There are indications that Sunia Turuva, top player from the Panthers, is likely to join the Tigers. Initially, the Dragons seemed to be his next destination.
League Initiative suggests that for the Tigers, Turuva could serve as a stand-in center and fullback for rising star Jahream Bula.
The Dragons had offered Turuva a contract estimated between $400,000 and $600,000 per season, subject to various clauses.
However, negotiations for Turuva to remain with the Panthers have apparently faltered, paving the way for the Tigers to acquire his valuable skills.
With a salary cap limit of $350,000 per season, the Panthers were reportedly unable to meet Turuva’s financial expectations, further inspiring him to explore alternatives.
Turuva, the 2023 Dally M Rookie of the Year, may switch sides with current teammate Jarome Luai, joining ex-Panthers Api Koroisau, Brent Nade and Charlie Staines at the Tigers.
Turuva had also attracted attention from the Knights, and was even given a tour of their facilities during the Panthers‘ bye round.
Nevertheless, the Knights didn’t formalise an offer, leaving an opening for the Tigers to onboard Turuva.
Demonstrating impressive performance, Turuva has managed to score eight tries in merely six games this season and has established himself as one of Penrith’s key players in recent times.
Meanwhile, the Canberra Raiders have reportedly secured a significant win in signing young Eels halfback Ethan Sanders on a three-year contract. This news follows after a challenging week for the Raiders with their loss of Jamal Fogarty for most of the regular season.
This signing news, reported by League Initiative and the Canberra Times, came just before Sanders was due to make his NRL debut.
This does not conclude the negotiation process though, with the Eels having a 10-day window to persuade Sanders and his representatives to keep him at Parra.
Sanders’ location of choice appears to be Canberra, despite the Gold Coast also showing a keen interest in him.
In other news, the Broncos will likely soon announce the renewed contract of Billy Walters, a hooker ensuring he remains with the club until 2026’s end.
The Broncos have rewarded several star performers with continued contracts, including Pat Carrigan, Ezra Mam, Adam Reynolds and Payne Haas, while Reece Walsh is reportedly considering a contract worth over $5 million.
Walters joined the Broncos in 2022 following brief stints with the Storm and Tigers. He has since played 56 games for the club and emerged as one of last season’s most improved players as well as becoming a key part of their Grand Final reaching team.
The Broncos are solidly equipped in the dummy-half department, with Tyson Smoothy commendably backing up Walters from the bench, and Blake Mozer, a promising teen.
Walters is content sharing time with Smoothy, as his father and coach Kevin advocates ‘quality over quantity’.
Jahrome Hughes, a star player from Melbourne, may potentially relocate up north, according to former player Corey Parker‘s claims on SENQ Mornings who cited ‘rumblings’ about Hughes’ move.
Hughes currently has a deal with Melbourne until 2026, at a reported annual wage of over $800,000, but plans are apparently underway to extend his contract up to 2028.
Parker, however, did not specify which Queensland team is a principal contender for Hughes’ services, with the player’s wife hailing from the Gold Coast, these are only speculated rumours at present.
Roosters‘ Joey Manu might make an NRL comeback after his spell in Japanese rugby union comes to an end around the 12th round of the 2025 season.
Reportedly, the Roosters have reserved half a million dollars in their salary cap for next season, ready to accommodate Manu’s return halfway through the season.
Yet, Manu may opt for joining a Super Rugby team, aspiring to represent the All Blacks. However, the opportunity to succeed James Tedesco as the Roosters‘ fullback might lure Manu back to NRL.
Tedesco, the NSW captain, is expected to retire at the upcoming season’s close, which also marks the end of his current contract in 2025.
If Manu signs on for 2025, it will mark his tenth season with the beloved Tricolours club.