The Rabbitohs are reportedly within the field seat to signal Raiders gun Jack Wighton however his recruitment might see a number of South Sydney gamers despatched packing.
Canberra have tabled a four-year $4.4 million contract to re-sign the 30-year-old, whereas Bennett’s Dolphins provide is reportedly across the $1 million per-season mark.
Wighton would take a pay minimize to hitch Latrell Mitchell and the Rabbitohs, nevertheless the attract of successful a contest could possibly be sufficient to safe his signature.
Watch each recreation of each spherical of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
However, the previous Dally M Medallist received’t come low cost and as much as eight gamers could possibly be pressured out of the Redfern membership in accordance with The Daily Telegraph’s Buzz Rothfield.
If the Rabbitohs make one other deep finals run, the worth of their gamers will solely improve and put additional strain on the membership’s wage cap.
Rothfield defined that gamers equivalent to Liam Knight, who’s with out a contract for 2024, could possibly be squeezed out within the membership’s bid to signal Wighton.
“This is where I am a little bit concerned about the story, this guy called Liam Knight, you all know the front rower for the Rabbitohs,” Rothfield stated on the Big Sports Breakfast.
“I personally think he is the most inspirational story in the game… he’s overcome alcohol, drug and gambling issues and is about to come back from a very serious knee injury that has kept him out for 12 months.
Saab and Sea Eagles break Tiger hearts | 00:35
MORE NRL NEWS
‘CAN’T REMEMBER’: Bennett’s classic reply to halftime question amid record win
BIG HITS: ‘Comeback for the ages’ — Star’s ‘bizarre’ day in Dolphins’ 25-year first
BIG HITS: Holmes answers ‘challenge’ in Cowboys win; Ponga ‘dangerous’ in return
TARGET: Rabbitohs’ smoking gun in Wighton race as big salary cap question answered
“He’s off-contract at the end of the year and he’s on about $500,000, he’s a very good front rower but I’m told if Wighton comes they are going to have to tap Liam and say ‘you’re times up mate’.
“I think that’s the really unfortunate thing about these sort of stories, even Lachlan Ilias the young half… not saying they are going to sack him, but if they are going to play all this money for Wighton it doesn’t mean he going to be locked in the centres.
“So does Cody Walker move to halfback where he virtually plays anyway, he generally takes first pass either side of the ruck. But that would allow Jack to play five-eighth.
“What does it mean for Campbell Graham, he’s on $600,000 now and he’s just about the best centre in the game outside Joey Manu. His manager believes he will be worth $850,000 next contract, with Souths be able to pay him?
“I think it’s got a potentially destabilising affect on the Rabbitohs.”
Rothfield believes Knights, Graham, Ilias and Walker together with Keaon Koloamatangi, Tevita Tatola, Isaiah Tass and Jai Arrow might all be affected.
As it stands, Rothfield believes the Rabbitohs are the favourites to safe Wighton’s signature with so many elite gamers within the squad.
“I think at this stage of his career he’s done and won everything, a Clive Churchill Medal, man of the match in Origin, Dally M champion,” Rothfield stated.
“I just think he doesn’t want to retire without a ring and where’s the best hope of winning a comp and I think that’s South Sydney.”
Trbojevic says he empathizes with Tigers | 00:47
Get all the newest NRL news, highlights and evaluation delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
Wighton was additionally reportedly taking a look at property in Sans Souci, close by to the place his shut mate Mitchell lives.
Souths chief government Blake Solly performed down the potential for Wighton’s recruitment to have a ripple impact on the membership’s roster.
He echoed the opinion of head coach Jason Demetriou who stated the membership received’t make any selections which have a detrimental affect on the membership’s present roster.
“Our coaching and football department do not get the credit they deserve for their recruitment efforts and development of players,’ Solly said to News Corp.
“A number of our first-grade squad were unwanted by their previous clubs, joined us for an opportunity — and are now playing career best football.
“In Thursday’s squad were Taane Milne (Warriors), Isaiah Tass (Broncos), Michael Chee Kam (Tigers), Jacob Host (Dragons), Hame Sele (Panthers) and Jed Cartwright (Panthers); who were great in the win and have also made a huge contribution in the last few seasons.
“Those players and our coaches never seem to get the wraps they deserve.
“We believe we’re building something special at the club, and want to keep as many of the current squad together for as long as we possibly can.”
Source: www.foxsports.com.au