A FRINGE Brisbane forward has caught the attention of several rival NRL clubs.

Why NSW forward Jake Trbojevic was in stitches ahead of Origin I.

Plus, Connor Watson reveals the truth behind why he left Newcastle as a junior, as Private Ryan takes a look behind the scenes of the greatest game of all.

DEMAND FOR BIG MAN

Round 20

Brisbane are hopeful of re-signing forward Herman Ese’ese despite several clubs expressing interest in the 110 kilo prop.

It’s understood the Broncos have tabled him a contract while he recently toured Newcastle’s facilities after they’d expressed interest in bringing him to the hunter.

Herman Ese'Ese of the Broncos takes on the defence. Source: Getty Images

Melbourne are also believed to be keen on the big unit but with the salary cap unclear for 2018, Ese’ese is in no hurry to make a call on his future.

The 22-year-old’s name was also mention in Bondi Junction as a recruitment target earlier in the year although it’s understood the big man is out of their price range.

The Gold Coast also believe Ese’ese would be a good fit on the glitter strip but have baulked at his $300,000 a season price tag.

Ben Ikin, Nathan Ryan and Ben Glover are joined by Wests Tigers GM of football Kelly Egan to discuss their wave of new recruits and moving on from the big three.

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

WATSON SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT

There’s a misconception among Newcastle fans that Connor Watson is another junior the club let slip.

That’s hardly the case.

Watson grew up on the Central Coast, playing league since the age of five, and signed a deal with the Knights at the age of 16.

Connor Watson of the Roosters runs the ball. Source: Getty Images

But when he received a rugby scholarship from a prominent Sydney school, he chose to leave the SG Ball program to focus on his education.

“I signed a contract for SG ball at 16,” Watson told Private Ryan.

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“When I got the scholarship to move to Knox (Grammar) I got released from the contract because I wasn’t going to be able to go to training at Newcastle. I was playing rugby union at Knox and if I was going to take the scholarship, the school didn’t want me playing rugby league.”

As fate had it Watson would sneak off campus to play league.

That’s how he wound up at the Roosters.

Connor Watson is congratulated by Michael Gordon and Luke Keary after scoring a try. Source: AAP

“Union was a very forward dominated sport,” Watson explained.

“I ran into (former Australian forward) Peter Tunks at a Harold Matthews trial and he had a chat to me after the game and said if I wanted to play league. I’d play union on Saturday and I went there and played with his side on Sunday.

“I’d tell the school I was going somewhere with my parents. Peter O’Sullivan from the Roosters came to one of our games and asked me to play SG ball for them. The school was really good with it as long as I didn’t miss any rugby games.”

LAUGHTER IN THE SHEDS

Before the Origin series opener, the NSW shed was filled with laughter.

It was Jake Trbojevic who laughed out loud. Why?

As we know, every NSW player had an envelope placed on their gear in their lockers.

While Nathan Peats had messages from his parents and partner, Tyson Frizell his fiancé, Trbojevic had messages from his parents, grandmother and two younger brothers.

While his parents and grandma told him how proud they were, the letter from his brothers, Tom (who is in camp as a shadow player for Origin II), Luke (who doesn’t play league) and Ben (who is part of Manly’s Harold Matthews team) was far less serious.

“They were mucking around,” he said of the note.

“The boys were carrying on. It was good fun. They were taking the piss. They were going on about smashing them and my parents were going on about how proud they were. It was very cool.”

SPOTTED I

Eels players visit a detention centre. Source: Supplied

Suaia Matagi and his Eels teammates Bevan French and Siosaia Vave at a juvenile detention centre speaking to the youth about making smart life choices.

SPOTTED II

Paul Carter enjoying a beer at Hotel Mexicola in Seminyak just days after being released by the Roosters.

BROTHER STAYING PUT

Last week it was announced that Warriors gun Toafofoa Sipley has signed with Manly for next season.

But what about his brother?

The Warriors have taken up an option on Pat Sipley for next season.

Roosters 2017 SG Ball award winners — Sheldon Rogers (second from right). Source: Facebook

The club have also signed Roosters’ SG Ball goal-kicking hooker Sheldon Rogers.

He’s signed mid-year until the end of 2018.

DID YOU KNOW …

Titans coach Neil Henry and Melbourne playmaker Ryley Jacks’ father played representative touch together for Australia.

WEEK OFF? WHAT WEEK OFF?

Knight's coach Nathan Brown at training. Source: News Corp Australia

How did Newcastle spend their bye week? A few days rest or light training runs to rest and recoup? Nope. They were flogged.

On Thursday the team was put through conditioning testing. They ran a test known as the French Test which is similar to the beep test which varies in speeds and increases as it goes up levels. NYC fullback Nick Meaney topped the testing in the pre-season reaching level 22 but wasn’t present this week. They’ve also been busy in the gym with an increased load too.

ONE TO WATCH

Keep an eye out for Canberra backrower Jack Murchie.

He’s off contract in 2018 but already clubs are circling for the Australian and NSW U20s Origin representative.

Tipping the scales at 102 kilos, Murchie is still just 19.

There’s plenty to like about his game but consistency is key for him to break into the top grade.