SOUTH Sydney have competition on their hands for the signature of Angus Crichton.

We look into Newcastle’s incredible roster overhaul.

Plus, the NRL pathway problem set to explode in 2018, as Private Ryan takes a look behind the scenes of the greatest game of all.

RIVALS CIRCLE CRICHTON

Round 20

Competition for Angus Crichton’s signature is heating up.

The South Sydney backrower was spotted having a coffee with his agent David Rawlings and Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan at local coffee haunt Mim’s.

We are told that the meeting was an introduction organised by previous Souths head of recruitment, Grant Jones.

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Angus Crichton of the Rabbitohs celebrates after scoring. Source: Getty Images

Jones first signed Crichton to the Rabbitohs from rugby and is now working for the Sharks.

While Souths will face plenty of competition to secure Crichton including the Roosters, we reported some weeks ago that Souths boss Shane Richardson has been in deep negotiations to extend the young forward well beyond 2018.

Crichton’s management will continue to progress those talks with the Rabbitohs this week.

HUSH, HUSH

Which halfback from the Intrust Super Premiership NSW are St George Illawarra looking at to play back-up to Ben Hunt next year?

SPOTTED

Sione and Peter Mata’utia holidaying in Forster NSW.

SPOTTED II

All Blacks great Richie McCaw was a surprise visitor at Melbourne’s training session at AAMI Park on Thursday

DID YOU KNOW ...

Cowboys utility Ben Hampton. Source: News Corp Australia

Cowboys utility Ben Hampton got his gun licence three weeks ago.

The former Storm half enjoys camping and goes hunting in his downtime from training.

“I did a little bit (of shooting) when I was younger. I just got my license and I’m starting to get back into a bit of target shooting,” Hampton said.

“It’s a little thing I enjoy outside of footy.

“It gives me a chance to get out bush. I like getting out bush and doing a bit of camping and it gives me a chance to get out bush and switch off.”

KNIGHTS HIT RESTART BUTTON

Newcastle have the largest roster turnover of any NRL club.

The Knights have farewelled 14 players from their 2017 squad in the biggest overhaul of their list in the club’s history.

The players leaving the club are: David Bhana, Brendan Elliot, Jaelen Feeney, Will Pearsall, Josh Starling, Jack Stockwell, Pauli Pauli, Dane Gagai, Sam Mataora, Mickey Paea, Tyler Randell.

Plus Jarrod Mullen comes off their books, while Rory Kostjasyn and Anthony Tupou have retired.

Jack Stockwell of the Knights celebrates with teammates. Source: AAP

There were two players the club didn’t farewell with Peter Mata’utia and Jacob Gagan a chance of staying on next season.

The club has offered Mata’utia a one-year-deal but it’s understood he’s not pleased with the offer or the club’s lack of urgency to sign him.

Super League remains his most likely destination with St Helens keen to get the centre to the UK on a lengthy deal.

But not all hope should be lost of keeping Mata’utia with his brother and young family grounded in Newcastle. It’s understood he’s torn on what decision to make.

TOP SQUAD CONTRACT FARCE

The NRL’s pathway program is flawed.

Under the NRL’s new rules, Nick Cotric, the hot favourite for Dally M rookie of the year, would never have made his first grade debut this season.

The likes of Anthony Milford or Nathan Cleary wouldn’t have popped on the scene either.

In 2018 NRL clubs have a squad of 30 players to pick from with six development players who are ineligible to play first grade.

Sharks NYC half Kyle Flanagan at training. Source: News Corp Australia

The second tier as we know it is non-existent which means a crucial pathway to the top grade has been blocked.

As it stands, Cronulla young gun Kyle Flanagan will be unable to play first grade in 2018.

Flanagan isn’t in the club’s top 30 which means he would need an exception to play first grade.

Under the rules, the only way he can play NRL next year is if James Maloney or Chad Townsend suffers a serious injury.

It’s understood the RLPA aren’t happy with the new system which blocks the pathway of players.

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It also hurts clubs like North Queensland who use their relationship with Townsville as a carrot to bring quality players into the Blackhawks’ system with the opportunity of picking up a deal with the Cowboys.

Blake Leary came to the Blackhawks without promise but picked up a contract due to the club suffering an injury crisis.

That carrot is non-existent under the new rules.

It’s understood several chief executives are rallying to have this changed. Watch this space!