’ve stayed with Parramatta, but a job offer from Ivan Cleary was simply too good to refuse.

Palmer played for Balmain in the early 1970s, before forging a successful career as a trainer.

He spent 24 years at the Roosters before working with Penrith and the Eels.

Ronnie Palmer. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

“It was a tough decision because the Eels are obviously on the up, they’ve got a good coach and their CEO is a good mate of mine,” Palmer told Fairfax Media.

“Things are really going to happen for the Eels and I had the chance to stay there. But this is another good challenge for me and I’ve had a good working relationship with Ivan for a long time. I had him as a player and we got together at Penrith and tried to create something there.

“It’s a fabulous challenge. They have some exciting young players and it’s refreshing.”

BURGESS BRO ON THE MOVE

Former NRL prop Luke Burgess has signed with Salford.

Burgess, will rejoin the Red Devils after a short stint with Catalans.

Salford coach Ian Watson said: “We’re delighted to bring Luke back to the club. He’s going to be another big signing for us going forward.

“I’ve been keeping tabs on him since Luke impressed in his spell with us at the end of 2016 and bringing him back is massive for us.

South Sydney's Luke Burgess during his time at Souths. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

“Luke’s performance in the Million Pound Game stands out as his attitude to get a quick play-the-ball created our first try and enabled us to be able to shift the point of attack.

“In the second half when we were low on numbers he played big minutes and when there were tough carries to be taken Luke always turned up and his desire in defence was first class.

“He gives us even more size and power to our already solid pack and he adds a lot of experience which will help the younger lads in the squad.”

WALSH EXTENDS WITH DRAGONS

Former NRL playmaker Luke Walsh has signed a one-year extension with Catalans.

Walsh, who played with Newcastle and Penrith, moved to the Super League with St Helens in 2014.

He played three seasons with Saints before joining the Dragons in 2017.

“I’m very pleased to be given the opportunity to stay,” Walsh said.

“Steve (McNamara — head coach) has let me play my game and be a leader on and off the field.

“I love it here in Perpignan, it’s a great culture, they are great people and it’s a great opportunity for me and my family to learn and benefit from it.”