Jan 7th, 2019

Jan 7th, 2019

The Raiders have signed the first cousin of former Parramatta superstar Jarryd Hayne.

Josh Thompson, a rampaging 114 kilo front-rower who is still growing at 18 years of age, joined the Raiders last week.

He was scouted by Raiders recruitment guru Peter Mulholland, who sees the youngster as a special talent.

“He is still young and raw but the ability is there and he is a great kid,” Mulholland said.

The giant prop is the nephew of Hayne’s father, former Souths centre Manoa Thompson.

He was actually signed to a scholarship by the Knights at just 16 years of age two years ago, but got homesick and the deal fell through.

Josh Thompson, a first cousin of Jarryd Hayne. (Supplied)

EELS FIND ANOTHER FIJIAN GEM

The Eels have also struck in Fiji, signing a powerhouse winger who they hope could develop into the next Semi Radradra.

The club has missed Radradra’s pace and power since he defected to European rugby union and have signed utility back Solo­moni Naiduki on a three-year deal.

An 18-year-old who prefers playing in the centres, Naiduki is rated one of the best finishers in Fijian schoolboy rugby in recent years.

Local rugby authorities were fuming at his decision to defect to league and he is expected to learn his craft on the wing with the Eels.

The Eels hope they've found another Semi Radradra (pictured) in Solomoni Naiduki. (AAP)

AUSSIE PAIR IN OFF-FIELD CUP STOUSH

Aussie stars Greg Bird and David Mead have been embroiled in a bureaucratic battle that may result in them being denied a chance to help Catalans defend their Super League Challenge Cup title.

Catalans created a major boilover by beating hot favourites Warrington in last year’s Cup final - but their relatively small following resulted in the worst crowd at the final since World War II.

As a result, the English Rugby Football League is demanding a £495,000 bond (nearly A$900,000) - for them to enter the knock-out competition.

Two other small clubs - Toulouse and Toronto - have already pulled out of the Cup after being asked to post similar bonds and it is believed Catalans will follow suit despite being the title holders.

Bird missed last year’s final through suspension and is desperate to play in what could be his final series, while former Titans flyer Mead played a key role in the centres in the upset victory.

Greg Bird with the Challenge Cup. (PA/AAP)

STAFF EXODUS AT TITANS, NEW FITNESS GURU

The Titans have been hit hard off the field over the summer, losing three key members of staff in high performance manager Hayden Knowles and trainers Craig Catterick and Scott Campbell - all to Gus Gould at Penrith.

But the club has hired a new fitness guru in ex-Manly trainer Dan Ferris and are delighted with his efforts.

Having worked at the club previously under John Cartwright, Ferris is familiar with the Titans’ set-up and officials believe the squad is stronger and better prepared than at the same time 12 months ago.