Jun 18th, 2018

Jun 18th, 2018

STORM CHASING AUSTIN

MELBOURNE are set to launch a bid to sign Raiders playmaker Blake Austin for 2019.

Still looking for a long-term replacement for Cooper Cronk, the Storm have joined Parramatta in the battle to sign Austin.

The classy Austin is likely to quit the Raiders at the end of the season and was in top form in last weekend’s fine win over the Tigers.

He wants to return to his home town of Sydney but the lure of playing under super coach Craig Bellamy may tip the scales in Melbourne’s favour.

(AAP)

CRIGHTON TO STAY AT BUNNIES?

The hottest rumour in the game at the moment is that Blues Origin star Angus Crichton is set to backflip on his rich deal to join arch rivals Sydney Roosters and remain at Souths in 2019.

The story goes that the Roosters still haven’t nailed down some of Crichton’s third party deals, putting the move in jeopardy.

But I’ve looked into it, talked to both clubs - and it won’t be happening.

Souths have decided not to pursue the issue and are moving on, looking around for an edge forward to replace Crichton.

One man they are looking at is Broncos winger Corey Oates, who has the makings of a fine back-rower with his size and speed.

CASTLEFORD KEEN ON ABBEY

English club Castleford are desperate for a fullback - and have targeted Raiders back-up Brad Abbey.

Fresh from a hat-trick for Raiders feeder club Mounties last weekend, Abbey has been running hot this season but isn’t about to take Jack Wighton’s spot in the top grade.

That is why the Kiwi-born 21-year-old is considering getting a release from the final year of his contract next season and moving to Britain.

Abbey is a class act - but most NRL clubs have established fullbacks and he has managed just four NRL games since debuting for the Bulldogs last season.

(AAP)

REFS REACH TO WHISTLE BLOWERS

The referees have been under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons this year - mainly because of the ‘nit picking’ penalty campaign ordered by bosses Tony Archer and Bernard Sutton that has frustrated players, coaches, fans and media.

So I’m happy to share some good words about the refs, with Grant Atkins and Belinda Sleeman spending much of their Saturday mentoring aspiring white blowers at the Glenmore Park club in the Penrith junior league.

Sadly, such is the paranoia of league officials that the pair will now come under scrutiny for me having found out about their good deed.

You can relax, Tony and Bernard - I found out from an official at Glenmore Park and not from the refs involved.