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KNIGHTS TOP TARGET

Newcastle have discussed making a play for Cronulla veteran Luke Lewis should they fail in their bid to re-sign local product Robbie Rochow.

Round 19

The Knights will meet with Rochow’s manager next week in what will be their first meeting since the backrower rejected a three-year extension tabled by CEO Matt Gidley back in January.

Since shunning their initial offer, which was deemed “unacceptable” by his manager Allan Gainey, the club has not tabled a new deal.

Robbie Rochow of the Knights is tackled. Source: Getty Images

It’s understood the Knights are resigned to the fact that they won’t be able to match the big money on offer from Sydney clubs and need to use what cash they have sparingly as they attempt to relieve salary cap pressures.

The 25-year-old has been busy over the past five weeks, having toured the training facilities of Parramatta and Penrith, while he and his manager, had previously met face to face with Manly.

Most recently Gainey was contacted by Cronulla who have expressed their interest in the Country Origin representative.

“They expressed interest,” Gainey told foxsports.com.au. of reports linking Rochow to the Sharks.

“It’s all informal at this stage. We don’t have any offers yet.

“We’ll go back to Newcastle next week and do the right thing by them and see where they’re at and what their plans are.”

Luke Lewis of the Sharks reaches out to score a try. Source: Getty Images

Rochow is chasing a three-year-deal and is expected to make a call on his future by May.

Should the East Maitland junior decide to take his talents elsewhere next season, Lewis will become their prime target.

With co-captain Jeremy Smith expected to retire at the end of the year, the Knights are conscious of losing yet another experienced player in what is already a very inexperienced squad.

Lewis, 32, is a Test and NSW Origin veteran of over 16 years’ experience at the elite level.

The backrower has employed the services of experienced player manager Isaac Moses to help him with what he expects will be his final contract.

Gold Coast Chief Operating Officer Brian Canavan joins Ben Ikin, Ben Glover and Nathan Ryan to explain the salary cap and how it works, plus the biggest challenges facing the club.

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PAASI’S REWARD

Gold coast forward Agnatius Paasi is set to be rewarded for his form with the Titans poised to hand him an upgraded deal and extension.

Paasi joined the Titans from the Warriors at the end of 2014 on a train and trial deal but scored a new two-year-deal at the end of last season.

Titans COO Brian Canavan revealed that extending the 24-year-old has become a priority for the club.

“We’re having informal discussions, we haven’t talked a dollar sign in front of numbers, but Agnatius Paasi,” Canavan told Market Watch.

“He’s 23 years of age. He came over from New Zealand and joined our club on a very, very small deal. He has now just blossomed.

“We saw him in the Nines and although I can’t criticise (Corey Norman), the guy who got the player of the tournament, Agnatius Paasi he was the best player I saw over there.

“It would be an upgrade and extension because his contract is adequate but he deserves more.

“He’s got a full skillset, which is quite incredible at his age and will only get better and better, so he’s a priority.”

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INJURY WON’T DELAY NEW DEAL

Iosia Soliola may have suffered a fractured right arm in Monday’s win over Canterbury but the injury won’t affect his pursuit of a new two-year-deal with Canberra.

Despite the recent addition of Joseph Tapine and Parramatta wrecking ball Junior Paulo joining the club next season, Soliola is part of the Raiders’ plans for the future.

Raiders CEO Don Furner confirmed to Market Watch that he met with Soliola’s manager earlier this week and will continue negotiations while the backrower rehabs his arm.

“It certainly won’t affect (contract talks) at all,” Furner told foxsports.com.au.

“His standing in our club is very high.

“They play a very tough game and he plays it very tough.

Iosia Soliola of the Raiders is tackled by Josh Jackson of the Bulldogs. Source: AAP

“We’re continuing talks but that (injury) will not affect it one bit.

“We want to keep him and he wants to stay and that’s always a good start.

“We’re working in the right direction.”

Despite being sidelined for the next six to eight weeks, both parties are confident an agreement could be reached even before his expected return to the field in round 12.

The former New Zealand international return to the NRL last year after a five-year stint in the Super League with St Helens.

Soliola, who turns 30 in August, won the club’s Mal Meninga medal last year which is given to the player’s player.

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TIGERS REUNION OF SORTS

Tim Sheens has discussed the possibility of bringing some of his former Wests Tigers players to England next season.

Sheens is the director of rugby at Salford and keen on recruiting some of his 2005 premiership winning squad to the club.

It’s understood Benji Marshall and Chris Lawrence are two names who have been mentioned with former Tigers’ Ben Murdoch-Masila and Robert Lui currently playing with the Red Devils.

Sheens also made an attempt to sign Blake Ayshford late last year before he penned a deal with the Warriors.

Lui and Marshall were halves partners at the Tigers for three years and while Marshall won’t rule out a move to England, his priority is to remain in the NRL.

Dragons half Benji Marshall looks on. Source: AAP

“My wife has been unbelievable,” Marshall told foxsports.com.au of contract negotiations.

“She just helps me relax. She says to me ‘whatever happens is meant to happen, we’ll just deal with it as it comes. If you need to go overseas then whatever’.

“It’s not my priority (to go to England). My priority is the Dragons and staying there at the moment and if that doesn’t happen, we’ll go from there.”

Marshall is yet to make a decision on whether to accept a one-year extension from St George Illawarra worth $300,000 and unlikely to revisit the offer for another fortnight.

Lawrence has also stressed his priority is to stay in the NRL.

The Tigers backrower has an option in his favour for next season and while he said his contract is in his “manager’s hands”, he’s ruled out a reunion with Sheens in 2017.

“I’ve got unfinished business in the NRL,” Lawrence said.

“With my move to the back row I definitely think while I’m happy with my form and the way I’ve started — I’ve got a lot more I can improve on.

Chris Lawrence of the Tigers beats Ben Barba of the Sharks to score a try. Source: Getty Images

“I don’t think I’ve got the best out of myself yet and that’ll be in the NRL.

“It’s quite funny — almost seems that way like a Tigers reunion with all the Tigers boys (in England) at the moment and Sheensy trying to get them back.”

Lawrence is expected to finish his NRL career with the Tigers — the club he made his debut for back in 2006 but the 27-year-old admits he is open to a stint in England down the line.

“I haven’t spoken to Sheensy directly about that,” Lawrence said.

“It’s something I’d be open to as most players would.

“In three or four years’ time that might be something I’ll look at.”

Don’t be surprised if Sheens makes a play for Chris Heighington, the 33-year-old is off-contract with Cronulla and holds an English passport which makes him very appealing to Super League as he won’t take up a spot in their international quota.

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HEARD IT HERE FIRST

In February we told you that Johnathan Thurston had declared he was enjoying his football enough to play into 2018.

While he’s currently contracted until the end of 2017, the Cowboys have begun negotiations for an additional year’s extension.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Shaun Lane in action for the Bulldogs. Source: News Corp Australia

The Warriors and Bulldogs officially completed a player swap on Tuesday with Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Shaun Lane switching clubs.

Both debuting last season, Faitala-Mariner made 11 appearances for the Warriors, while Lane played 14 games for the Bulldogs.

Faitala-Mariner will be at the Bulldogs until 2019, while Lane will link with the New Zealand-based NRL club on a one-year deal.

Warriors recruitment and development manager Tony Iro said it was a move “mutually beneficial for both clubs”.

“Ray had been seeking a release but we weren’t prepared to allow him to move until we were able to find a suitable replacement,” Iro said.

“In Shaun we have a player who brings the qualities we were after to strengthen our squad.”

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SHHHHHH

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ITCHY FEET

Melbourne centre Richie Kennar is growing frustrated after starting in just one game this season.

Although the Storm have a shortage of talent in the backline thanks to injury, Kennar had been previously overlooked until last week’s win over the Knights.

Kennar made three tackle breaks and two line breaks last week and topped the metres gained for the Storm with 156.

Richie Kennar scores a try. Source: News Corp Australia

Rivals are aware of the Melbourne product’s restlessness and Market Watch can reveal two clubs have discussed his name in house as a player they’d like to bring to their clubs before the June 30 deadline.

One of these clubs is from Sydney, while the other isn’t.

When asked for comment about an approach from rival NRL clubs, Kennar’s management declined to comment.

Kennar, 21, is off contract with the Storm at the end of the season having penned a one-year extension at the end of last season.

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A YOUNGER OPTION?

Which club is attempting to bring a promising young hooker to their club for next season despite already having an experienced player capable of producing 80 minutes?

The player this club is chasing won’t leave to be a shadow player so you have to wonder what kind of promises are being made to the youngster.

We’re not sure what this means for their current No.9.

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NO RELEASE FOR FRENCH

Bevan French scores for the Eels. Source: News Corp Australia

Since setting the Auckland Nines alight, the name Bevan French has popped up at a number of clubs.

Most recently the Storm reached out to the 20-year-old’s management to quiz the status of his deal with the Eels.

French is contracted until 2018 but earning minimum wage on a second-tier deal this season as an NYC player, before activating an upgrade as a fulltime member of the Eels’ squad next year.

The fullback is currently sidelined for the next five weeks due to injury but the Eels view the top try scorer from the Nines as a vital part of their club moving forward.

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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

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)

CANBERRA RAIDERS

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

New deal: Josh Hodgson (until the end of 2018), Kato Ottio (from PNG Hunters until end of 2017)

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, Josh Jackson, David Klemmer, Moses Mbye, Pat O’Hanlon, Tony Williams

New deal:

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, Anthony Don, 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)

Leaving:

MANLY SEA EAGLES

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

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

Leaving:

MELBOURNE STORM

Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Cheyse Blair, Kenny Bromwich, Cooper Cronk, Blake Green, Ben Hampton, Richard Kennar, Marika Koroibete, 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)

Leaving:

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

Charlie Gubb, Ben Henry, Mason Lino, Sione Lousi, Ken Maumalo, John Palavi, Jeff Robson, Henare Wells, Jonathan Wright

New deal:

Leaving: Raymond Faitala-Mariner (release to Bulldogs until end of 2019)

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

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

New deal:

Leaving: James McManus (rested for 2016 due to injury), Joseph Tapine (Released to Raiders until end of 2019)

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

Javid Bowen, Lachlan Coote, Ben Hannant, Sam Hoare, Jahrome Hughes, Patrick Kaufusi, Rory Kostjasyn, Kane Linnett, Ethan Lowe, Tautau Moga, Justin O’Neill, James Tamou, Antonio Winterstein, Matthew Wright

New deal: Jake Granville (until end of 2018)

Leaving:

PARRAMATTA EELS

Mitch Cornish, Isaac De Gois, Bureta Faraimo, Michael Gordon, James Hasson, Luke Kelly, Cameron King, Kieren Moss, Cody Nelson, Corey Norman, Rory O’Brien, Nathan Peats, 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 (Raiders until end of 2018)

PENRITH PANTHERS

Sitaleki Akauola, George Jennings, Robert Jennings, Josh Mansour, Suaia Matagi, Andy Saunders, James Segeyaro, Chris Smith, Will Smith, Tupou Sopoaga, Elijah Taylor, 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)

Leaving:

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, Cody Walker, Cheyne Whitelaw

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

Leaving: Tim Grant (Immediate release to Tigers until end of 2017), Chris Grevsmuhl (Panthers — 2 years), 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:

Leaving:

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)

Leaving: Michael Jennings (Immediate release to Eels until end of 2019)

WESTS TIGERS

Josh Addo-Carr, Josh Aloiai, Jack Buchanan, Michael Chee-Kam, Manaia Cherrington, Josh Drinkwater, Asipeli Fine, Dallas Graham, Rod Griffin, Dene Halatau, Justin Hunt, Chris Lawrence, Jack Littlejohn, Jesse Parahi, Chance Peni, Bayley Sironen, Sauaso Sue

New deal:

Leaving: Marion Seve (released to Brisbane), Billy McConnachie (released to Brisbane until end of 2016), Lamar Liolevave (released to Bulldogs until end of 2017)