NRL Leaks is back with all the latest on player movements, rugby league whispers and recruitment coups.

KNIGHTS DIRECT RECRUITMENT ATTENTION TO WIGHTON

The Raiders have been informed by the management of Jack Wighton that Newcastle are eager to lure him out of the nation's capital.

In an indication that the Knights recruitment drive shows no sign of stopping soon, Wighton has emerged as a primary target.

The Raiders head office were made aware of the Knights' interest by Wighton's advisors over the past fortnight.

Needless to say, the Raiders aren't about to let one of their marquee members of their squad go - even despite his recent off-field issues.

TIGERS READY TO POUNCE ON WADE GRAHAM

Watch for the Wests Tigers to make a play for Cronulla co-captain Wade Graham.

New Tigers coach Michael Maguire is a massive fan, having previously attempted to lure the NSW Origin forward to Souths.

Graham is eager to remain at the Sharks, but is waiting for head coach Shane Flanagan to extend his future at the club.

Financial stress aside, there are major questions being asked of Cronulla chairman Dino Mezzatesta and CEO Barry Russell and their abnormally slow ability to re-sign the head coach who has taken the Sharks to seven of the past eight finals series.

LEEDS IN THE BOX SEAT FOR WIDDOP

Leeds are the frontrunners to lure Dragons playmaker Gareth Widdop at the end of 2019.

Widdop dropped a bombshell this week when news broke of his homesickness for the UK.

Take it as read next year will be his last in the NRL.

Already there's strong mail to suggest Leeds are preparing to offer Widdop the richest deal in English Super League history.

JOHNSON WON'T BE GOING TO BONDI

The Roosters are happy to tell any journalist that calls they have no interest in signing Warriors discard Shaun Johnson.

Several influential club figures believe Johnson isn't the style of player they're looking for, once Cooper Cronk retired at the end of 2019.

There's a belief that, alongside noted ball-runner Luke Keary, the Roosters want a controlling half in the same mould as Cronk - something Johnson certainly is not.