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BIRD STAYING A TITAN FOR NOW

Round 19

Greg Bird has put an end to speculation he could leave the Gold Coast and join Newcastle at the end of the year.

It’s no secret the Knights are on the hunt for a veteran leader who can add some starch to their young pack and the Maitland product certainly fits the bill.

Market Watch can confirm the Knights made inquiries to the Titans earlier in the year to clarify Bird’s contract status but the international has another year to run on his deal with the club and Bird plans on seeing it out.

The Knights had heard that season 2017 may have been an option in Bird’s favour but the backrower denied that was the case.

“I’m contracted for next year,” Bird said. “That’s a straight year.”

When asked if talk of him potentially finishing his care in the Hunter was premature he replied: “Very premature.”

Greg Bird in action. Source: News Corp Australia

Married to the sister of off-contract Knights backrower Robbie Rochow, Bird has clear ties to the club.

Throw in the fact he and wife Becky recently welcomed their first child into the world and talk of a return to their local area was always going to gain momentum.

Turning 32 at the end of the year, Bird isn’t showing any signs of slowing down and while the Titans are yet to discuss a deal beyond next season, Bird said 2018 is the furthest thing from his mind.

“It’s tossed up all the time,” he said of a move to the Knights. “At the moment I’ve got one year left at the Gold Coast and haven’t really thought about anything else.”

Earlier in the year, Market Watch reported that Cronulla veteran Luke Lewis had been spoken of as a recruitment target should they lose Rochow.

Rochow is being chased by Parramatta and yet to discuss a new deal with the Knights.

“I spoke with Robbie a while ago and we thought it was probably in both parties’ interest that he come back playing,” coach Nathan Brown said.

“We’ve stayed by that and Robbie’s keen to get back out there and playing again.”

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Dragons recruitment boss Ian Millward joins Ben Ikin, Ben Glover and Nathan Ryan as they run through potential new signings, what needs to change at Souths and the challenges facing Brisbane.

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INTEREST BUILDING FOR HOLMES

Cronulla are not the only club hoping Valentine Holmes will reject interest from rugby, with Newcastle also interested in signing the dynamo.

Last week it was reported that the Queensland Reds were circling the try scoring machine but Market Watch can reveal the Knights are also keen on the Townsville product who comes off contract at the end of next season.

Valentine Holmes (left) of the Sharks scores a try. Source: AAP

Playing on the wing for Cronulla, the Knights see him as a fullback and would be willing to give him the opportunity to play his desired position.

Over the last 12 months, Newcastle have tried playing Jaelen Feeney, Jake Mamo, Sione Mata’utia and Dane Gagai at fullback.

While Gagai is filling the role at present, his best position is at centre.

Holmes was in the running along with Jack Bird during the pre-season for the Sharks’ No.1 jersey but ultimately they both lost out to Ben Barba who has been in phenomenal form.

Coming off contract at the end of next year and in no rush to extend his current deal, Holmes isn’t short of options.

The 20-year-old has previously been linked with St George Illawarra and is sure to attract major interest come November when he’s able to start negotiating with rivals.

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ROOSTERS TARGET MANSOUR PUTS BLUES FIRST

Penrith winger Josh Mansour has placed contract talks on hold until after the State of Origin period, amid a link to the Roosters.

In camp for his second game representing the Blues, the winger revealed to Market Watch that he’s so focused on his performance in game two that he won’t make a decision on his future until after July 6.

“I had a chat with (my manager) and we spoke about (my future),” he said.

“He wants me to remain focused on this. He knows how important me being part of the Origin team is. It’s my first (series) here so he wants me to be as focused as I can be for it.

“I really wanted to just focus on this period of the year. You don’t really get too many chances to be in this position, especially after the way the first game ended.

“I’m going to have to prepare for a very big game in Queensland. It’s not going to easy so hopefully after Origin I’ll get all that sorted.”

NSW winger Josh Mansour is tackled. Source: News Corp Australia

The 25-year-old admitted that while in camp with the Blues, contract talks are the furthest thing from his mind but the two weeks in between camps can be distracting.

Mansour has recently been linked to the Roosters, with the club able to accommodate the star winger after releasing Joe Burgess (Rabbitohs) and Brendan Eliott (Knights).

They also reportedly have $600,000 in this year’s salary cap to play with, which they can use to bring some star power to the club.

While it’s understood Mansour’s preference is to stay with the Panthers, money is tight following the signing of James Tamou and upgrading a host of talented youngsters such as Bryce Cartwright and James Fisher-Harris.

The Panthers met with Newcastle back Nathan Ross last week with Anthony Griffin searching for an outside back who won’t command top dollar.

This leaves Mansour in a difficult spot.

Panthers star Josh Mansour scores a try. Source: News Corp Australia

With his fiancé Daniella to consider and a wedding to plan and pay for, the former Australian representative has plenty on his plate.

“Outside of camp, it does come across your mind a bit,” he said.

“I’ve got a fiancé. I’m getting married this year so it is a big deal and a big decision I’ve got to make for the next couple of years.

“It does come across my head but I have to remain composed and worry about my footy.”

Mansour’s Panthers teammate Bryce Cartwright is signed with the club until the end of 2018 and admits he may have to have a word to the winger while in NSW camp, in a bid to convince him to stay.

“Fingers crossed he does sign with us,” Cartwright said.

“He’s a great player and an even better bloke so I might have to start talking to him and try and get him to stay.

“I’d love to see him stay but he’s got to do what’s best for him.”

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SHEENS EYES REED

Brisbane centre Jack Reed could be bound for the UK, with Salford ready to make a play for the English international.

The 27-year-old, who is currently sidelined with injury, has a history of shoulder issues and has been linked with a move away from the Broncos at the end of the year.

Red Devils coach Ian Watson confirmed that Reed is a player of interest as he and director of rugby, Tim Sheens look to boost the club with top line talent.

Anthony Milford celebrates his try with Jack Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

“The first thing is that he’s a British player, and that’s what we want,” Watson told League Express.

“I don’t know if he’s classed as a quota player because of the time he’s spent over (in Australia), but we want a core of real good British players and then we want game breaker players filling our quota spots.

“That’s how we’re looking to go forward at Salford. If there are good British players about then we’d definitely be interested.

“He’s a great player and he’s been doing really well for Brisbane Broncos. He’s been playing in a winning culture and he has a winning mentality playing around a lot of great leaders.

“If a player like that becomes available they are the type of players you want to let in your team to influence your group.”

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NEW DEAL FOR WARRIOR

The Warriors continue to strengthen their roster with crafty hooker Jazz Tevaga signing a new two-year-deal.

Playing understudy to Issac Luke, Tevaga made his NRL debut earlier this year with the Warriors moving swiftly to prevent rivals pinching the 20-year-old.

While there was interest from other NRL clubs, Tevaga decided to stay in Auckland to learn under Luke.

Luke and Tevaga now both come off contract at the end of 2018 but the Christchurch product can play a number of positions.

Tevaga was lock in the junior Warriors’ 2014 NYC grand final winning team.

Tevaga inked a new contract last Friday with the club expected to announce the signing shortly.

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BRONCOS SECURING THE FUTURE

The impending retirement of Corey Parker couldn’t have come at a better time for Brisbane.

Jarrod Wallace, Matt Gillett, Herman Ese’ese, Kodi Nikorima and Jaydn Su’a are all off-contract with Wallace reportedly attracting interest from North Queensland.

The retirement of Parker frees up some additional funds to help retain these players.

But most importantly at the end of 2017 the Broncos have over half their NRL squad off contract.

Adam Blair, Darius Boyd, Alex Glenn, Ben Hunt, Jordan Kahu, Andrew McCullough, Josh McGuire, Anthony Milford, Corey Oates, Joe Ofahengaue and James Roberts are all off contract next year.

The Broncos are already busy trying to extend the deals of their stars but with the salary cap for 2018 yet to be released, the RLPA has advised players not to sign new deals until the cap increase is settled.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Michael Gordon is expected to join the Roosters next season after Brad Arthur confirmed he will leave the Eels at the end of the year.

“It’s a loss when you lose any player,” Arthur said.

“Flash always knew it was going to be a one-year deal. He’s proven to be a handy acquisition for us.

“There was an opportunity to keep him for next year but there’s better opportunities for him at the Roosters so good luck to him.”

Clint Gutherson and Bevan French are the contenders to succeed Gordon at fullback.

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SHHHH

Which off-contract NRL player recently phoned a rival coach to personally ask him if he was able to join his club next season.

While the coach is interested in signing this player, his asking price is far too high.

The player was willing to reduce his price despite receiving a much more lucrative offer from another club but unfortunately, with cap space being tight, the only way the player in question could join his desired club is to sacrifice half of what he could earn elsewhere.

A deal is next to no chance of being struck.

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SHHHH II

Brisbane veteran Corey Parker announced he’ll retire at the end of the season, joining Jeremy Smith and Jamie Lyon in making 2016 their swansong season.

But another veteran is seriously considering hanging up the boots.

This Sydney based player is off-contract at the end of the year and although he believes he could push out another year, the longer the season goes, the more he leans towards calling it a day.

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LATEST RUMOURS

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BROTHERS ON THE MOVE?

Penrith centres George and Robert Jennings appear likely to leave the club at the end of the year.

Both are off-contract and unable to break into the NRL side with Market Watch hearing the duo have attracted interest from South Sydney.

George, 23, made his NRL debut last year with the Tongan international able to play centre or wing.

Robert, 20, also debuted last year and like his brother has made five appearances in first grade.

With a host of young guns banging down the door at the Panthers for a start in first grade, a switch for the Jennings brothers would likely provide them a better pathway to the NRL.

The Rabbitohs are light on outside backs with Michael Oldfield, Hymel Hunt, Tom Hughes and Ed Murphy off-contract.

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RETURNING HOME?

QLD prop Jacob Lillyman in action. Source: News Corp Australia

There’s speculation that Warriors prop Jacob Lillyman could return to North Queensland to finish his career.

Under contract with the Warriors next season, the 32-year-old has been linked with a move to the Cowboys after James Tamou announced he will be leaving the club at the end of the year.

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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, Herman Ese’ese, Matt Gillett, Lachlan Maranta, Francis Molo, Kodi Nikorima, Tom Opacic, 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), Greg Eden (Castleford until end of 2018), Corey Parker (Retiring at end of the season)

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), Mitch Barnett (released to Newcastle until end of 2017)

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS

Tim Browne, Dane Chisholm, 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), Greg Eastwood (until end of 2018)

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

CRONULLA SHARKS

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

New deal: Jack Bird (until end of 2017)

Leaving: David Fifita (released to Wakefield for rest of the season)

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, 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), Tom Symonds (released to Huddersfield)

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), Jazz Tevaga (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, 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 (Immediate release to 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

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), James Tamou (Penrith until end of 2020)

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, Jason Clark, Brock Gray, Tom Hughes, Hymel Hunt, 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), Paul Carter (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), Luke Keary (Roosters 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), Mike Cooper (released end of 2016)

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

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), Mitchell Aubusson (until end of 2019)

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)

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), Jacob Liddle (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)

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