WELCOME to Market Watch, your home for the latest news on player movements at your club.

From transfers, new deals, rumours and retirements.

For the last time this year, check it all out here!

Market Watch will return in 2017.

Round 20

NEW DEALS FOR BRONCOS DUO

Brisbane have moved to stave off poaching raids by launching negotiations to keep Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford as their long-term halves partnership.

In a clear indication the club intends to keep the duo together, Market Watch can reveal the Broncos are ready to offer their young stars new three-year-deals, which will tie them to Red Hill until at least the end of 2020.

It’s a significant step towards keeping their current spine together, with Andrew McCullough and Darius Boyd to follow.

Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford celebrate a victory. Source: News Corp Australia

In a market flush with off-contract talent, the Broncos pairing will undoubtedly become two of the most in demand players ahead of season 2018.

Market Watch understands Hunt’s preference is to remain at the Broncos but he has already received interest from at least one Sydney club.

For months speculation has run rampant that Hunt was on the outer but negotiations to extend his deal, and put him in the frame to remain a one club man, should pour cold water on those rumours.

Milford, 22, also wants to stay at the club and is poised for a big payday, as several clubs prepare to join the queue for his signature.

There are 16 genuine starting halves off-contract in 2017 and several clubs in the mix to sign a quality playmaker.

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DRAGONS MOVE ON LEILUA

St George Illawarra has made a substantial stride forward in their bid to re-sign Luciano Leilua by officially launching talks with his new agent this week.

Market Watch can reveal the Dragons kicked off talks for a two-year-deal with the backrower’s manager Mario Tartak on Tuesday.

Leilua has joined NRL agency Crown International Sports Management after splitting with his former manager and the Dragons have been assured they will be given the final right of reply to any offer the youngster is considering.

“It’s very exciting to be managing such a high quality youngster such as Luciano,” Tartak told Market Watch.

Luciano Leilua offloads the ball. Source: News Corp Australia

“Luciano has the qualities to be on par if not better than his brother Joey.”

In a positive sign for the red V, Leilua returned to pre-season training with the club despite still being a free agent.

While the Dragons have publicly stated discussions are advanced, the split of management means negotiations are back to square one and the club will need to start from scratch with Tartak.

Should things play out the way the joint venture wishes, Leilua will be locked into a deal until the end of 2018.

The 20-year-old played five NRL games this year and had a big season in the Holden Cup.

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NEW TITANS DEAL

Gold Coast backrower Ryan Simpkins has agreed to stay on at the Titans for season 2017.

The 28-year-old is approaching 50 first grade games after making his NRL debut for Penrith in 2012. He captained the Titans NYC side in 2008 before moving to the Panthers.

The son of former Gold Coast Charger Robert, Simpkins returned to the Titans in 2015.

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YOUNGSTERS HIT Q CUP

Two of the game’s bright young halves have linked with Intrust Super Cup side Mackay for 2017.

North Queensland NYC half Cooper Bambling has left the Cowboys and will play with the Cutters next year.

Cowboys half Cooper Bambling. Source: News Corp Australia

Once regarded as the successor to Johnathan Thurston’s No.7 jersey, Bambling represented Queensland in the under 20s Origin series this year.

But rather than stay on with the Cowboys, he’ll partner Manly’s former NYC half Nicho Hynes in the halves next year.

Hynes, 20, was the Sea Eagles’ top point scorer in 2016 with 83 points made up of five tries and 31 goals. He also set up 19 tries in 18 games.

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MOVING NORTH

Former Gold Coast forward Matt White has returned to Queensland.

After a year with Melbourne, the veteran has linked with Titans feeder club Burleigh for 2017.

The 32-year-old has over 150 first grade games to his name but will finish his career playing in the Queensland Cup.

Former Titan and Raider Jeff Lynch has also linked with the Bears.

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YOUNG EEL TO WATCH

Tui Afualo playing Australian school boys. Source: Supplied

Here’s another name for safe keeping — Tui Afualo.

The exciting Australian Schoolboys centre has upgraded and extended his deal with Parramatta until 2019.

Only 17, Afualo was named man of the match in his Holden Cup debut this year.

Still at school, Afualo will spend 2017 in the NYC before pushing for a place in the top grade.

And in good news for NSW fans, Afualo is a Blues star in the making, having made the under 16s and under 18s NSW side.

***

FORMER TIGER BACK IN AUS

Former Wests Tigers forward Matt Groat has returned to Australia.

Gold Coast feeder team in the Intrust Super Cup, Central Queensland, have signed the 24-year-old after he returned from a year with English league team Dewsbury.

Matt Groat tackles Matt Ballin. Source: News Limited

With 17 NRL games to his name, Groat made his NRL debut for the Tigers back in 2011 where he spent three seasons before joining the Dragons.

He left the NRL for England in 2015 but will push for an NRL return as the Titans expand their Q Cup affiliation with the Capras.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Newcastle flyer Cory Denniss has re-signed until the end of 2018.

The 19-year-old made his NRL debut this year, playing seven games in his rookie season.

“I’m very happy to have re-signed and I’m looking forward to being a part of the club moving forward,” he said.

“I’m finding my first NRL pre-season tough, but I’m enjoying every minute of it and it’s always been a dream of mine to play for the Knights.”

***

SHHHHH

Who is the off-contract half asking for $900,000 a-season for his services?

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SHHHHH

Which Sydney club is desperately shopping around one of their higher paid outside backs?

This decision has nothing to do with his form. Perhaps they are trying to create some space for a new signing? We’ll keep you posted on this one.

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If you have heard a rumour 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 2016

BRISBANE BRONCOS

New deal: Wayne Bennett (until the end of 2019), Jonus Pearson (until 2017), Jaydn Su’A (until end of 2018), Herman Ese’ese (until end of 2017), Kodi Nikorima (until end of 2018), Matt Gillett (until end of 2020), Tom Opacic (until the end of 2018), Francis Molo (until end of 2017), Travis Waddell (until 2017), Joe Boyce (until 2017), Mitchell Dodds (until 2017 from Warrington)

Leaving: Dale Copley (Immediate release to Roosters until end of 2018), Brett Grienke (Immediate release to Rabbitohs until end of 2017), Greg Eden (Castleford until end of 2018), Corey Parker (Retiring at end of the season), Jarrod Wallace (Titans until end of 2019), Lachlan Maranta (Rugby at end of season), Darren Nicholls (Penrith until 2017), Carlin Anderson (Cowboys)

CANBERRA RAIDERS

Rhys Kennedy

New deal: Josh Hodgson (until the end of 2018), Kato Ottio (from PNG Hunters until end of 2017), Iosia Soliola (until the end of 2018), Jordan Turner (From St Helens until end of 2018), Jeff Lima (until end of 2017), Nick Cotric (until end of 2018), Luke Bateman (until end of 2018), Elliott Whitehead (extension until end of 2018), Clay Priest (until end of 2018), Zac Santo (Until end of 2017), Kurt Baptiste (until end of 2018)

Leaving: Tevita Pangai (released to Brisbane until end of 2018), Sisa Waqa (end of June for French Rugby), Mitch Barnett (released to Newcastle until end of 2017), Frank-Paul Nuuausala (St Helens until end of 2019), Brenko Lee (Bulldogs until at least the end of 2018), Sam Williams (Wakefield until end of 2017), Paul Vaughan (Dragons until 2019), Jack Williams (Sharks until 2018)

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS

New deal: Josh Jackson (until the end of 2020), David Klemmer (until the end of 2020), Moses Mbye (until the end of 2020), Greg Eastwood (until end of 2018), Harry Siejka (For the rest of 2016 from Bradford)

Leaving: Shaun Lane (released to Warriors until end of 2016), Dane Chisholm (released to Bradford until end of 2017), Sam Perrett (retiring at end of season), Pat O’Hanlon (retired), Curtis Rona (released to rugby at end of season), Tim Browne (Panthers until end of 2019),

Tony Williams (Sharks until 2017), Makahesi Makatoa (Raiders), Jarrod McInally (Queensland Intrust Super Cup), Reubenn Rennie (released), Graham Clark (released), Lamar Liolevave (released)

CRONULLA SHARKS

New deal: Jack Bird (until end of 2017), Jayson Bukuya (until end of 2018), Shane Flanagan (until end of 2019), Kurt Capewell (until end of 2017), Paul Gallen (until end of 2017), Sam Tagataese (until end of 2017), Luke Lewis (until end of 2017), Chris Heighington (until 2017)

Leaving: David Fifita (released to Wakefield for rest of the season), Mitch Brown (released to Leigh until end of 2018), Michael Ennis (Retiring at end of season), Josh Cleeland (Bulldogs until 2018), Connor Tracey (Rabbitohs until 2018), Matt McIlwrick (Tigers until 2017), Jesse Sene-Lefao (Castleford until 2018), Jacob Gagan (Knights until 2017), Junior Roqica (until 2017)

GOLD COAST TITANS

New deal: Jeff Lynch (From Canberra until end of 2017), Cameron Cullen (From Queensland Cup until end of 2016), Kane Elgey (until end of 2018), Dan Sarginson (From Wigan until the end of 2018), Anthony Don (until the end of 2018), Jarryd Hayne (signed until end of 2018), Ash Taylor (extension until end of 2018), Nathaniel Peteru (until 2017), Ryan Simpkins (until 2017)

Leaving: Nathan Friend (retiring at end of season), David Hala (released), Nene Macdonald (Dragons until end of 2019), David Mead (Broncos until end of 2017), Luke Douglas (St Helens until end of 2019), Kierran Moseley (Townsville), Matt Robinson (not re-signed), Matt Srama (not re-signed), Lachlan Burr (Bradford until 2017), Daniel Mortimer (Sharks), Jed Cartwright (Panthers until 2019), Brian Kelly (released to Manly)

MANLY SEA EAGLES

New deal: Pita Godinet (until end of 2016 from Wakefield), Frank Winterstein (from rugby sevens until end of 2017), Brenton Lawrence (activated option until end of 2017), Jorge Taufua (until end of 2017), Jake Trbojevic (until end of 2020), Tom Trbojevic (until end of 2020), Marty Taupau (until end of 2020)

Leaving: Jamie Lyon (retiring at the end of the season), Tim Moltzen (retired), Tom Symonds (released to Huddersfield), Luke Burgess (released to Salford), Feleti Mateo (released to Salford), Fabian Goodall (rugby), Nathan Green (not re-signed), Jayden Hodges (not re-signed), Isaac John (not re-signed), Blake Leary (not re-signed), Tony Satini (not re-signed), Josh Starling (not re-signed), Liam Knight (Roosters until end of 2019), Brayden Wiliame (Catalans until end of 2018)

MELBOURNE STORM

New deal: Tim Glasby (until the end of 2018), Craig Bellamy (until the end of 2018), Shem Tatupu (From AFL until the end of 2018), Christian Welch (until end of 2017), Dale Finucane (activated option for 2017), Cameron Munster (extension until end of 2019), Erevonu Kamikamica (From Sunshine Coast until end of 2018), Young Tonumaipea (until end of 2018), Justin Olam (From PNG until end of 2018), Cooper Cronk (until end of 2018), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (until 2017), Cheyse Blair (until 2018), Kenny Bromwich (until 2018), Mark Nicholls (until 2017), Felise Kaufusi (until 2017), Slade Griffin (until 2017), Ryley Jacks (from Sunshine Coast until end of 2017)

Leaving: Marika Koroibete (Melbourne Rebels rugby until end of 2018), Josh Kerr (Dragons until end of 2018), Ryan Morgan (St Helens until end of 2019), Blake Green (Manly until end of 2018), Richard Kennar (Bulldogs until end of 2018), Ben Hampton (Cowboys until end of 2018), Matt White (Burleigh), Francis Tualau (Bulldogs)

WARRIORS

John Palavi

New deal: Ofahiki Ogden (until end of 2017), Mason Lino (until end of 2017), Ken Maumalo (until end of 2018), Jazz Tevaga (until end of 2018), Solomone Kata (until end of 2019), Bunty Afoa (until the end of 2019), Erin Clark (until the end of 2018), Ofahiki Ogden (until the end of 2018), Patrick Sipley (until the end of 2017), James Gavet (until end of 2017), Charlie Gubb (until end of 2017), Ata Hingano (until end of 2017), David Fusitu’a (until end of 2019)

Leaving: Raymond Faitala-Mariner (release to Bulldogs until end of 2019), Konrad Hurrell (released to Titans until end of 2017), Jeff Robson (released on compassionate grounds), Thomas Leuluai (Wigan at end of the season), Ben Henry (retired), Shaun Lane (Manly until 2018), Jonathan Wright (Manly until end of 2018), Marata Niukore (Eels), Sione Lousi (Townsville), Henare Wells (Burleigh)

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

New deal: Daniel and Jacob Saifiti (extension until the end of 2018), Chris Adams (For the rest of the season), Josh King (until end of 2018), Nathan Ross (until end of 2018), Brock Lamb (until at least 2018), Ken Sio (From Hull KR until 2018), Dylan Phythian (until 2017), Cory Denniss (until 2018)

Leaving: James McManus (retired), Joseph Tapine (Released to Raiders until end of 2019), Jeremy Smith (retiring at the end of the season), Tariq Sims (Immediate release to St George Illawarra until 2019), Robbie Rochow (South Sydney until end of 2017), Kade Snowden (retired), Krys Freeman (central Queensland)

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

New deal: Jake Granville (until end of 2018), Antonio Winterstein (until end of 2018), Lachlan Coote (until the end of 2018), Kane Linnett (until the end of 2018), Justin O’Neill (until end of 2018), Ethan Lowe (until end of 2018), Javid Bowen (until end of 2018), Sam Hoare (until end of 2018), Patrick Kaufusi (until end of 2017), Josh Chudleigh (until end of 2018), Corey Jensen (until end of 2017), Marcus Jensen (until end of 2018), Ben Hannant (until end of 2017)

Leaving: Matthew Wright (released to Manly until end of 2018), James Tamou (Penrith until end of 2020), Mosese Pangai (Broncos until end of 2017), Rory Kostjasyn (Knights until end of 2018), Jahrome Hughes (Storm until 2018), Brandon Smith (Storm until 2019), Tautau Moga (Broncos until 2018), Cooper Bambling (Mackay), Kalyn Ponga (Knights from 2018 until 2022)

PARRAMATTA EELS

New deal: Daniel Alvaro (until the end of 2018), Kaysa Pritchard (until the end of 2018), Alex Twal (until the end of 2017), Rory O’Brien (until end of 2017), Jamal Fogarty (From Burleigh until end of 2018), Corey Norman (until end of 2019), Danny Wicks (until 2018), Kenny Edwards (until end of 2019), Isaac De Gois (until end of 2018), Cody Nelson (until end of 2017), Brad Takairangi (until end of 2019), Manu Ma’u (until end of 2019), James Hasson (until end of 2017), Bevan French (until 2019), Jack Morris (until 2018), Cameron King (until 2017), Kelepi Tanginoa (until 2017), Vai Toutai (until 2017), Jeff Robson (until 2017), Bureta Faraimo (until 2017), Honeti Tuha (until 2017), Frank Pritchard (From Hull FC until 2017), Clint Gutherson (until the end of 2019)

Leaving: Anthony Watmough (Retired), Pauli Pauli (released to join Knights until end of 2017), Junior Paulo (Released to Raiders until end of 2018), Ryan Morgan (release to Storm for 2016 with option to return in 2017), Nathan Peats (released to Titans until end of 2017), Kieren Moss (released to Bradford), Michael Gordon (roosters until end of 2017), Tyrell Fuimaono (Rabbitohs until 2018), Kieran Foan (Warriors until end of 2017), Luke Kelly (Rabbitohs until 2017), Mitch Cornish (Roosters), Danny Wicks (retired)

PENRITH PANTHERS

New deal: Oliver Clark (until end of 2018), Soni Luke (until end of 2018), Tyrone May (until end of 2018), Dylan Edwards (until end of 2018), Isaah Yeo (until end of 2019), James Fisher-Harris (until end of 2019), Nathan Cleary (until end of 2019), Josh Mansour (until end of 2018), Leilani Latu (extension until end of 2020), Peter Wallace (until end of 2018), Trent Merrin (extension until 2020), Matt Moylan (until end of 2021), Bryce Cartwright (until end of 2021), Tyrone Peachey (until the end of 2019), Moses Leota (until 2019), Waqa Blake (until end of 2019), Andy Saunders (until 2017)

Leaving: Chris Smith (released to Roosters on deal until end of 2017), Elijah Taylor (released to Tigers on deal until end of 2016), James Segeyaro (immediate release to Leeds), Ben Garcia (immediate release to Catalans), Jamie Soward (released to London Broncos until end of 2016), Robert Jennings (Rabbitohs until 2018), Braidon Burns (Rabbitohs until 2018), George Jennings (Eels until 2017), Tupou Sopoaga (Released to rugby), Will Smith (Eels), Suaia Matagi (Eels until 2018), Jeremy Latimore (Sharks until 2017), Zak Hardaker (Castleford until 2017), Andrew Heffernan (Hull KR until 2017), Josh Hall (Townsville)

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

New deal: Dane Nielsen (From Bradford until end of 2017), Cody Walker (until end of 2019), Jason Clark (until end of 2018), Jack Gosiewski (until end of 2017), Greg Inglis (until the end of 2020), Hymel Hunt (until end of 2018), Adam Reynolds (until end of 2021), Damien Cook (until 2019), Zane Musgrove (until 2020), Michael Maguire (until 2019), Anthony Cherrington (Redcliffe until 2017)

Leaving: Tim Grant (Immediate release to Tigers until end of 2017), Chris Grevsmuhl (released to Panthers until end of 2018), John Olive (Released to Gold Coast until end of 2018), Luke Keary (Roosters until end of 2018), Tom Hughes (Knights on immediate release), Paul Carter (Roosters until end of 2017), Kirisome Auva’a (Eels), Nathan Brown (Eels until 2018), Cameron McInnes (Dragons until end of 2018), Michael Oldfield (Panthers until end of 2017), Samisoni Langi (Penrith train and trial), Brock Gray (Roosters until 2018), Ed Murphy (North Sydney Bears), Riley Travers (not re-signed), Cheyne Whitelaw (not re-signed), Tautalatasi Tasi (not re-signed)

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Luciano Leilua

New deal: Hame Sele (until end of 2018), Patrick Herbert (until end of 2018), Reuben Garrick (until end of 2018), Matthew Dufty (until end of 2018), Joel Thompson (until end of 2018), Jake Marketo (until end of 2017), Tyson Frizell (Until end of 2020)

Leaving: Peter Mata’utia (released to Knights until end of 2017), Sebastine Ikahihifo (released to Huddersfield), Mike Cooper (released end of 2016), Ben Creagh (retiring), Adam Quinlan (not re-signed), Benji Marshall (Brisbane until 2017), Mitch Rein (Penrith until 2018), Dylan Farrell (retired), Dunamis Lui (Released to Raiders until 2018), Tom Carr (Bulldogs)

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

New deal: Boyd Cordner (re-signed until end of 2018), Jackson Hastings,(until end of the 2017), Isaac Liu (until end of 2018), Trent Robinson (until end of 2019), Mitchell Aubusson (until end of 2019), Nat Butcher (until end of 2018), Zane Tetevano (until 2017), Victor Radley (until 2018), Siosiua Taukeiaho (until end of 2020), Eloni Vunakece (until 2017), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (until 2020)

Leaving: Michael Jennings (Immediate release to Eels until end of 2019), Brendan Elliot (released to Newcastle until end of 2017), Joe Burgess (returning to England), Vincent Leuluai (Melbourne — released until end of 2018), Omar Slaimankhel (Manly on train and trial deal), Sam Moa (Catalans until end of 2018), Mitchell Frei (not re-signed), Abraham Papalii (not re-signed), Tyler Cornish (not re-signed), Ian Henderson (retired), Martin Kennedy (not re-signed), Joey Lussick (not re-signed)

WESTS TIGERS

New deal: Josh Aloiai (until the end of 2017), Michael Chee-Kam (until the end of 2017), Chris Lawrence (until the end of 2019), JJ Felise (until end of 2018), Luke Brooks (until end of 2017), Mitchell Moses (until end of 2017), Curtis Sironen (until end of 2018), Jacob Liddle (end of 2018), Sauaso Sue (end of 2018), Esan Marsters (until end of 2018), Justin Hunt (end of 2017), Jack Littlejohn (end of 2017), Bayley Sironen (until 2017), Rod Griffin (2017), Jamal Idris (until 2017), Elijah Taylor (until 2018)

Leaving: Marion Seve (released to Brisbane), Billy McConnachie (released to Brisbane until end of 2016), Lamar Liolevave (released to Bulldogs until end of 2017), Jesse Parahi (released to rugby sevens), Jack Buchanan (released to Widnes), Josh Drinkwater (released to Leigh Centurions), Asipeli Fine (Bulldogs until end of 2018), Josh Addo-Carr (Storm until end of 2019), Dene Halatau (retiring — end of season), Manaia Cherrington (Sharks until 2017), Robbie Farah (Rabbitohs until end of 2018), Chance Peni (not re-signed)

This writer is on Twitter: @Nath_Ryan

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