The Dolphins are “negotiating” with a Broncos younger gun who has been given permission to go away as Wayne Bennett seems to be to bolster his backbone choices.
Meanwhile, the Panthers look set to lose Stephen Crichton with the Bulldogs the “likely” membership to land the star centre.
Read on for the newest NRL Transfer Whispers.
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Brimson to honour Hampson in 2023 | 01:03
TESI’S NIU HOME?
Wayne Bennett has confirmed the Dolphins are in talks with Broncos again Tesi Niu.
Niu has one 12 months to go on his Broncos contract however was just lately given permission to hunt alternatives elsewhere.
The 21-year-old has performed 32 video games for Brisbane since debuting in 2020 — 10 of these being at fullback this 12 months. But with Reece Walsh returning to the membership, Niu has discovered himself on the outer.
Speaking on the unveiling of Kayo Stadium on Wednesday, Bennett assured reporters that Ni has not signed but however the membership is “negotiating” with him.
“No, I’m not confident he’ll be a Dolphin in 2023 until he signs a contract,” Bennett stated when requested about Niu.
“There’s a number of other players out there we’re negotiating with and talking to (as well).
“I’m not into the politics of it all. (Niu) hasn’t signed a contract, he’s not here. We’re negotiating with him … we just have to be patient and see what happens.”
It comes simply over a fortnight after Bennett learnt of Niu’s scenario in an interview with News Corp and first declared his curiosity within the Tongan worldwide.
“I didn’t realise Tesi had been given permission to negotiate with other clubs, but if he is available, yes we’re interested in him,” Bennett stated.
“I haven’t seen a lot of Tesi but what I have seen of him, I have liked.
“I didn’t know Brisbane were prepared to let him go but we’ll have a talk internally and make a decision on whether to sign him.
“There’s no deal done with Tesi, but he has something to offer and he is one guy we will look to talk to when the time is right.”
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The Dolphins nonetheless have 5 spots to fill of their Top 30, with backbone choices nonetheless being a precedence.
It’s been a troublesome job assembling the roster with the enlargement membership lacking out on a number of big-name targets together with Cameron Munster and Brandon Smith, which is why Bennett has a realist’s outlook on the roster.
“I don’t think we’ll get anybody there that we want at the moment,” he stated.
“We just want quality players and that’s what we’re looking for.”
Two backbone gamers that the membership has been capable of decide up although are veteran five-eighth Anthony Milford and up-and-coming halfback Sean O’Sullivan, who’re tipped to start out within the halves come Round 1.
But Bennett has declared “no on is guaranteed a position” and urged the pair to earn their spots within the 17.
“Obviously we brought Sean here because we believe he can be the halfback and we brought Milford here because we believe he can be the five-eighth but they have to prove to me that they’ve learnt that and they’ve got the ability to do that job and if they haven’t, well we’ll make another decision,” he stated.
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Dolphins star says aspect can shock NRL | 01:58
CRICHTON’S DOGS SWITCH LOOKING LIKELY
The Panthers are anticipated to lose Stephen Crichton in 2024 with the Bulldogs the favourites to signal the star centre.
Crichton’s contract expires on the finish of 2023, that means he’s free to barter with rivals for 2024 and past.
The Panthers want to preserve Crichton, however he’s due for a giant pay rise together with teammate Brian To’o, who can also be coming off contract in 2023.
News Corp journalist Phil Rothfield reported earlier this week that To’o is predicted to re-sign as quickly as the brand new wage cap is locked in — however he’s since revealed Crichton will “most likely” signal with the Bulldogs.
Crichton’s been linked to the Bulldogs for months in a transfer that will see him reunite with former Panthers assistant Cameron Ciraldo and likewise get the chance to play fullback.