Jul 22nd, 2019

Jul 22nd, 2019

The Wests Tigers are threatening to hijack the Bulldogs’ bid to snare Knights forward Herman Ese’ese.

Wide World of Sports can reveal that Ese’ese met with Bulldogs officials last week and passed a medical examination.

But the Tigers have come in late, telling the in-form Knight they want him on board in 2020.

The Tigers have to clear the decks in the salary cap, however, and are attempting to offload forwards Elijah Taylor, Ben Matulino and Russell Packer as well as utility Josh Reynolds.

Newcastle would love to keep Ese’ese but salary cap pressure has left them little choice other than to cut him loose.

Herman Ese'ese (R) has been in strong form for Newcastle. (AAP)

BENJI TO PLAY ON, GRUB OR NO GRUB

Benji Marshall seems certain to be a Tiger again in 2020 - even if the club can’t offload high-priced fellow five-eighth Josh Reynolds.

The Tigers are attempting to cut Reynolds from their books despite the fact he has more than two years left on his contract.

It’s been reported that Marshall will stay only if Reynolds finds a club - but I’m hearing that is not the case.

Benji is on a small contract of less than $200,000, a fraction of what he was earning when he was the game’s glamour boy.

So now coach Michael Maguire has decided Benji has something to offer, you can pencil him in as a certainty to be on board again for one last season.

Benji Marshall during his 300th game. (AAP)

RIVALS CIRCLING STORM POWERHOUSE

Rival clubs are lining up to sign rookie Storm forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, even though he has only played small minutes in two NRL games for the club.

The 19-year-old forward is already set to earn offers of over $1 million a season - but he is not lost to the Storm yet.

I’m hearing he will remain at the Storm for 2020 to see out his contract and then throw himself on the open market.

Storm forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is hot property. (Getty)

MANLY MAY LET GUN HOOKER WALK

Api Koroisau is one of the best hookers in the NRL - but don’t be surprised if the Sea Eagles let him test the open market next season.

With Koroisau currently out injured, the Sea Eagles are firing on all cylinders with Manase Fainu in the No.9 jumper.

Fainu recently had his deal upgraded and is an 80-minute player.

Koroisau is a great athlete and would have no trouble finding a new club if the Sea Eagles let him explore his options.