REVEALED: The English backrower headed for the NRL, and the veteran forward the Roosters are considering making a play at.

Plus, why Matt Prior snubbed Newcastle to re-sign with Cronulla, as Private Ryan takes a look behind the scenes of the greatest game of all.

DEMAND FOR UK BIG MAN

Meet the next Englishman ready to make his mark in the NRL.

Round 20

Andre Savelio is a backrower who English commentators have likened to Sonny Bill Williams and Private Ryan can reveal the Wests Tigers and Brisbane are chasing his signature.

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Andre Savelio of St Helens breaks through a tackle. Source: Getty Images

The 22-year-old made his first grade debut in 2014 and has clocked up 50 Super League games across two teams, St Helens and Warrington.

It’s understood the Wolves are resigned to losing the 100 kilo worker as Savelio has indicated his desire to move to Australia and mix it in the premier competition.

WHY PRIOR OVERLOOKED THE KNIGHTS

Cronulla forward Matt Prior has opened up on why he decided against joining Newcastle to re-sign with the Sharks.

The 29-year-old confirmed he had several discussions with the Knights and was genuinely interested in joining their club but ultimately he had no reason to leave The Shire.

“They were in the picture. I was definitely talking to them,” Prior told Private Ryan.

“Moons (Darren Mooney) is a great guy and I had a few conversations with him about the direction he and Browny (Nathan Brown) wanted the Knights to go in.

Matt Prior wrapped up by the defence. Source: News Corp Australia

“It was exciting to hear him speak and the passion he had but I was happy where I was. There was no need to leave.”

It’s understood the Knights all but had their man until the Sharks upped the ante with a three-year offer at the death which stopped the move from taking place.

“I felt like everything you need in a club, we already had at the club — good leaders, good coaching staff, the culture is there,” he said.

“There was no reason to leave. I like The Shire and the boys so it made it a pretty easy decision.”

Ben Ikin, Nathan Ryan and Ben Glover discuss the Cowboys’ Thurston succession plan and the Ben Hunt effect at the Broncos and Dragons.

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SPOTTED

UFC fighter Tyson Pedro at ANZ Stadium watching Origin II with the Fox Sports UFC Fight Night crew.

SPOTTED II

Roosters players were taking in a game of AFL on Thursday night when they witnessed a marriage proposal take place in the seats directly in front of them. For the record, she said yes.

BIG ROOSTER REQUIRED

Brenton Lawrence of the Sea Eagles is tackled. Source: Getty Images

They haven’t made an offer but his name has been discussed as a possible option.

Private Ryan can reveal the Roosters are considering making a play for Manly prop Brenton Lawrence.

Lawrence is one of several forwards under consideration for next season as they look for a replacement for Parramatta-bound Kane Evans.

However the most likely home for the former Titan turned Sea Eagle is England.

HUSH, HUSH

Which forward hasn’t spoken to his coach in at least eight weeks?

Why? Well, he wasn’t shy of letting his coach know how he felt when he was overlooked for a place in first grade about two months ago.

ONE TO WATCH

Tristan Sailor in action for the Queensland Under 20s. Source: News Corp Australia

Tristan Sailor. Most of you will know the Dragons NYC five-eighth is the son of former club great Wendell Sailor.

What you might not know is Tristan can play almost any position.

He spent 2016 playing local A Grade in a Brett Kimmorely coached side as an 18 year-old.

Sailor can play half, centre, wing and fullback.

DID YOU KNOW ...

Jackson Hastings is such a big Conor McGregor fan he has an Irish mouthguard.

BLAKE THE BANANA MAN

Blake Austin of the Raiders offloads the ball. Source: AAP

Some weeks back this column wrote about some of the wacky pre-game meal routines the stars have. Well this could be the best of them all.

Canberra star Blake Austin eats a banana sandwich 20 minutes before every game.

“I’ve noticed (him eating). He’s got a few things he does like that Austo,” captain Jarrod Croker said.

It’s something the No.6 started doing as a junior and carried with him through the grades.

RED V SPRAY

What was the catalyst for the Dragons turning things around in the second half after a lowly opening 40 minutes against the Knights on Sunday?

An epic spray from coach Paul McGregor.

Kurt Mann told Private Ryan the Red V boss put a rocket up the team in his first spray of the season.

“He hasn’t really needed to spray us before (Sunday),” Mann said.

THREE DAY WEEKEND

Mitchell Moses (left) chats with coach Brad Arthur. Source: AAP

The Eels were given a three-day break during their bye weekend.

With a short turnaround ahead of Thursday’s match with the Bulldogs, it was hardly a proper rest period for the club.

The Eels had training last Tuesday and were given the rest of the week off before returning to the field over the weekend.