And no “Bachelor” contender has made more headlines than Victoria Larson, who has been at the centre of drama ever since she walked in and called herself a queen during the premiere.
Larson has been the subject of much Twitter debate, with many viewers — and even a few “Bachelor” alums — claiming that she must be a hired actress.
But “Bachelor” stars Becca Kufrin and Ben Higgins told Insider that they think she’s authentic.
“I always think it’s so funny when people say producer plant,” Kufrin said. “Producers don’t need plants, there are many very outgoing, funny, witty, charismatic, crazy girls that they can find each season. So the fact that people think that there’s producer plants — there’s really not.”
Victoria Larson started making waves the moment she arrived
By the second episode, Larson was already telling her fellow “Bachelor” contestants that she was “so sick” of being with them at the Nemacolin resort, where James’ season was filmed due to pandemic restrictions.
“I hate this girl power s—,” she said at one point during the episode. “I’m not here to be in a sorority.”
Larson then turned her attention to her roommate Marylynn Sienna, who she called “toxic” and “manipulative.” She brought up her concerns to both James and the other women — all of whom seemed surprised by the claims. Sienna was sent home by James in the following rose ceremony.
Some former ‘Bachelor’ alums have wondered if Larson is a producer plant to create drama on the show
J.P Rosenbaum, who won Ashley Herbert’s season of “The Bachelorette” in 2011, said he thinks there’s “no way” that Larson is “just a random contestant.”
The more I think about it, the more I believe that Victoria was planted by the show/producers. She just doesn’t seem to fit the mold. Her “villain” traits don’t seemed authentic. Her presence, attitude, etc were so forced. No way she’s just a random contestant. #TheBachelor
Ashley Iaconetti — who has appeared on “The Bachelor,” “Bachelor in Paradise,” and “The Bachelor Winter Games” — also wondered whether Larson was “a hired actress.”
“Seriously! I’m actually wondering about this,” she wrote in her recap for Cosmopolitan. “Because for someone who waltzed in calling herself a queen, I thought she’d have a sense of humour about herself, but nope, she has zippo!”
“For the record, during my involvement with the show and based on everything else I know, there has NEVER been such a thing as a hired plant,” she added.
But Kufrin and Higgins both believe that Larson is 100% authentic
“In my years of being around the show I have never known someone to be planted by producers,” Higgins, who starred as “The Bachelor” in 2016, told Insider. “I think it’s easy to assume that producers planned for someone to be there as a ‘planted character within the show’ but I have never heard of that.”
“There is still a lot to the behind-the-scenes of the show that I do not know, but I would imagine if the show casted actors I would have known about that by now,” he added. “As a result, I don’t think she was asked to be anything other than herself.”
Kufrin — who starred as “The Bachelorette” in 2018 — agreed, adding that the show gets a wide variety of applicants to choose from for every season.
“People are just outgoing,” she added. “I’m sure people go on like, ‘I’m going to make a name for myself and be the villain or the wild card.’”
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King twins Max and Ben are ready to take another step in their AFL development in 2021.
After impressing over the last two years, the 200cm plus forwards have yet again bulked up across the summer as they continue their growth inside 50.
Max made his debut in the opening round of 2020 booting two goals, ending the season with 22 majors from 18 games, including two finals appearances.
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Round 1
New look Roos hoping to bounce back
2:03
St Kilda coach Brett Ratten explained the tall had taken another step forward after an injury free pre-season.
“Like anyone in the competition, it was his first full season for a long time,” he told Sportsday when speaking of King’s last 12 months.
“For him, it was (his first full season) for virtually three years and his development and playing most games was good. Whether he performed at the elite level or he got through some games, he learnt a lot about AFL football.
“He pre-season has been very good, he’s a big man and big presence in our forward line – he’s probably put on four or five kilograms which is great.
“It’s something he’s worked on and he looks nice and strong. He has to keep chipping away at his game, but he’s got enormous talent.”
Max King at St Kilda training in January. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images.Source: Getty Images
After a strong debut season, Ratten expected King would be able to cope with the pressure of consistently copping the best key defender week in, week out.
“He knows the best full backs will be coming for him and he’s only a young man still, but I think even with the games he got beaten in he learnt a lot moving forward,” he said.
“We speak about the education you get from playing against a Harris Andrews or Steven May and what you do next time.
“I think he learnt a lot about himself and the competition next year.”
Brother Ben has flourished at the Suns where he has become the clubs No.1 target inside 50, kicking 42 goals across his 31 game career.
With Max adding “four or five kilograms” over the break, Gold Coast Suns coach Stuart Dew was keen to show off which King had added the most size.
“That’s good, cause Ben has put on five or six (kilograms),” he joked on Sportsday when told of Max’s feats.
“In all seriousness Ben would be somewhere along the lines of four to six, that was a real focus.
Heppell no certainty for round 1
2:12
“Clearly both boys are key position and they do need to put that size on. Then it’s about learning to run with that extra weight but from our point of view, we were willing to cop a little less (improvement) in the running area to get that weight on and Ben is a real pro and has been fantastic.
“He’s one guy that does struggle to hold the weight because once he’s up and training and this environment it is quite demanding. He’s gotten good at knowing what he needs to put in to his mouth and then his work in the gym has been outstanding.
“The fact he was able to stay up here for a little longer after the season, he made a real plan and stuck to it. He looks exciting.”
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Ben Te’o has signed a new contract with Brisbane for 2021.
The 33-year-old — who has played 138 NRL games — will add crucial experience depth to Brisbane’s pack.
Meanwhile, the Tigers have confirmed star winger David Nofoaluma has re-signed on a four year deal which will see him remain at the club until at least the end of 2025.
It’s a huge boost for the Tigers ahead of the 2021 season after Nofoaluma had a year to remember in 2020 and earned a spot in the Dally M Team of the Year as ell as being named the club’s player of the year.
Round 1
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“This really is the only club for me, and I’m really pleased to be staying on at Wests Tigers,” Nofoaluma said.
“I’ve only ever wanted to play for Wests Tigers, and I can’t thank the club, the Members and the fans enough for their support for me over the years.
“Pulling on the Wests Tigers jersey has always been a huge honour for me and I’m really excited that it’s something I get to do for many years to come.
“I’m determined to ensure our Members and fans are rewarded with the success they deserve, and I can’t wait to help play my part in making that happen.”
Elsewhere, South Sydney have confirmed the signing of Panthers grand final winger Josh Mansour on a two-year deal effective immediately.
The 30-year-old returns to the Rabbitohs where he won the club’s under 20s player of the year in 2010.
Mansour was on the hunt for a new club after being informed by the Panthers that young gun Charlie Staines will get preference over him in 2021.
The Rabbitohs announced the signing on Wednesday afternoon with head of football Mark Ellison acknowledging the recent release of outside back Corey Allan as the club’s chance to make a move on Mansour.
“Josh is a highly experienced NRL and representative player that will bring many attributes to our team, the Club and our community,” he said.
“He is a high work rate winger who is one of the competition’s leading players in terms of kick return metres, as well as a renowned finisher.
“More importantly he is a quality team and club man that inspires his teammates and brings energy to any team of which he is a part.
“He knows what our Club is about and respects the tradition and history of South Sydney, as well as the community that the Club represents.
“We reluctantly let Josh go in 2012 after playing a key role in our 2010 NYC Grand Final team and it is fantastic to have this opportunity to bring him back to South Sydney for 2021.
“That opportunity to bring him back would not be there if it wasn’t for Corey Allan moving on, another player who, like Josh in 2012, is moving on for opportunities elsewhere.”
Emotional Pearce relinquishes captaincy
1:28
The Panthers also released a statement on Wednesday confirming Mansour’s release from the final year of his contract.
“On and off the field, Josh has given great service to our club over a long period of time,” Panthers General Manager Rugby League Matt Cameron said.
“He’s been an ever-popular member of our squad, a favourite with the fans and has proven the strength of his character in overcoming several serious injuries.
“As difficult as this parting of ways may be, it’s out of respect for Josh that we felt so strongly about giving him the opportunity to seek a starting NRL spot at another club in 2021.
“We thank Josh for his service to Panthers and wish him, his wife Daniella and their young family all the very best for the future.”
Meanwhile, the Panthers have signed workhorse forward Scott Sorensen on a one-year deal, while the Broncos have locked in veteran outside back David Mead who will return to the NRL from the Super League.
MORE NRL NEWS
DONE DEAL: South Sydney sign unwanted Panthers star on multi-year deal
RECRUITMENT RATER: Every NRL side’s off-season business assessed
PREDICTED RD 1 TEAMS: Big guns race the clock, how star recruits will fit in
PLAN B: Kevvie’s backline plans suffer blow as Isaako picks up ankle injury
Grant: Smith or not, I’m at Storm
0:50
FULL NRL TRANSFER CENTRE
BRONCOS
2021 squad: Jesse Arthars (2021), John Asiata (2021), Patrick Carrigan (2022), Xavier Coates (2021), Dale Copley (2021), Brodie Croft (2022), Thomas Dearden (2021), Herbie Farnworth (2022), Thomas Flegler (2023), Alex Glenn (2021), Payne Haas (2024), Jamayne Isaako (2022), Rhys Kennedy (2022), Richie Kennar (2022), Matt Lodge (2022, PO 23, 24), Andrew McCullough (2021), David Mead (2021), Anthony Milford (2021), Corey Oates (2021, PO 22), Cory Paix (2022), Keenan Palasia (2021), Tevita Pangai Jr (2022), Jordan Riki (2021) Kotoni Staggs (2021), Ben Te’o (2021), Jake Turpin (2021, PO 22)
2021 gains: Andrew McCullough (Knights), Dale Copley (Titans), David Mead (Super League), John Asiata (Cowboys)
2021 losses: Darius Boyd (retirement), David Fifita (Titans), Jack Bird (Dragons), Matt Gillett (retired), Sean O’Sullivan (Warriors), Joe Ofahengaue (Tigers), Izaia Perese (rugby union), Jamil Hopoate, Jordan Kahu, Issac Luke, Ben Te’o, Ilikena Vudogo (all unsigned)
New deal: Ben Te’o (2021)
Coach: Kevin Walters (2023)
RAIDERS
2021 squad: Caleb Aekins (2021), Adam Cook (2021), Jarrod Croker (2024), Matt Frawley (2021), Emre Guler (2021), Corey Harawira-Naera (2022), Siliva Havili (2021), Josh Hodgson (2022), Albert Hopoate (2021), (Corey Horsburgh (2022), Ryan James (2022) Dunamis Lui (2021), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (2023), Josh Papalii (2024, PO 25), Jordan Rapana (2021), Harry Rushton (2023), Curtis Scott (2023), Bailey Simonsson (2023), Harley Smith-Shields (2021), Sia Soliola (2021), Tom Starling (2022), Ryan Sutton (2022), Joe Tapine (2023), Matt Timoko (2022), Semi Valemei (2021), Elliott Whitehead (2022), Jack Wighton (2024), George Williams (2022), Sam Williams (2021), Hudson Young (2021).
2021 gains: Caleb Aekins (Panthers), Harry Rushton (Wigan), Ryan James (Titans), Albert Hopoate (Manly)
2021 losses: Nick Cotric (Bulldogs), John Bateman (Wigan), Michael Oldfield (Eels), Andre Niko, Kurt Baptiste (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Sebastian Kris (unsigned)
Coach: Ricky Stuart (2023)
BULLDOGS
2021 squad: Corey Allen (2023), Jake Averillo (2023), Dean Britt (2021), Nick Cotric (2024) Christian Crichton (2021), Adam Elliott (2023), Raymond Faitala-Mariner (2022), Kyle Flanagan (2023), Jack Hetherington (2022), Will Hopoate (2021), Josh Jackson (2023), Sione Katoa (2021), Lachlan Lewis (2021), Jeremy Marshall-King (2021), Nick Meaney (2021), Dylan Napa (2021), Ofahiki Ogden (2021), Jayden Okunbor (2021), Chris Smith (2021), Joe Stimson (2022), Renouf To’omaga (2021), Corey Waddell (2023), Brandon Wakeham (2022), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (2022) Luke Thompson (2023)
2021 gains: Jack Hetherington (Panthers) Nick Cotric (Raiders), Corey Waddell (Sea Eagles), Kyle Flanagan (Roosters), Corey Allan (Rabbitohs)
2021 losses: Sauaso Sue (Knights), Reimis Smith (Storm), Kerrod Holland (retirement) Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles), Marcelo Montoya (Warriors), Aiden Tolman (Sharks), Jack Cogger (Huddersfield), Tim Lafai, Isaiah Tass (both unsigned)
2022 gains: Matt Burton (Panthers), Josh Addo-Carr (Storm)
Coach: Trent Barrett (2023)
SHARKS
2021 squad: Blayke Brailey (2022), Josh Dugan (2021), Andrew Fifita (2022), Wade Graham (2022), Braden Hamlin-Uele (2022), Mawene Hiroti (2021), Royce Hunt (2022), Shaun Johnson (2021), Sione Katoa (2023), William Kennedy (2021), Billy Magoulias (2021), Matt Moylan (2021), Ronaldo Mulitalo (2023), Briton Nikora (2022), Jesse Ramien (2023), Toby Rudolf (2021), Aiden Tolman (2021) Chad Townsend (2023), Connor Tracey (2021), Braydon Trindall (2021), Jack Williams (2022), Teig Wilton (2023), Aaron Woods (2021), Bronson Xerri (2021), Nene Macdonald (2021), Siosifa Talakai (2021)
2021 gains: Aiden Tolman (Sharks), Luke Metcalf (Sea Eagles on development deal)
2021 squad: Tanah Boyd (2022), AJ Brimson (2022), Erin Clark (2021), Anthony Don (2021), Herman Ese’ese (2022) Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (2023), Darius Farmer (2021), David Fifita (2023), Jamal Fogarty (2022), Moeaki Fotuaika (2022), Beau Fermor (2022), Patrick Herbet (2021) Jaimin Joliffe (2022), Brian Kelly (2023), Greg Leleisiuao (2021), Sam Lisone (2022), Sam McIntyre (2022) Tyrone Peachey (2021), Jonus Pearson (2021), Kevin Proctor (2021), Mitch Rein (2021), Phillip Sami (2022), Treymain Spry (2021), Sam Stone (2021), Ash Taylor (2021), Corey Thompson (2022), Jarrod Wallace (2022), Jai Whitbread (2021)
2021 gains: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Storm), Herman Ese’ese (Knights), David Fifita (Broncos) Patrick Herbert (Warriors), Sam McIntyre (Tigers)
2021 losses: Dale Copley (Broncos), Bryce Cartwright (Eels), Jai Arrow (Rabbitohs), Ryan James (Raiders), Keegan Hipgrave (Eels), Shannon Boyd (retirement), Tyrone Roberts, Nathan Peats (unsigned), Kallum Watkins (released mid-season to Salford)
Coach: Justin Holbrook (2024)
Warriors ready to face adversity in 2021
8:56
SEA EAGLES
2021 squad: Josh Aloiai (2023), Morgan Boyle (2021), Daly Cherry-Evans (2023), Lachlan Croker (2021), Cade Cust (2022), Andrew Davey (2022), Kieran Foran (2021), Manase Fainu (2023), Addin Fonua-Blake (2022), Tevita Funa (2021), Reuben Garrick (2021), Jack Gosiewski (2021), Morgan Harper (2022), Sean Keppie (2023), Haumole Olakau’ata (2021, CO 22), Brad Parker (2021), Taniela Paseka (2024), Jason Saab (2023), Josh Schuster (2021), Toafofoa Sipley (2021), Curtis Sironen (2021), Moses Suli (2023), Jorge Taufua (2023), Martin Taupau (2022), Jake Trbojevic (2026), Tom Trbojevic (2026), Christian Tuipulotu (2024), Dylan Walker (2021)
2021 gains: Kieran Foran (Bulldogs), Andrew Davey (Eels), Jason Saab (Dragons), Christian Tuipulotu (Roosters), Josh Aloiai (Tigers)
2021 losses: Joel Thompson (St Helens), Corey Waddell (Bulldogs), Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors), Albert Hopoate (Raiders), Luke Metcalf (Sharks), Danny Levi, Brendan Elliott, Tony Williams (all unsigned)
Coach: Des Hasler (2021)
STORM
2021 squad: Josh Addo-Carr (2021), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (2023), Jesse Bromwich (2022), Kenny Bromwich (2022, PO 23), Thomas Eisenhuth (2022), Dale Finucane (2021), Harry Grant (2024) Jack Howarth (2022), Jahrome Hughes (2021), Nicho Hynes (2021), Ryley Jacks (2021), George Jennings (2022), Tui Kamikamica (2022, CO 23), Felise Kaufusi (2021, PO 22), Max King (2021), Chris Lewis (2022) Isaac Lumelume (2021), Cameron Munster (2023), Justin Olam (2022), Ryan Papenhuyzen (2022), Aaron Pene (2021), Darryn Schonig (2021), Brandon Smith (2022), Reimis Smith (2022), Christian Welch (2022), Cooper Johns (2021), Brenko Lee (2021), Marion Seve (2021)
2021 gains: Reimis Smith (Bulldogs),Harry Grant (loan return from Tigers), Jack Howarth (upgraded), George Jennings (Eels)
2021 losses: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans), Paul Momirovski (loan return to Tigers), Albert Vete (Hull KR) Suliasi Vunivalu (Super Rugby), Sandor Earl (retired), Cameron Smith (unsigned), Ricky Leutele (Huddersfield)
2022 losses: Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs)
Coach: Craig Bellamy (2021)
KNIGHTS
2021 squad: Bradman Best (2022), Mitchell Barnett (2023), Jayden Brailey (2022), Phoenix Crossland (2021), Lachlan Fitzgibbon (2021), Tyson Frizell (2022 PO 23), Blake Green (2021), Bailey Hodgson (2023), Tex Hoy (2021), Hymel Hunt (2021), Brodie Jones (2021), Josh King (2021) David Klemmer (2023), Edrick Lee (2021), Kurt Mann (2021), Jirah Momoisea (2022), Mitchell Pearce (2021), Kalyn Ponga (2021, PO 22), Daniel Saifiti (2022), Jacob Saifiti (2022), Pasami Saulo (2022), Gehamat Shibasaki (2022), Sauaso Sue (2022), Star To’a (2023), Enari Tuala (2021), Connor Watson (2021), Dom Young (2023)
2021 gains: Tyson Frizell (Dragons), Bailey Hodgson (Castleford), Sauaso Sue (Bulldogs) (Bulldogs),Tyson Frizell (Dragons), Dom Young (Huddersfield), Blake Green (Bulldogs)
2021 losses: Tautau Moga (Rabbitohs), Herman Ese’ese (Titans), Andrew McCullough (loan back to Broncos), Aidan Guerra, Tim Glasby (both retired), Sione Mata’utia (St Helens), Tautau Moga (Rabbitohs), Mason Lino (Wakefield Trinity), Tyronne Roberts-Davis (unsigned)
Signed for 2022: Jake Clifford (from Cowboys until 2023)
Coach: Adam O’Brien (2022)
COWBOYS
2020 squad: Daejarn Asi (2021), Michael Bell (2021), Lachlan Burr (2022), Kane Bradley (2022), Jake Clifford (2021), Ben Condon (2021) Reuben Cotter (2021), Scott Drinkwater (2021), Mitchell Dunn (2022), Kyle Feldt (2024), Thomas Gilbert (2022), Jake Granville (2021), Wiremu Gregg (2021) Ben Hampton (2021), Coen Hess (2022), Peter Hola (2022), Valentine Holmes (2025), Corey Jensen (2021), Connelly Lemuelu (2021), Heilum Luki (2021) Esan Marsters (2022), Josh McGuire (2022), Jordan McLean (2022), Francis Molo (2021), Michael Morgan (2023), Ieremia Nanai (2021), Justin O’Neill (2021), Emry Pere (2021), Reece Robson (2023), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (2022), Murray Taulagi (2021), Jason Taumalolo (2027), Shane Wright (2021)
2021 gains: Lachlan Burr (Warriors), Kane Bradley (Tigers)
2021 losses: Gavin Cooper (retired), Tom Opacic (Eels), John Asiata (Broncos), Tuki Simpkins (Tigers), Daniel Russell (unsigned)
2022 losses: Jake Clifford (Knights)
Coach: Todd Payten (2023)
EELS
2021 squad: Daniel Alvaro (2021), Waqa Blake (2023), Dylan Brown (2023), Nathan Brown (2021), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (2022, PO 23, CO 24), Bryce Cartwright (2021), Blake Ferguson (2021), Clint Gutherson (2022), Keegan Hipgrave (2021 PO 22), Michael Jennings (2022), Oregon Kaufusi (2022), Shaun Lane (2023), Joey Lussick (2021), Reed Mahoney (2022), Ryan Matterson (2021, PO 22), Mitchell Moses (2021, PO 22), Marata Niukore (2022), Michael Olfield (2022), Tom Opacic (2021), Isaiah Papali’i (2022), Junior Paulo (2022), Jordan Rankin (2021), Maika Sivo (2021), Will Smith (2021), Ray Stone (2021)
2021 losses: Stefano Utoikamanu (Tigers), Kane Evans (Warriors), Andrew Davey (Sea Eagles), George Jennings (Storm), David Gower (retired), Jai Field (Wigan), Daniel Alvaro (Dragons), Brad Takairangi (Hull KR), Peni Terepo (retired), Rhys Davies (unsigned), Jaeman Salmon (Panthers)
Coach: Brad Arthur (2022)
PANTHERS
2021 squad: Dean Blore (2021), William Burns (2022), Matt Burton (2021), Kurt Capewell (2021), Nathan Cleary (2024), Stephen Crichton (2021), Dylan Edwards (2022), James Fisher-Harris (2022), Jack Hetherington (2021), Robert Jennings (2021), Matt Eisenhuth (2022), Mitch Kenny (2021), Viliame Kikau (2022), Apisai Koroisau (2022), Spencer Leniu (2021), Moses Leota (2022), Jarome Luai (2021), Liam Martin (2023), Tyrone May (2021), Brent Naden (2021), Jaeman Salmon (2021), Charlie Staines (2023), Scott Sorensen (2021), Brian To’o (2023), Dean Whare (2021, MO 22), Isaah Yeo (2021)
2021 gains: Jaeman Salmon (Eels), Robert Jennings, Matt Eisenhuth (both Tigers), Scott Sorensen (Sharks)
2021 losses: Josh Mansour (Rabbitohs), Caleb Aekins (Raiders), Jack Hetherington (Bulldogs), James Tamou (Tigers), Zane Tetevano (Leeds), Kaide Ellis (Dragons), Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, Pat Hollis, Brayden McGrady (all unsigned)
2022 losses: Daine Laurie (Tigers), Matt Burton (Bulldogs)
Coach: Ivan Cleary (2023)
DRAGONS
2021 squad: Daniel Alvaro (2022), Jack Bird (2022), Eddie Blacker (2021), Billy Brittain (2021), Adam Clune (2022), Jack de Belin (2021), Matt Dufty (2021), Kaide Ellis (2021), Poasa Faamausili (2022), Jackson Ford (2022), Tyrell Fuimaono (2021), Ben Hunt (2022, PO 23), Josh Kerr (2023), Blake Lawrie (2022), Zac Lomax (2025), Cameron McInnes (2021), Trent Merrin (2021), Corey Norman (2021), Jordan Pereira (2021), Mikaele Ravalawa (2023), Tariq Sims (2022), Paul Vaughan (2021, PO 22), Brayden Wiliame (2021),
2021 gains: Poasa Faamausili (Roosters), Jack Bird (Broncos), Daniel Alvaro (Eels), Kaide Ellis (Panthers)
2021 losses: Jacob Host (Rabbitohs) Tyson Frizell (Knights), Euan Aitken (Warriors), Korbin Sims (Super League), Jacob Host, Tristan Sailor, Joe Lovodua (all unsigned), Jason Saab (Manly)
Coach: Anthony Griffin (2022)
Cowboys very keen on Coates
0:22
RABBITOHS
2021 squad: Jai Arrow (2024), Tom Burgess (2023), Braidon Burns (2021), Jed Cartwright (2023), Damien Cook (2023), Joshua Cook (2021), Troy Dargan (2021), Dane Gagai (2021), Campbell Graham (2024), Jacob Host (2023), Dean Hawkins (2021), Alex Johnston (2022), Liam Knight (2023), Keaon Kolomatangi (2023), Patrick Mago (2021), Steven Marsters (2021), Taane Milne (2022), Latrell Mitchell (2021), Tautau Moga (2021), Cameron Murray (2021), Mark Nicholls (2021), Adam Reynolds (2021), Hame Sele (2023), Jaydn Su’A (2021), Tevita Tatola (2021), Cody Walker (2022)
2021 gains: Tautau Moga (Knights), Jacob Host (Dragons), Taane Milne (Warriors), Jai Arrow (Titans), Josh Mansour
2021 losses: Corey Allan (Bulldogs), Jack Johns (Knights), Bayley Sironen (Warriors), Ethan Lowe (retirement), James Roberts (Tigers), Joseph Suaalii (Roosters), Tom Amone, Cory Denniss, Kurt Dillon, Ky Rodwell (unsigned)
Coach: Wayne Bennett (2021)
ROOSTERS
2021 squad: Fletcher Baker (2021), Egan Butcher (2021), Nat Butcher (2022), Lindsay Collins (2022), Boyd Cordner (2023), Angus Crichton (2021), Jake Friend (2021) Drew Hutchison (2021), Matt Ikuvalu (2022), Luke Keary (2024), Adam Keighran (2022), Lachlan Lam (2022), Isaac Liu (2021), Joseph Manu (2022), Brett Morris (2021), Josh Morris (2021), Victor Radley (2023), Billy Smith (2021), Joseph Suaalii (2022), Daniel Suluka-Fifita (2022), Siosiua Taukeiaho (2022), James Tedesco (2024), Christian Tuipulotu (2021), Daniel Tupou (2021), Sitili Tupouniua (2024), Sam Verrills (2024), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (2023) Naufahu Whyte (2022, development), Tuku Hau Tapuha (2022, development).
2021 gains: Adam Keighran (Warriors), Joseph Suaalii (Rabbitohs)
2021 losses: Kyle Flanagan (Bulldogs), Poasa Faamausili (Dragons), Mitchell Aubusson (retirement), Ryan Hall (Hull KR), Sonny Bill Williams (unsigned)
Coach: Trent Robinson (2023)
WARRIORS
2021 squad: Bunty Afoa (2021), Euan Aitken (2023), Leeson Ah Mau (2021), Josh Curran (2021), Wayde Egan (2022), Kane Evans (2022), David Fusitu’a (2023), Addin Fonua-Blake (2023), Tohu Harris (2021), Chanel Harris-Tavita (2022), Peta Hiku (2021), Eliesa Katoa (2021), Karl Lawton (2021), Ken Maumalo (2022), Jack Murchie (2021), Marcelo Montoya (2022), Ben Murdoch-Masila (2023), Kodi Nikorima (2021, PO 22), Sean O’Sullivan (2021), Hayze Perham (2021), Adam Pompey (2021), Iliesa Ratuva (2022), Bayley Sironen (2023), Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (2022), Jazz Tevaga (2021), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (2022)
2021 gains: Bayley Sironen (Rabbitohs), Marcelo Montoya (Bulldogs), Kane Evans (Eels) Ben Murdoch-Masila (Warrington), Euan Aitken (Dragons), Addin Fonua-Blake (Sea Eagles), Sean O’Sullivan (Broncos), Iliesa Ratuva (rugby union)
2021 losses: Taane Milne (Rabbitohs), Adam Blair (retirement), Patrick Herbert (Titans), Isaiah Papali’i (Eels), Lachlan Burr (Cowboys), Adam Keighran (Roosters), Nathaniel Roache (Eels), Agnatius Paasi (St Helens), Gerald Beale (retirement) Leivaha Pulu, King Vuniyayawa (both unsigned)
Coach: Nathan Brown (2023)
TIGERS
2021 squad: Shawn Blore (2023), Luke Brooks (2023), Michael Chee-Kam (2021), Zac Cini (2021), Adam Doueihi (2023), Luke Garner (2022), Asu Kepaoa (2023), Joey Leilua (2022), Luciano Leilua (2022), Jacob Liddle (2021), Jock Madden (2021), Moses Mbye (2022), Thomas Mikaele (2021), Paul Momirovski (2022), Zane Musgrove (2024), David Nofoaluma (2025), Joe Ofahengaue (2023), Russell Packer (2021), Josh Reynolds (2021), James Roberts (2022), Jake Simpkin (2022), Tuki Simpkins (2023), Tommy Talau (2022), James Tamou (2022), Alex Twal (2022), Stefano Utoikamanu (2023), Billy Walters (2021), Alex Seyfarth (2021)
2021 gains: James Roberts (Rabbitohs), Stefano Utoikamanu (Eels), Paul Momirovski (loan return from Storm), James Tamou (Panthers), Joe Ofahengaue (Broncos), Jock Madden, Kane Bradley, Jake Simpkin, Zac Cini (all upgraded), Tuki Simpkins (Cowboys)
2021 losses: Harry Grant (loan return to Storm), Chris Lawrence (retirement), Josh Aloiai (Sea Eagles), Sam McIntyre (Titans), Matt Eisenhuth, Robert Jennings (both Panthers), Josh Reynolds (Hull FC), Elijah Taylor (Salford Red Devils), Kane Bradley (Cowboys), Benji Marshall, Oliver Clark, Dylan Smith (all unsigned)
2022 gains: Daine Laurie (Panthers)
Coach: Michael Maguire (2021)
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Ben Simmons is reportedly “pretty ecstatic” about being left alone as NBA superstar James Harden left the Houston Rockets for the Brooklyn Nets.
The move sees the eight-time All-Star joining top dogs Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant in New York in a team now overflowing with alpha personalities who like the ball in their hands.
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The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports the Nets are giving up four unprotected first-round draft picks and four first-round pick swaps to get their man in a wild deal that also involves Cleveland and Indiana.
ESPN’S Adrian Wojnarowski called Houston’s return “one of the strongest draft packages in league history”.
“Whatever the future of Kyrie Irving with the Nets, this trade does one more important thing for Brooklyn: It makes a strong case to help keep the franchise’s most important player — Kevin Durant — beyond his current contract,” Wojnarowski added.
The Rockets will also get Victor Oladipo, Aussie Dante Exum and Rodions Kurucs.
But the man they won’t get is Ben Simmons.
While his offensive production has been down to start the season, Simmons has proven himself to be one of the best defenders in the NBA.
An All-Defensive first team member last season and 2018 Rookie of the Year, Simmons’ relationship with Joel Embiid has long been criticised as not being strong enough to bring a championship back to Philadelphia.
But with shooters brought into the team to allow Embiid and Simmons to operate in the paint, ESPN’s The Undefeated reporter Marc J. Spears tweeted that the Aussie believes this season is different.
“Hearing Ben Simmons was pretty ecstatic to not be traded from the Sixers to Houston for James Harden and believes his team is capable of bringing a title to Philadelphia. Doc Rivers is also a huge fan of Simmons and believes the best is yet to come with two-time NBA All-Star,” he tweeted.
Joe Vardon of The Athletic said Simmons is “fine” after the deal went down with Shams Charania reporting that Simmons was put on the trading block.
In the end, the Rockets believed “the Nets offer just supplanted that” and that the 76ers didn’t want to “mortgage their entire future” on Harden, according to Charania.
The Simmons deal reportedly had Simmons and Matisse Thybulle but the Rockets also wanted rookie Tyrese Maxey.
But CBS’s Brad Botkin, who said he didn’t believe Simmons was a franchise player but that the Aussie was the one thing the Rockets didn’t get with the big trade haul.
“It’s not a terrible bet. Still, not coming away with Simmons in a situation like this is a risk. You can pile up picks all you want and never end up with a franchise player, which some people still believe Simmons can be with the right supporting cast,” he wrote in a piece pondering if the Rockets got too greedy with the deal.
For the Nets, Harden has proved to be a divisive player with his petulant tantrum to get out of Houston.
It will also have a lot of money tied up in its best three players.
Irving, Durant and Harden all have two years left on their deals worth $34 million ($A44m), $40m ($A52m) and $44m ($57m) a season, at least $236 million ($A305m) according to The Athletic.
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons said in November that a Harden trade to Brooklyn could become a “beautiful disaster.”
“It’s three guys who are used to having the ball all the time,” he said on the Bill Simmons podcast.
“Harden and Durant are really good friends from way, way back. Kyrie is somebody that likes to have the ball. I don’t know how I feel about it. It could be a beautiful disaster, or it could be absolutely devastating.”
Just yesterday, Harden slammed the franchise.
“(The Rockets are) just not good enough. Chemistry, talent-wise, it was clear,” he said in a press conference.
“I love this city. I literally have done everything that I can. I mean, this situation is crazy. It’s something that I don’t think can be fixed.”
But it bent his former teammate’s noses out of shape with DeMarcus Cousins
“Me, personally, I don’t feel betrayed at all,” Cousins said. “My interest was playing with John Wall to be brutally honest. With that being said, the disrespect started way before any interview. Just the approach to training camp, showing up the way he did, the answers off the court. I mean, the disrespect started way before.”
And the move has also drawn a target on the Nets’ back with anything short of a championship to be considered a failure.
The New York Post’s Mike Vaccaro said the offensive talents of the team could see 150 points being put on some nights – but it’s come at the expense of the side defensively.
“Taking the Bucks to seven games in an epic Eastern final won’t be enough. Falling to the Lakers in a memorable Finals? Nope. The Nets aren’t just all-in for the next 2-3 years, they are all in for the rest of the decade. Their viability exists in the here and now, defined by a simple equation: Parade or no parade?”
Only time will tell if any of these gambles will pay off.
The Nets will reportedly send Rodion Kurucs, first-round picks in 2022, 2024 and 2026 and swaps in 2021, 2023, 2025 and 2027 to Houston. Brooklyn will also reportedly send centre Jarrett Allen and Taurean Prince to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who will send Dante Exum and a 2022 first-round pick to the Rockets.
The Rockets, meanwhile, will reportedly reroute LeVert to the Indiana Pacers for Victor Oladipo. ESPN.com first reported the framework of the Nets deal, while The Athletic first reported Indiana’s involvement.
Any move from Philadelphia for former NBA MVP Harden, right, was likely to result in Ben Simmons being traded.
After a pair of demoralising blowout losses to the Los Angeles Lakers, Harden candidly expressed his belief that the struggling Rockets were not salvageable, accelerating long-standing trade talks for the 2018 MVP.
“We’re just not good enough,” Harden said after the Rockets fell at home 117-100 to the defending champions. “I love this city. I literally have done everything that I can. The situation is crazy. It’s something that I don’t think can be fixed.”
The dire assessment from Harden, who has been the face of the Rockets since 2012, comes little more than one month after he reported to training camp late. Multiple reports at the time linked the Rockets with the Nets and 76ers in trade talks involving the three-time scoring champion, who has seen Houston’s roster and organisation change dramatically around him.
When the Lakers eliminated the Rockets from the 2020 play-offs, Harden said that he believed Houston was “a piece away” from title contention. Instead, the Rockets parted ways with Coach Mike D’Antoni, lost general manager Daryl Morey and traded Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards. Those sweeping, abrupt changes left Harden, 31, to adjust to first-time coach Stephen Silas, first-time general manager Rafael Stone and a new backcourt partner in John Wall.
James Harden is officially off to Brooklyn.Credit:Getty Images
There has been little in the way of instant chemistry, as Harden’s effort has been spotty and his fit with Wall has yet to develop. After eight straight play-off trips, the Rockets have the West’s second-worst record at 3-6 and Harden is scoring 24.8 points per game, his lowest average since he arrived in Houston.
While Harden never issued a public trade request, he arrived at training camp late after partying in Atlanta and Las Vegas without a mask during the coronavirus pandemic. The NBA fined him $US50,000 (about $66,000) for violating the league’s health and safety protocols. Harden is earning $US40.8 million this season and is under contract through at least the 2021-22 season.
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The Rockets elected to keep Harden away from the team’s practice on Wednesday as trade talks with the Nets and 76ers unfolded, and centre DeMarcus Cousins was highly critical of Harden’s recent behaviour.
“The disrespect started way before any interview,” Cousins said Wednesday. “The approach to training camp, showing up the way he did, the antics off the court, the disrespect started way before. This isn’t something that all of a sudden happened last night. This is the nasty part of the business. It is what it is.”
The Rockets, who had their season opener postponed after several players were sidelined by positive or inconclusive coronavirus tests and contact tracing, weathered that early turbulence. Hopes that Harden’s trade value might increase or his personal investment in the Rockets might stabilise if he played well to start the season never came to fruition.
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Fresh off a shock 122-109 loss to the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving-less Brooklyn Nets, the Philadelphia 76ers have been forced into quarantine after shooter Seth Curry tested positive for COVID-19.
Luckily for both sides Curry was already ruled out of the game with an ankle injury and missed the game.
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ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Curry immediately went to an isolation room and left the arena separately to the team.
He did spend the first quarter on the bench however and the game against the Nets was also the 76ers’ third in four days.
But his teammates have been forced into quarantine in New York after The Athletics’ Shams Charania revealed the team had learned of Curry’s positive test as the game went on and will stay in New York to undergo contact tracing.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne revealed that Joel Embiid, who sat next to Curry on the bench, would quarantine with his family until he’s sure he didn’t catch the virus.
It could cause havoc around the league if Sixers players are required to quarantine and miss games due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols around COVID-19.
The Nets and the Wizards, who the 76ers played yesterday, could also be forced to quarantine and contract trace, which could throw the NBA schedule into chaos.
It continued the worst day the team has had this season after capitulating to a 13-point loss to the Nets without their superstars.
In one of the weirdest absences of the season so far, Nets coach Steve Nash had no idea why Irving wasn’t available or where he was.
But according to Heavy.com senior writer Brandon Robinson, Irving said via a close source that “I just didn’t want to play” following the events in the Washington.
Entering the game 7-1 on the season, the 76ers’ problems of old appeared to have resurfaced with Embiid and Simmons combining for 11 from 27 from the floor.
But it was an improvement on the first half when the pair shot four from 15 combined with the Sixers down by 14 at the break.
NBA legend Charles Barkley labelled the performance “embarrassing”.
Embiid finished with 20 points and 12 boards, with Shake Milton leading the way for Philly with 24 points.
Simmons had a horrible night, with 11 points, four rebounds and two assists.
76ers coach Doc Rivers was scathing in his assessment of this game.
“We didn’t come to play is what I saw,” Rivers said. “It was just one of those games. It was disappointing.”
Asked what his focus will be from here, Rivers replied: “Nothing really, other than being awake.”
Joe Harris scored 28 points, while Caris LaVert hit 22 points with 10 assists to lead the Nets to the win.
Despite the 7-1 start before the game being the Sixers’ best record over eight games since 2000-01, fans were quick to turn on Philly.
Proud Queenslander Ben Cutting has no qualms about playing BBL cricket for a New South Wales club following his controversial departure from the Brisbane Heat.
Cutting, who turns 34 this month, has found a new lease of life since moving to the Sydney Thunder this season after almost a decade with the Heat.
“It’s been awesome,” the all-rounder said.
“It’s something very different to what I’m used to and I’ve definitely enjoyed the change.
“They’re a great bunch of guys and it’s a `good bloke’ policy here, which makes it a lot easier, particularly when you’re in bubble life 24/7.”
Cutting’s exit from the Heat was less than ideal after falling out with Brisbane captain Chris Lynn.
The pair exchanged words when the Thunder beat the Heat last month, but there seemed less tension when Brisbane gained revenge on Cutting’s team earlier this week at the Gabba.
“It was disappointing. I was hoping there’d more of the same. I enjoy that sort of stuff but they were very friendly,” said Cutting, who added he had no problems playing for a team from NSW.
“That’s the nature of franchise cricket anywhere in the world these days.
“You probably don’t get as much movement in the BBL as you do in other T20 tournaments because guys are still so set in their home states and their home teams.
“My partner and I own property in Sydney where she spends half of her time, so it’s a second home for both of us.”
Despite the loss to the Heat, Cutting was confident the Thunder – who have won five of their seven matches – could hit back against the Hobart Hurricanes on Thursday night at Optus Stadium.
“If you said at the start of the tournament we’d be five wins and two losses at this stage, we’d have taken that for sure,” he said.
|”You’re going to have those games like we did the other night during the course of a 14-game season. We’re not too worried.
“We were a bit short with the bat the other night and we didn’t bowl that great either.”
Fellow Thunder all-rounder Daniel Sams will miss Thursday night’s match after being concussed against the Heat when struck in the helmet while batting.
Thunder coach Shane Bond said: “We’ve been conservative with all of our players when they’ve been injured, and I think we’ve benefited from that.
“I think you need to be more concerned by head knocks, and we won’t be playing Dan in this match.”
The Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards have put on a show in their NBA clash but not even a franchise record was enough for a win.
It’s not often in the NBA when a player can explode with 60 points in a brilliant individual performance — and even rarer when it’s not enough to win the game.
That happened in the Philadelphia 76ers’ 141-136 win over the Washington Wizards as Bradley Beal hit exactly 60 but still lost the game.
The individual performance saw Beal tie Gilbert Arenas’ franchise record set on December 17 2006 while the move to give Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons perimeter shooters has paid off.
Danny Green hit five from eight from three point range and Embiid and Tobias Harris hit three each, but Seth Curry hit six from seven as the 76ers shot 62.1 per cent from outside the arc.
But it was Beal’s game as he piled on 57 points in the first three quarters.
Matisse Thybulle was on the star as he was restricted to just three points in the fourth quarter and came up with a key stop.
Despite Ben Simmons being seen as a potential Defensive Player of the Year candidate, he stayed on Russell Westbrook with Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers said Simmons was doing what he needed to do.
“I guess after 60 we probably could’ve made the change,” he said. “We liked what Ben was able to do as a roamer with Westbrook. We thought he could get a lot of easy baskets.”
Westbrook even left the game with 26 seconds left with the Wizards new star reportedly dislocating his finger.
Philadelphia led 82-67 at the main break it appeared as though former NBA star Kendrick Perkins could have jinxed the side when he tweeted at halftime as the Wizards came back to pull level at 131-all with four minutes left.
The Wizards were 21 points down at one point.
But after that, Embiid hit eight straight points to close it out.
“They pay me to take over the game,” Embiid said. “They pay me to dominate. That’s my job.
“I always give credit to my teammates. [But] I finished.”
Embiid finished with 38 points, eight rebounds, five assists three steals and three blocks, while Simmons had 17 points, 12 assists and six rebounds, as well as two steals.
Despite his game, Beal was frustrated by the loss.
“I’m pissed off,” Beal said. “I’m mad. I don’t count (them) … Any of my career highs, they’ve been in losses. So I don’t give a damn. You can throw it right out the window with the other two or three I’ve had.
“I just want to win. Sometimes you might be able to score 40, 50, 60, whatever the case may be, but I just want to win, whatever that looks like. We came up a little bit short tonight.”
KIWI’S STATEMENT NOT ENOUGH
The Oklahoma City Thunder got the better of Steven Adams and the New Orleans Pelicans this afternoon, but the Kiwi big man had a silver lining in the form of a career-first achievement.
Adams finished the 111-110 loss with a triple-double, scoring 10 points to go with 11 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists. Coming into the game, Adams’ career high in assists was six – a number he set while playing for Oklahoma City last season.
It’s the latest in a string of strong performances for Adams since joining the Pelicans this year.
While the season is only eight games deep, Adams has made his mark on his new team across the floor, shooting at a career-best 65 per cent success rate from the field.
Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy said it wasn’t hard to see how much of a difference the 27-year-old is making on the team.
“If you look at our on-court and off-court numbers and our plus-minus, he’s been carrying us all year,” Van Gundy said.
“If Steven’s on the court we’re a really good team; if Steven’s off the court, we’re not. It’s because the guy plays [hard] every possession, and that’s what we need to get everybody doing.”
Thanks for stopping by and checking out this news release on VIC news named “NBA 2021: 76ers Vs Wizards, wild game, Bradley Beal 60, loss, Ben Simmons, Steven Adams, triple-double”. This story was presented by MyLocalPages Australia as part of our local and national news services.
It’s not often in the NBA when a player can explode with 60 points in a brilliant individual performance — and even rarer when it’s not enough to win the game.
That happened in the Philadelphia 76ers’ 141-136 win over the Washington Wizards as Bradley Beal hit exactly 60 but still lost the game.
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The individual performance saw Beal tie Gilbert Arenas’ franchise record set on December 17 2006 while the move to give Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons perimeter shooters has paid off.
Danny Green hit five from eight from three point range and Embiid and Tobias Harris hit three each, but Seth Curry hit six from seven as the 76ers shot 62.1 per cent from outside the arc.
But it was Beal’s game as he piled on 57 points in the first three quarters.
Matisse Thybulle was on the star as he was restricted to just three points in the fourth quarter and came up with a key stop.
Despite Ben Simmons being seen as a potential Defensive Player of the Year candidate, he stayed on Russell Westbrook with Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers said Simmons was doing what he needed to do.
“I guess after 60 we probably could’ve made the change,” he said. “We liked what Ben was able to do as a roamer with Westbrook. We thought he could get a lot of easy baskets.”
Westbrook even left the game with 26 seconds left with the Wizards new star reportedly dislocating his finger.
Philadelphia led 82-67 at the main break it appeared as though former NBA star Kendrick Perkins could have jinxed the side when he tweeted at halftime as the Wizards came back to pull level at 131-all with four minutes left.
The Wizards were 21 points down at one point.
But after that, Embiid hit eight straight points to close it out.
“They pay me to take over the game,” Embiid said. “They pay me to dominate. That’s my job.
“I always give credit to my teammates. [But] I finished.”
Embiid finished with 38 points, eight rebounds, five assists three steals and three blocks, while Simmons had 17 points, 12 assists and six rebounds, as well as two steals.
Despite his game, Beal was frustrated by the loss.
“I’m pissed off,” Beal said. “I’m mad. I don’t count (them) … Any of my career highs, they’ve been in losses. So I don’t give a damn. You can throw it right out the window with the other two or three I’ve had.
“I just want to win. Sometimes you might be able to score 40, 50, 60, whatever the case may be, but I just want to win, whatever that looks like. We came up a little bit short tonight.”
KIWI’S STATEMENT NOT ENOUGH
The Oklahoma City Thunder got the better of Steven Adams and the New Orleans Pelicans this afternoon, but the Kiwi big man had a silver lining in the form of a career-first achievement.
Adams finished the 111-110 loss with a triple-double, scoring 10 points to go with 11 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists. Coming into the game, Adams’ career high in assists was six – a number he set while playing for Oklahoma City last season.
It’s the latest in a string of strong performances for Adams since joining the Pelicans this year.
While the season is only eight games deep, Adams has made his mark on his new team across the floor, shooting at a career-best 65 per cent success rate from the field.
Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy said it wasn’t hard to see how much of a difference the 27-year-old is making on the team.
“If you look at our on-court and off-court numbers and our plus-minus, he’s been carrying us all year,” Van Gundy said.
“If Steven’s on the court we’re a really good team; if Steven’s off the court, we’re not. It’s because the guy plays [hard] every possession, and that’s what we need to get everybody doing.”
Gareth Widdop’s hopes of returning to the NRL this season appear to be over after the playmaker returned to the UK.
Widdop’s representatives had reportedly been trying to secure an NRL comeback to be closer to family.
He would have needed to take a pay cut though and The Daily Telegraph reports he cut his asking price to $300,000 with several NRL clubs, including the Sydney Roosters, interested.
Round 1
In fact, the Telegraph reports that Roosters supremo Nick Politis had a part in discussions to try bring Widdop to the tricolours.
The chances of that happening though appear slim and instead Widdop looks set to honour his current contract.
Widdop is one year into a three-year deal with the Warrington Wolves.
Grant: Smith or not, I’m at Storm
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Widdop was also linked to the North Queensland Cowboys but last month that touted move was quickly shot down by coach Todd Payten.
“Jake and Gareth are managed by the same manager and once we were notified that Jake had signed with the Knights there was a throwaway line at the end of that conversation, around if Gareth wants to come home would you be interested?,” Payten told the Big Sports Breakfast at the time.
“That’s all it was, nothing more than that. Our answer was we’re happy with Jake for the next 12 months and hopefully we get him going. I was really dumbfounded how that made the press from that one sentence.”
Warriors ready to face adversity in 2021
8:56
BARBA EYEING RETURN VIA SUPER LEAGUE
Meanwhile, League Express reports that Ben Barba is eyeing a potential route back into rugby league.
The report claims he is looking at a potential return through the Super League and that he has been offered to a number of Super League clubs.
The former Man of Steel left St Helens and the Super League at the end of 2018 to return to the NRL but was sacked after an incident at a Townsville casino.
He pleaded guilty to three charges: pleaded guilty to three charges; assault occasioning bodily harm, breaching bail conditions and failing to complete a community service order.
However, no conviction was recorded against him.
“He is a young Indigenous man with a lot of talent who certainly is hoping to further his career in rugby league,” Barba’s lawyer Campbell Maccallum said at the time, per ABC News.
Cowboys very keen on Coates
0:22
“Whether that be in Spain or Australia or in the Super League competition.”
Barba came to the Cowboys on the understanding it would be his last chance in the NRL after a series of off-field issues.
St Helens great Jon Wilkin said back in 2019 that despite Barba’s life ban from the NRL, a return via the Super League was still a possibility.
“Over here we are not as aggressive as the NRL with policing player’s code of conduct,” he told the BBC’s Rugby League podcast.
“It appears to me that you can pretty much get away with anything in Super League and you will get another club because the pool of players is so small.”
Naden won’t miss any games
0:53
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