Oct 14th, 2019

Oct 14th, 2019

Canberra are considering letting controversial centre Joey Leilua test the open market for next season.

Leilua helped steer the Raiders to this year's grand final but is a polarising character with considerable baggage.

A match-winner on his day, he also has errors and discipline problems in his game.

The hard-running centre is also on a hefty $650,000 pay packet and if he left, it would ease the Raiders' salary cap problems considerably.

But the problem is that no rival club would be prepared to match that offer, with the Raiders having to tip in at least $200,000 to move Leilua on.

Rival clubs have been made aware of the situation and are currently doing their sums.

Joey Leilua (R) may be done at the Canberra Raiders. (Getty)

EELS SNARE HIGHLY-RATED ASSISTANT

Parramatta are set for a major boost, with the appointment of Ryan Carr as an assistant coach for next season.

Carr will take over from former Wests Tigers head coach Mick Potter, who will leave the club after just one season.

Carr has an impressive coaching resume, having been head coach at English club Featherstone and Raiders feeder club Mounties.

He also did some work with Ricky Stuart's top squad at Canberra last season and is a first-grade coach in waiting.

Eels coach Brad Arthur has added Ryan Carr to his staff. (Getty)

BRONCOS TO NAB BULLDOGS SPONSOR

Stand by for some big news from the Brisbane Broncos which will have a detrimental effect on Canterbury.

The Broncos have ditched long-time sponsor NRMA and will name leading car company KIA as their jersey sponsor for the next three seasons.

Sadly, KIA's move comes as a blow to the Bulldogs, who have been associated with the Korean car giant for the past several seasons.

KIA is one of the biggest sports sponsors in the world, promoting many huge events around the globe, including the Australian Open tennis.

Trent Merrin during his last NRL stint, with the Penrith Panthers. (AAP)

MERRIN CHASING NRL RETURN

English club Leeds have given Trent Merrin permission to talk to Aussie clubs for a return home on compassionate grounds - but the former Test forward is finding it hard to land a deal.

The Knights and Dragons are both keen on Merrin - a fine forward at his best and when fully fit - but are having trouble coming up with the money required.

Both have little room to move in the salary cap unless they move a player on to fit in Merrin.

It leaves the 30-year-old Merrin in limbo, with pre-season training to start soon.