Sep 24th, 2018

Sep 24th, 2018

Mary in talks to extend Dragons stay

Paul McGregor is in talks to extend his career with the Dragons in the wake of the club’s strong season in 2018.

Most critics didn’t have the Dragons in their top eight back in February but the club coasted into the end of season games and then ambushed Brisbane in stunning style in round one of the finals before coming to grief against Souths.

NRL Press Conference: St George Illawarra Dragons - Finals Week 2

But McGregor did enough to earn an extension and his manager David Riolo is currently talking to Dragons officials.

The former Test centre comes off contract at the end of next season and is hoping for a two-year extension as a reward for the club’s impressive form this season.

Knights looking to offload cult hero

Newcastle are trying to offload cult hero Nathan Ross for next season.

Ross had a disappointing year in 2018, with injury restricting him to 15 games and just two tries.

But that was in sharp contrast to the previous two seasons, when he scored 19 tries in a struggling Knights team, winning the hearts and minds of the fans.

(Getty) Newcastle winger Nathan Ross has been told he is free to look for another home in 2019.

Ross has just undergone major surgery to rectify groin and hernia issues that held him back this year and the Knights have told rival NRL clubs and English teams that he is available for 2019 despite having two years to run on his contract.

At 29, Ross still has plenty of good football in him once he regains full fitness and his versatility - he can play fullback, wing and centre - should see him get a contract.

Knights go cold on Warrior Luke

The Knights have gone cold on Warriors star Issac Luke and are now chasing Cronulla’s livewire hooker James Segayaro.

The fact that Luke needs a shoulder reconstruction and turns 32 next year were two black marks against his name.

Segayaro seems certain to leave the Sharks and has been in talks with the Bulldogs.

(AAP) Cronulla hooker James Segeyaro has been linked to a move to Newcastle.

But the Knights have money to spend and want a top class dummy half to give Kalyn Ponga good early service with the ball.

Eels uncover much-needed big man

Parramatta have been searching desperately for big men - and may have uncovered one right on their doorstep.

NSW under-18 prop Stefano Utoikamanu has signed a new two-year deal with the Eels and been elevated to the NRL squad for next season.

Still only 18, Utoikamanu was man of the match for the Blues against Queensland earlier this year and has been playing in the NSW Cup for Wentworthville against grown men - a fair effort for a teenager.

Big and strong, he’s capable of playing NRL football at some stage next season.