Jan 1st, 2018

Jan 1st, 2018

Hokko move hits NRL road block

Trent Hodkinson has had a secret medical examination of his 'dicky' knee by Manly - but the NRL may block his move to the Sea Eagles.

Manly have a contract ready for the former NSW State of Origin star after he passed his medical but the NRL still needs to be satisfied that the club has sorted out its salary cap "issues" before allowing them to sign a player on around $800,000 a season.

The Sea Eagles are desperate for a five-eighth following the departure of Blake Green to the Warriors and see Hodkinson as a good fit.

Newcastle halfback Trent Hodkinson is keen to move to Manly but is facing opposition from the NRL. (AAP)

According to reports, his knee has responded well to the off-season break and Hodkinson knows the Manly system, having started his career at Brookvale back in 2010 before moving to Canterbury and then the Knights.

With Newcastle signing Roosters duo Mitchell Pearce and Connor Watson and having classy youngsters Brock Lamb and Jack Cogger in their ranks, the club is happy to let Hodkinson go.

Cronulla - who lost James Maloney to Penrith - are also showing some interest in the former Blues number seven.

Rabbitohs move to ward off poachers

Souths are still fuming about losing boom back-rower Angus Crichton to arch rivals, the Roosters, and are ensuring another of their best youngsters doesn’t follow suit.

Cameron Murray is just 19 and debuted for the Rabbitohs in the pack last season, making an immediate impression.

South Sydney Rabbioths young gun scores a try against the Warriors during the 2017 NRL season. (AAP)

Some critics rate Murray in the same class as Crichton and he is certain to be the target of poachers when his contract expires at the end of 2019.

But I’m hearing the Rabbitohs are already preparing a long-term contract extension for Murray that could be as long as five years.

Manly snare Folau's brother

Manly has boosted their backline strength with the acquisition of former Eels flyer John Folau.

The brother of rugby superstar Israel, 23-year-old Folau has signed with the Sea Eagles’ feeder club Blacktown Workers in the Intrust Super Premiership.

Folau debuted for the Eels in 2015, scoring four tries over eight games.

Manly have snared John Folau, the brother of Wallabies superstar Israel Folau. (AAP)

Injuries and Parramatta’s strong depth have restricted his appearances since then but he is big, strong and a good finisher.

Folau will start the season with Blacktown but is likely to be given a chance in the top grade at some stage of 2018.

Panthers sound out Lee

Penrith is considering signing Sharks and former Raiders winger Edrick Lee to a second tier deal.

The Panthers have lost several outside backs over the summer and Lee’s ability to play wing, centre and fullback could make him a handy addition to the squad over a long season.

A former Indigenous All Stars representative, Lee had five seasons at Canberra before switching to the Sharks in 2017.

But he struggled to secure a regular top grade spot, playing just a handful of games, and could find the pathway to first grade easier at the Panthers.

Cronulla winger Edrick Lee scores a try against Wests Tigers during the 2017 NRL season. (AAP)

Although signed until the end of 2018 at Cronulla, the Sharks are unlikely to stand in Lee’s way if he requests a change of colours.

Bulldogs sign Warriors young gun

The Warriors have a bad habit of letting many of their best young players slip through their fingers and that may be the case again with New Zealand 18s back rower Javvier Pitovao.

The Bulldogs have signed Pitovao to a two year deal and he will start in the lower grades next season.

Although only 17, the strong-running forward played several NYC games for the Warriors last year and looked the goods.

Pitovao hails from Mount Albert Grammar - the same school that produced Sonny Bill Williams and Steve Matai - and is definitely one for the little black books.