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From transfers and new deals, to rumours and retirements — check it all out here!

RABBITOHS FIGHT TO KEEP HALF

The fight for Cody Walker’s signature has kicked into full swing.

Round 19

After declining the option he has in his favour for 2019, the playmaker is off-contract and in demand.

Market Watch can reveal three rival NRL clubs are competing with South Sydney to sign the five-eighth.

While there’s no shortage of interest, the Rabbitohs’ bid to keep hold of their star has been given a shot in the arm.

Rabbitohs star Cody Walker in action. Source: News Corp Australia

After rejecting his option and a new offer tabled by the club late last year, there’s been a major development over the Christmas break.

Market Watch can reveal Walker’s manager, Matt Rose, reopened negotiations with the Rabbitohs and they are edging closer to a figure that they feel reflects his ability.

“We’re back in talks with Souths but we’ve also had interest from three other clubs,” Rose told Market Watch.

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“Cody has proven he’s a top line half and knows how to put on points.

“He has a had a great off-season and wants to get his future sorted before the season starts, so that he can concentrate on having a big year and winning games for Souths.”

Cody Walker of the Rabbitohs kicks the ball. Source: AAP

It’s understood that the first offer the Bunnies tabled was less than half of what Adam Reynolds’ contract is worth but the club revised that offer this month.

While it’s a positive step, other clubs have also held conversations with Walker’s representatives.

Cronulla is one club keen on Walker and being updated on the progress of his talks with Souths.

One club, who his manager would not reveal, has tabled an offer that they’re considering.

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ROOSTERS CHASE NEW HOOKER AFTER RELEASE

The Roosters are on the lookout for a new hooker.

Market Watch can reveal the Tricolours have released Grant Garvey from the final year of his contract.

After just one game in first grade and having fallen down the pecking order, the rake wanted out.

The 21-year-old requested his release after the Christmas break, which has now been signed off.

The 2017 Roosters team with Grant Garvey highlighted. Source: Supplied

“It was a shock when Grant requested a release to source opportunities elsewhere but we accepted his wishes,” Roosters recruitment chief Adam Hartigan told Market Watch.

“Grant felt he was too comfortable playing behind Jake Friend and Victor Radley, that he needed to get away to find the hunger to get the best out of himself again.

“At this moment, he hasn’t been picked up by another club but he has great potential.

Raiders head of recruitment Peter Mulholland joins Nathan Ryan and Ben Glover to delve into the club’s roster strategy, salary cap issues and Josh Hodgson solutions in a podcast that wraps up the NRL off-season.

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“He’s a genuine attacking nine with great vision and a left-foot kick. I’m confident it won’t be long before he is snapped up and I wish him nothing but the best.”

The Roosters are now on the hunt for another hooker to join their team.

With a roster spot that needs filling; the Roosters will replace Garvey with another hooker so they can keep three No.9’s on their roster.

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HALF READY TO MOVE

Trent Hodkinson of the Knights in action. Source: Getty Images

Two weeks ago, your columnist revealed that Cronulla were making a play for Trent Hodkinson.

“We need a bit of security there in case of long-term injury,” coach Shane Flanagan said.

“We are on the lookout for a half, if needed can jump in there straight away and Trent probably falls into that category.”

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Now, we’re hearing a one-year deal is ready to be struck.

With Newcastle pre-paying much of Hodkinson’s contract, the Knights are still set to save by contributing to the No.7’s wage.

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DOG GOES PART-TIME

Andy Saunders of the Bulldogs takes a hit-up. Source: News Corp Australia

Canterbury forward Andy Saunders has signed on with Parramatta feeder Wentworthville in the ISP NSW competition.

Unable to secure a new deal with the Bulldogs despite making his NRL debut for the club last season, the 23-year-old has joined the Magpies on a part-time deal.

A product of Penrith’s NYC system, he captained the 20s in 2014 before earning a call up to the Junior Kangaroos.

With his pathway blocked at the Panthers, Saunders moved to the Dogs last year where he made his NRL debut in Round 18.

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DRAGON TURNS BLACKHAWK

Benji Marshall gets a hug from Jake Marketo. Source: News Corp Australia

Former St George Illawarra backrower Jake Marketo is back in Australia.

The 28-year-old has linked with North Queensland feeder team Townsville after a brief stint playing union in Romania.

After eight years with the Dragons, Marketo was not offered a new deal and moved to the other side of the world, linking with the Timișoara Saracens in the top tier rugby competition CEC Bank SuperLiga but Marketo has since returned to Australia due to financial issues with the Romanian club.

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SHHHHH

We’re hearing English international Alex Walmsley is on the verge of signing a deal with a Sydney based club.

Standing 196cm and weighing 115 kilos, the prop is contracted to St Helens this year but ready to move to the NRL in 2019.

Alex Walmsley of England drops the ball. Source: Getty Images

After learning of Walmsley’s impending deal, Market Watch informed an NRL coach who had previously looked at him.

His response was searing.

While this coach loves his size and the fact he always finds his front, he replied; “You could cook a roast dinner in the time it takes him to get up and play the ball.”

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If you have heard some signing news you want to share with us, tweet us: @FoxNRL, @Nath_Ryan or email Nathan.Ryan@news.com.au

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OFF-CONTRACT LIST FOR 2018

BRONCOS

Corey Allan, Corey Oates, Jamayne Isaako, Tom Opacic, Moses Pangai, Tevita Pangai, Korbin Sims, Jaydn Su’a, Sam Thaiday, Matt Lodge, Sam Tagataese, Shaun Nona, Marion Seve, Jake Turpin, Gehamat Shibasaki, Todd Murphy, Sam Scarlett, George Fai

Coach: Wayne Bennett (until 2019)

Leaving: David Mead (Immediately to Catalans until 2020)

RAIDERS

Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Blake Austin, Luke Bateman, Jarrett Bolland, Cooper Bambling, Shannon Boyd, Bill Cullen, Dunamis Lui, Jack Murchie, Sitiveni Moceidreke, Siliva Havili, Michael Oldfield, Daniel Keir, Jacob McGrath, Josh Papalii, Junior Paulo, Aidan Sezer, Iosia Soliola, Craig Garvey, Charlie Gubb (club option for 2019)

Coach: Ricky Stuart (until 2020)

New deal: Elliot Whitehead (until 2020), Nick Cotric (until 2020), Josh Hodgson (until 2022)

Leaving: Kurt Baptiste (Immediately to Leigh until end of 2018)

BULLDOGS

Brett Morris scores with a run down the wing. Source: News Corp Australia

Clay Priest, Tom Carr, Josh Cleeland, Greg Eastwood, Asipeli Fine, Matt Frawley, Kayne Kalache, Elie El-Zakhem, Lachlan Lewis, Rhyse Martin, Brett Morris, Josh Morris, Zac Woolford, Jeremy Marshall-King, Mason Cerruto (club option for 2019), Lachlan Burr

Coach: Dean Pay (signed until 2019)

Released: Brenko Lee (Immediate release to Titans until 2018)

SHARKS

Jayson Bukuya, Kurt Dillon, Paul Gallen, Edrick Lee, Ricky Leutele, Luke Lewis, Blake Manowski, Joseph Paulo, James Segeyaro, Bessie Aufaga-Toomaga, Kurt Dillon, William Kennedy, Clayton Uia, Jesse Ramien

Coach: Shane Flanagan (signed until 2019)

TITANS

Dale Copley, Anthony Don, Kane Elgey, AJ Brimson, Jai Whitbread, Keegan Hipgrave, John Olive, Paterika Vaivai, Brendan Elliot, Ryan Simpkins, Jack Stockwell, Kiah Cooper, Mitch Rein (player option for 2019), Will Matthews

Coach: Garth Brennan (signed until 2020)

New deal: Ashley Taylor (until 2021), Phillip Sami (until 2020), Moeaki Fotuaika (until 2021)

Leaving: Dan Sarginson (Immediate release to Wigan)

SEA EAGLES

Cade Cust, Jackson Hastings, Jack Gosiewski, Lewis Brown, Cameron Cullen, Lachlan Croker, Brian Kelly, Apisai Koroisau, Shaun Lane, Darcy Lussick, Curtis Sironen, Akuila Uate, Jonathan Wright

Coach: Trent Barrett (signed until 2020)

New deal: Tom Wright (until 2019)

STORM

Scott Drinkwater, Sandor Earl, Tim Glasby, Ryley Jacks, Tui Kamikamica, Felise Kaufusi, Justin Olam, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Young Tonumaipea, Ryan Hoffman, Sale Finau, Louis Geraghty, Harry Grant, Kayleb Milne, Junior Ratuvu, Lachlan Timms, Billy Walters

Coach: Craig Bellamy (signed until 2018)

New deal: Curtis Scott (until 2021)

WARRIORS

Issac Luke of the Warriors comes off the field. Source: Getty Images

Manaia Cherrington, Sam Lisone, Matiu Love-Henry, Issac Luke, Simon Mannering, Anthony Gelling, Ken Maumalo, Junior Pauga, Nathaniel Roache, Zac Santo, Patrick Sipley, Jazz Tevaga, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

Coach: Stephen Kearney (until 2019)

KNIGHTS

Tyrone Amey, Pat Mata’utia, Sione Mata’utia, Jacob Lillyman, Jamie Buhrer, Matt Cooper, Cory Denniss, Trent Hodkinson, Tom Hughes, Josh King, Brock Lamb, Junior Roqica, Nick Meaney, Dylan Phythian, Ken Sio, Tom Starling, Luke Yates, Zac Hosking, Christian Hazard, Jack Johns, Brent Naden, Jack Johns

Coach: Nathan Brown (signed until 2018)

New deal: Jacob Saifiti (until 2020), Daniel Saifiti (until 2020), Sam Stone (until 2020)

Leaving: Jack Cogger (Bulldogs from 2019 until 2020)

COWBOYS

Javid Bowen, Josh Chudleigh, Lachlan Coote, Shaun Fensom, Jake Granville, Sam Hoare, Francis Molo, Shaun Hudson, Marcus Jensen, Kyle Laybutt, Kane Linnett, Ethan Lowe, Michael Morgan, Justin O’Neill, Emry Pere, Johnathan Thurston, Antonio Winterstein, Shane Wright, Kurt Wiltshire

Coach: Paul Green (signed until 2018)

EELS

Daniel Alvaro, Dane Aukafolau, Kirisome Auva’a, Jarryd Hayne, Nathan Brown, Nathan Davis, David Gower, George Jennings, Cameron King, Suaia Matagi, Jack Morris, Reed Mahoney, Kaysa Pritchard, Beau Scott, Will Smith, Peni Terepo, Siosaia Vave, Sean Keppie, Greg Leleisiuao, Marata Niukore, Tony Williams, Blaise Barnes

Coach: Brad Arthur (until 2019)

PANTHERS

Oliver Clark, Viliame Kikau, Josh Mansour, Peter Wallace, Tyrone Phillips, Soni Luke, Jayden Walker, Mitchell Revell, Joe Peato, Samuel Martin-Savage, Adam Keighran, Stefano Hala, Allan Fitzgibbon, James Conroy, Chad O’Donnell, Joey Peato, Tom Skinner, Corey Waddell, Jack Hetherington, Jarome Luai (2018), Kaide Ellis, Nick Lui-Toso

Coach: Anthony Griffin (until 2020)

New deal: Dylan Edwards (until 2020), Tyrone May (until 2020), Isaah Yeo (2021)

Leaving: Leilani Latu (Immediate release to Titans until 2020)

RABBITOHS

Braidon Burns, Billy Brittain, Jason Clark, Robbie Farah, Tyrell Fuimaono, Hymel Hunt, Robert Jennings, John Sutton, Adam Doueihi, Connor Tracey, Mark Nicholls, Jesse Martin, Jacob Gagan, Junior Tatola, Vincent Leuluai

Coach: Anthony Seibold (until 2019)

Re-signed: George Burgess (until 2019), Thomas Burgess (until 2019), Sam Burgess (until 2019)

Leaving: Angus Crichton (Roosters from 2019 until 2021)

DRAGONS

Matt Dufty celebrates scoring a try. Source: News Corp Australia

Leeson Ah Mau, Matt Dufty, Reuben Garrick, Patrick Herbert, Josh Kerr, Jeremy Latimore, Jason Nightingale, Ash Nisbet, Jordan Pereira, Hame Sele, Mitchell Allgood

Coach: Paul McGregor (until 2019)

New deal: Cameron McInnes (until 2021), Luciano Leilua (until 2020)

Leaving: Joel Thompson (pre-season 2018 to Manly until 2019)

ROOSTERS

Boyd Cordner, Blake Ferguson, Joseph Manu, Dean Matterson, Chris Smith, Zane Tetevano, Eloni Vunakece, Paul Momirovski, Mitch Cornish, Brock Gray, Lachlan Lam, Reece Robinson

New deal: Isaac Liu (until 2021), Luke Keary (until 2021), Jake Friend (until 2020)

Coach: Trent Robinson (until 2019)

Leaving: Jayden Nikorima (released), Grant Garvey (released)

TIGERS

Benji Marshall, Esan Marsters, JJ Felise, Tim Grant, Kevin Naiqama, Sauaso Sue, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, Bayley Sironen, Pita Godinet

Coach: Ivan Cleary (until 2020)