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

From transfers, new deals, rumours and retirements.

Check it all out here!

NEW SHARKS DEAL IN MOTION FOR FLANNO

Round 19

Cronulla CEO Lyall Gorman has revealed the Sharks have begun talks to extend the contract of coach Shane Flanagan beyond 2017.

With the Sharks in first place on 22-points, Flanagan has his men firing and charging towards the finals and recently kicked off talks for a new deal.

“We’ve been having some initial chats with his manager and I’ve been having some initial chats with Shane, not just about a season’s contract but his aspirations holistically, where he wants to end up in football and where he wants to go and such,” Gorman told foxsports.com.au.

“Those discussions are ongoing. It’s like our players coming off contract, we’re very focused on where we’re at and trying to improve our football.

“All those things are in mind and when the time comes we’ll do the right thing and address them.”

Sharks Coach Shane Flanagan barks orders. Source: News Corp Australia

Having started his NRL coaching career with the club in 2010 following the sudden departure of Ricky Stuart with six rounds remaining, Flanagan has been through some serious highs and lows during his six years in charge of the club.

Flanagan was suspended by the NRL for the 2014 season as part of the fallout from the supplements program in 2011.

That year the club claimed the wooden spoon in what was an incredibly difficult and frustrating time for the coach and club.

Since resuming his post, Flanagan has not only built an incredible roster but team culture, with the Sharks making the finals on three occasions under the mentor.

Already this season, Brisbane boss Wayne Bennett and Roosters mentor Trent Robinson have extended their contracts.

The Sharks are aware that Flanagan will attract interest from rivals should he come off contract and have moved early in a bid to keep him a one-club coach.

“He’s already contracted with us for next year so of course they’re positive,” Gorman said of the discussions.

“He’s doing a wonderful job for the club. It’s been a challenging time for the club over the years.

“We’ve seen a great turnaround and Shane’s leading that on the park. He’s done outstanding work.

“(He’s a one team coach) which I think is great in football. There’s been some great stories like Bellamy and Bennett and a few guys who have done that.

“It’s great for the game and the club. Talking about the era of one-club players disappearing, it would be great to get that back in the club as well.”

Gold Coast forward Luke Douglas joins Ben Ikin, Nathan Ryan and Ben Glover on the Market Watch podcast to discuss the Titans’ new recruits and secret to the club’s revival.

You can also subscribe via iTunes or for Android users, listen on the iPP Podcast Player app.

***

MEAD WEIGHS UP OPTIONS

Gold Coast have some work to do in order to retain off-contract star David Mead with Canterbury entering the mix for his prized signature.

An outside back who can play fullback, wing and centre, Mead has caught the eye of the Bulldogs due to his versatility.

But it’s not just NRL clubs interested in the former Country Origin representative, Market Watch can reveal Super League franchise Castleford have made a bid to lure Mead to England next season.

Titans gun David Mead in action. Source: News Corp Australia

While it’s understood Mead’s preference is to remain in the NRL and on the Gold Coast, he harbours a strong desire to play fullback.

In his eighth season in the NRL, Mead has a young family to consider after he and wife Taneal welcomed their first child, Paxton, into the world late last year.

The 27-year-old is currently sidelined with a knee injury and eyeing a return in round 19.

The PNG international has been with the Titans since making his NRL debut in 2009 and approaching 150 games in first grade.

Foxsports.com.au contacted Mead’s manager Anthony Coorey for comment but he did not return our calls before publication.

***

TAGA’S TWO-YEAR DEAL

Cronulla have offered forward Sam Tagataese a new two-year-deal.

Turning 30 in December, the Samoan international has spent the last six seasons in The Shire after stints with Melbourne and the Gold Coast.

A veteran of 10 years in first grade, the 109 kilo prop is yet to officially accept the offer but should he agree, it will keep him at the Sharks until at least the end of 2018.

***

BENJI BACK IN DRAGONS PLANS

St George Illawarra have all but closed the door on pursuing Luke Keary and have instead turned their attention to retaining Benji Marshall.

The Dragons have offered the former Kiwi international a new one-year-deal as a short-term fix before chasing a marquee half in 2017.

The likes of Anthony Milford, Ben Hunt, Josh Reynolds, Ashley Taylor, Shaun Johnson, Adam Reynolds, Jackson Hastings, Mitchell Pearce, Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses will all be on the open market as of November 1, with the Red V planning to chase a big name game manager.

While the Dragons hope to extend the five-eighth a further season, it’s understood Marshall has attracted interest from two other NRL clubs who are also interested in signing the five-eighth for one season.

The Dragons reopened negotiations with Marshall’s management two weeks ago, with their current offer $350,000 - which is below Marshall’s asking price.

In the meantime, rivals have come looking.

Benji Marshall of the Dragons passes the ball. Source: AAP

While a reunion with the Wests Tigers is off the cards, several clubs are still chasing halves for next season and with the veteran of almost 250 NRL games ruling out a move to England, it’s understood Marshall is open to leaving the Dragons in order to extend his career.

The Dragons five-eighth admits a persistent hamstring injury that has limited him to just six games this year has stalled negotiations.

“I can understand why nothing’s been resolved, because I haven’t played enough games this year to stamp my case. Until I get a few games under my belt, I’m not that worried,” Marshall said on Monday.

“At the end of the day, I’d love to stay here and I want to stay here. But I’m also a realist and understand that there’s a good chance that might not happen.

“I’m confident I’m going to have a contract somewhere, I just don’t know where.”

***

WARRIORS RE-SIGN TRIO

The Warriors are poised to begin negotiating a new deal for superstar Shaun Johnson in the coming week after activating an option for next season.

The 25-year-old extended his deal with the club until the end of 2017 at the start of the 2014 season but the third year was an option in their favour which was triggered last week.

As of November, the Kiwi international and 2014 golden boot winner will be free to begin negotiating with NRL rivals for 2018 and beyond.

Johnson’s manager Peter Brown told Market Watch that while talks are yet begin for beyond 2017, he plans on speaking with Andrew McFadden and Jim Doyle before the season is through.

“They had an option for next year so they’ve exercised it but at this stage that’s all we’ve done,” Brown said.

“We haven’t really discussed it at this stage (but) it’ll probably be later this year.”

Meanwhile, the Warriors have taken up an option on winger Ken Maumalo and extended his deal until the end of 2018.

The 21-year-old made his NRL debut last season where he played eight games but after failing to force his way into the side this season, the 105 kilo flyer requested a release earlier in the season to take up a deal with St George Illawarra.

The Warriors rejected the approach and have since re-signed him for another two seasons.

The club has also re-signed halfback Mason Lino.

The 22-year-old made his NRL debut last year where he played three games in the top grade.

***

SYMONDS TO SUPER LEAGUE

Tom Symonds appears to have played his last game for Manly with the backrower set to move to the Super League in the coming weeks.

With the June 30 transfer deadline fast approaching, Huddersfield are in the market for another forward after recent signing, former Dragon and Warrior Sebastine Ikahihifo, broke his jaw over the weekend.

Tom Symonds in action. Source: News Corp Australia

Symonds has been linked with the Giants and managing director Richard Thewlis confirmed the club’s interest in the 27-year-old over the weekend.

“Tom Symonds is one of a number of players and their respective managers we have spoken to about our club,” he said.

“To bring an experienced NRL and City Origin player such as Tom to the UK would be a real coup for any club, but the facts are that he is not a Giant as things stand.

“It would, however, in this instance, be inappropriate for us not to acknowledge that he is a player of great interest to us and, we are told, many other clubs both here and in Australia.”

***

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Nathan Cleary during training. Source: News Corp Australia

Last week Penrith announced James Fisher-Harris and Nathan Cleary have signed upgraded deals to remain with the club until at least the end of 2019.

The duo were already contracted until the end of 2018 but this week agreed to improved terms in return for an additional year on their respective deals.

Fisher-Harris, 20, made his NRL debut in round one, while Cleary, 18, made his NRL debut on the weekend.

***

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

The Wests Tigers have continued to lock up their young talent, signing Curtis Sironen until the end of 2018.

The son of Balmain great Paul Sironen was rumoured to be on the outer at Concord but on Monday he inked a one-year contract extension.

“I love everything about Wests Tigers, especially the teammates here because we have all developed a really tight bond,” Sironen said.

“It has been really great to see some of the exciting players who have come through the grades with me and I’m looking forward to playing some more footy with those guys.”

Sironen’s new deal follows on from the Tigers re-signing halves Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses as well as second-rower Chris Lawrence in recent weeks.

***

SHHHHH

***

Which Roosters player is considering a move to the Storm next season?

***

LATEST RUMOURS

***

FIFITA ON THE MOVE?

Sharks players David and Andrew Fifita warm up. Source: News Corp Australia

English papers are reporting that Wakefield is believed to be close to finalising a deal to sign Cronulla forward David Fifita.

Market Watch can confirm the forward is meeting with several Super League clubs as he looks to secure his future overseas with a June 30 transfer from Cronulla on the cards.

***

SIO RETURNS?

Penrith are rumoured to be interested in former Eels winger Ken Sio.

The 25-year-old has spent the last two years with Hull KR and was linked with a return to the NRL earlier this year.

Should Sio join the Panthers that would all but spell the end of the Jennings brothers, George and Robert, who have struggled to force their way into the NRL side.

It could also mean the end for Josh Mansour with social media suggesting he could be off to the Roosters.

***

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

***

OFF CONTRACT LIST FOR 2016

BRISBANE BRONCOS

Carlin Anderson, Greg Eden, Herman Ese’ese, Matt Gillett, Lachlan Maranta, Francis Molo, Kodi Nikorima, Tom Opacic, Corey Parker, Travis Waddell, Jarrod Wallace

New deal: Wayne Bennett (until the end of 2019)

Leaving: Dale Copley (Immediate release to Roosters until end of 2018), Brett Grienke (Immediate release to Rabbitohs until end of 2017)

CANBERRA RAIDERS

Kurt Baptiste, Luke Bateman, Adam Clydsdale, Rhys Kennedy, Brenko Lee, Jeff Lima, Sam Williams

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)

Leaving: Tevita Pangai (released to Brisbane until end of 2018), Sisa Waqa (end of June for French Rugby)

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS

Tim Browne, Dane Chisholm, Greg Eastwood, Pat O’Hanlon, Tony Williams

New deal: Josh Jackson (until the end of 2020), David Klemmer (until the end of 2020), Moses Mbye (until the end of 2020)

Leaving: Shaun Lane (released to Warriors until end of 2016)

CRONULLA SHARKS

Mitch Brown, Jayson Bukuya, Kurt Capewell, Josh Cleeland, Michael Ennis, David Fifita, Jacob Gagan, Paul Gallen, Chris Heighington, Luke Lewis, Junior Roqica, Sam Tagataese

New deal: Jack Bird (until end of 2017)

Leaving:

GOLD COAST TITANS

Lachlan Burr, Nathan Friend, David Hala, David Mead, Daniel Mortimer, Kierran Moseley, Nathaniel Peteru, Leivaha Pulu, Matt Robinson, Ryan Simpkins, Matt Srama

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)

Leaving:

MANLY SEA EAGLES

Luke Burgess, Fabian Goodall, Nathan Green, Jayden Hodges, Isaac John, Liam Knight, Brenton Lawrence, Blake Leary, Feleti Mateo, Tony Satini, Josh Starling, Tom Symonds, Jorge Taufua, Brayden Wiliame

New deal: Pita Godinet (until end of 2016 from Wakefield)

Leaving: Jamie Lyon (retiring at the end of the season), Tim Moltzen (retired)

MELBOURNE STORM

Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Cheyse Blair, Kenny Bromwich, Cooper Cronk, Blake Green, Ben Hampton, Richard Kennar, Mark Nicholls, Young Tonumaipea, Matt White

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)

Leaving: Marika Koroibete (Melbourne Rebels rugby until end of 2018)

WARRIORS

Charlie Gubb, Ben Henry, Sione Lousi, John Palavi, Jeff Robson, Henare Wells, Jonathan Wright

New deal: Ofahiki Ogden (until end of 2017), Mason Lino (until end of 2017), Ken Maumalo (until end of 2018)

Leaving: Raymond Faitala-Mariner (release to Bulldogs until end of 2019), Konrad Hurrell (released to Titans until end of 2017)

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Bryce Donovan, Krys Freeman, Josh King, Alex McKinnon, James McManus, Robbie Rochow, Nathan Ross, Bradie Smith

New deal: Daniel and Jacob Saifiti (extension until the end of 2018)

Leaving: James McManus (rested for 2016 due to injury), Joseph Tapine (Released to Raiders until end of 2019), Jeremy Smith (retiring at the end of the season), Tariq Sims (St George Illawarra until 2019)

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

Javid Bowen, Ben Hannant, Sam Hoare, Jahrome Hughes, Patrick Kaufusi, Rory Kostjasyn, Ethan Lowe, Tautau Moga, Justin O’Neill, James Tamou

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)

Leaving: Matthew Wright (released to Manly until end of 2018)

PARRAMATTA EELS

Mitch Cornish, Isaac De Gois, Bureta Faraimo, Michael Gordon, James Hasson, Luke Kelly, Cameron King, Cody Nelson, Corey Norman, Rory O’Brien, Kelepi Tanginoa, Vai Toutai, Joseph Ualesi, Danny Wicks

New deal: Daniel Alvaro (until the end of 2018), Kaysa Pritchard (until the end of 2018), Alex Twal (until the end of 2017)

Leaving: 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)

PENRITH PANTHERS

Sitaleki Akauola, George Jennings, Robert Jennings, Josh Mansour, Suaia Matagi, Andy Saunders, James Segeyaro, Will Smith, Tupou Sopoaga, Peter Wallace

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)

Leaving: Chris Smith (released to Roosters on deal until end of 2017), Elijah Taylor (released to Roosters on deal until end of 2016)

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Nathan Brown, Paul Carter, Jason Clark, Brock Gray, Tom Hughes, Hymel Hunt, Luke Keary, Ed Murphy, Zane Musgrove, Michael Oldfield, Riley Travers, Cheyne Whitelaw

New deal: Dane Nielsen (From Bradford until end of 2017), Jack Gosiewski (until the end of 2017), Cody Walker (until end of 2018)

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)

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Tom Carr, Ben Creagh, Matthew Dufty, Dylan Farrell, Jake Marketo, Benji Marshall, Mitch Rein, Joel Thompson

New deal: Hame Sele (until end of 2018), Patrick Herbert (until end of 2018)

Leaving: Peter Mata’utia (released to Knights until end of 2017), Sebastine Ikahihifo (released to Huddersfield)

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Mitchell Aubusson, Tyler Cornish, Mitchell Frei, Ian Henderson, Martin Kennedy, Sam Moa, Abraham Papalii, Omar Slaimankhel, Eloni Vunakece, Vincent Leuluai, Joey Lussick

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)

Leaving: Michael Jennings (Immediate release to Eels until end of 2019), Brendan Elliot (released)

WESTS TIGERS

Manaia Cherrington, Dallas Graham, Rod Griffin, Dene Halatau, Justin Hunt, Jack Littlejohn, Chance Peni, Bayley Sironen, Sauaso Sue

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)

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)

Download the new FOX SPORTS App to get the latest news and scores from your NRL team.