SOUTH Sydney plan for the future as they zero in on a heavily chased Australian Schoolboy while a rising Wests Tigers forward is poised to ink a new deal.

Plus, the hilarious story behind Lachlan Fitzgibbon’s head wear, as Private Ryan takes a look behind the scenes of the greatest game of all.

PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF FOR TIGER

Wests Tigers lock Matt Eisenhuth is on the verge of re-signing.

Round 20

The terms are still being finalised but the deal is likely to be for another two seasons.

The 24-year-old hasn’t looked out of place in the top squad since making his first grade debut in round 15 this year.

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So impressed are the Tigers with Eisenhuth, they are close to finalising a new deal which will keep him at the club for a couple more years.

“It’s all in talks. I’d say we’re pretty close,” Eisenhuth told Private Ryan.

“I’ve said openly I’m happy to be here and I want to be here moving forward.

Matt Eisenhuth of the Tigers is tackled. Source: Getty Images

“A multi-year deal would be ideal going forward. Security, where I’m at in my life right now, I’m getting married next year so it will be good to feel secure for a couple of years and reward the Tigers fans and club.”

A Parramatta junior who played lower grades with Penrith on a part-time deal, Eisenhuth joined the Tigers last year.

Eisenhuth said “proving people wrong” is a driver behind his success.

Ben Ikin and Nathan Ryan are joined by Penrith coach Anthony Griffin to discuss Penrith’s exciting young players and their plans for the future.

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While a tumour in his leg threatened to end his career three years ago, with the support of his fiance Hollie, Eisenhuth was never going to give up.

“She’s been through all of it,” he said.

“She’s my high school sweet heart. It’s been a while. She’s never given up on me. She’s always said if that’s what you want ‘go for it’.

“I was never going to throw it away.

“There was no reason why I couldn’t come back and play. I knew once I had the match fitness back I could mix it with the best.”

WHAT A BRAVE BUNNY

You have to feel for Rabbitohs backrower Jack Gosiewski.

Having impressed in his five NRL games in 2016 after graduating from their NYC side, a broken patella stalled his 2017 season.

After months of rehab he returned for North Sydney in the Intrust Super Cup and had performed strongly enough to force his way back into the first grade side.

The 23-year-old bent the line with his first carry, was aggressive in defence but his stint was short lived, hyper-extending his knee.

Footage of the injury left both the crowd and his teammates reeling but to the disbelief of all, he finished the game.

Off-contract this season and with Souths yet to start contract talks, it’s this kind of competitiveness which is sure to pique the interest of rival NRL clubs.

HUSH, HUSH

Which player is having second thoughts after signing on with a new club for next season?

(And no, it’s not Jack Bird)

SOUTHS PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

Their forwards have come under fire this season but South Sydney are on the verge of re-signing one of the most in-demand Australian Schoolboys in the game.

Ky Rodwell, who was captain of the Rabbitohs’ SG Ball side before moving into their Holden Cup squad, is poised to ink a new three-year-deal with the club.

Ky Rodwell (middle) with Souths coach Michael Maguire. Source: Instagram

It’s a huge step forward in the Rabbitohs’ future with five NRL rivals including Cronulla circling the talented prop.

While he is only 18 years old, Rodwell stands six foot two and weighs over 100 kilos.

The new deal will keep him in Redfern until at least the end of the 2020 season.

SPOTTED I

The Wallabies sharing the Concord training base of the Wests Tigers last week. It was a good chance for former Tigers flyer Marika Koroibete to catch up with his old teammates.

SPOTTED II

Aaron Gray gives away his boots to a couple of lucky fans. Source: FOX SPORTS

Aaron Gray used his last home game as a Rabbitoh as a chance to make a lasting memory for two young fans.

Joining Cronulla next season, the outside back signed his boots before giving them away to some young supporters in the crowd as his final gesture at home in the cardinal and myrtle colours.

STRAP OR CHOP?

Lachlan Fitzgibbon was given an ultimatum. Either strap up the hair or chop the locks.

For weeks the Newcastle backrower had been playing with his hair while defending his line and the coach had seen enough.

Newcastle backrower Lachlan Fitzgibbon celebrates a try. Source: News Corp Australia

“Originally I was playing with my hair too much and Browny gave me an ultimatum — either cut your hair or strap it,” Fitzgibbon said.

“I wasn’t cutting it. I said to him ‘what did you used to do with your hair?’ because he had long hair.

“He goes ‘I used to get it ripped out by players’, so I strap it up now. It’s a bit 80s retro but it does the job.”

In recent weeks the backrower has enjoyed the light bulb moment as a first grader.

Crediting the coaching staff for tweaking his game, the 23-year-old says the form of half Brock Lamb is behind his own strong recent performances.

“A bit of self-belief and a bit of confidence,” he said.

Lachlan Fitzgibbon celebrates scoring a try. Source: News Corp Australia

“I’m up to 15-20 games. It takes a bit to get used to playing in the NRL. Once you get to a certain mark, you get used to playing.

“I always knew I had it in me. It was a matter of getting an opportunity and playing each week.



“Off the back of Lamby playing some good footy, I’m getting the rewards.”

Having made his NRL debut in round 21 of the 2015 season, Fitzgibbon has established himself as a player who has the ability to make his mark in first grade.

Now he’s poised to extend his future with the club.

“I love Newy. It’s my home. I’ve grown up here and grew up supporting the Knights,” he said.

“I came through the system and I want to stay. I’d imagine over the next couple of weeks we’ll sort something out. I love where we’re going leading into next year.”