Paramatta Eels powerhouse Junior Paulo has had a request to to skip his side’s pre-season training so he can prepare for an upcoming boxing bout denied.
The prop is set to don the gloves against former Raiders and QLD star Neville Costigan at the All Stars Rugby League fight night on February 12 in Townsville.
But despite his hopes that Eels coach Brad Arthur will allow him to skip pre-season to focus on the fight, the Eels on Sunday tweeted that he would return to pre-season training ‘as agreed’.
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Round 1
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Paulo had told The Daily Telegraph: “I am two weeks into a seven-week fight camp and I am hoping to continue the boxing training full-time.
“I have been training six days a week and I am hoping I will be able to continue instead of returning to the Eels pre-season. I haven’t heard back yet but I am hoping he (Brad) will be okay with it. I think he knows that the preparation I am doing for this fight will have me coming back at my best for the season.”
But the Eels responded with a public statement on Twitter, writing: “The Eels and Junior Paulo have always maintained that his first priority is to be ready for our trial against the Panthers in February.
“All of his training is being monitored and overseen by the Eels high performance department to make sure his [sic] ready for the 2021 season.
“Junior will be returning to pre-season training in January as agreed.”
Paulo had claimed that boxing training would have him fitter than ever for the new NRL season.
“I am training harder than ever and it will be the best preparation I can have for the 2021 season,” he said.
“The fittest I have ever been is before my fight in 2016 and I respond well to the different style training. I think Brad knows that this type of training will have me at my best for the start of the season.”
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It will be just the 27-year-old’s second fight – the first was a loss to Paul Gallen in 2016 – but Paulo has signalled his intent to become a full-time boxer once his NRL career concludes.
“I have given it a bit of thought and I would like to take it up full time one day. League is all I have ever known and boxing is something I definitely want to pursue once I finish football.”
In what would be another juicy all-NRL clash, Paulo also said he’d like to face off with Maroons star Jai Arrow in the ring.
St George Illawarra have added further depth to their forward pack with the addition of former Parramatta prop Daniel Alvaro on a two-year NRL deal.
The 27-year-old Alvaro is the third signing under new coach Anthony Griffin, joining Jack Bird and Poasa Faamausili in the Dragons squad for 2021.
Alvaro was granted a release from the final year of his contract with the Eels to join the Dragons immediately, where he will reunite with Griffin who was his under 20s coach at Brisbane.
Alvaro had a mixed season in 2020, playing just two games for the Eels before he was loaned to the Warriors for six matches.
After five solid seasons with the Eels from 2015, Alvaro fell out of the starting side in 2020 after the addition of representative prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard and the emergence of Oregon Kaufusi.
The addition of Alvaro comes after the Dragons released Korbin Sims and Jason Saab, leaving three spots in the squad to fill before the new campaign kicks off.
The Roosters have locked down young stars Sam Verrills and Sitili Tupinoua on big contract extensions.
Young gun hooker Verrills tore his ACL and missed most of the 2020 season, but Tupinoua was a standout and improved his stocks as a gun forward.
Both players have extended to the end of 2024 with the Chooks,
Front-rower Daniel Alvaro has been granted a release from his Eels contract to take up a two-year deal with the Dragons.
Round 1
The 27-year-old played just two games for the Eels in 2020, however he lined up for the Warriors on six occasions as part of a loan deal.
Alvaro has 95 NRL games under his belt since making his debut for Parramatta in 2015. He won the Ken Thornett Medal as the Eels’ player of the year in 2018.
He’ll reunite with Dragons coach Anthony Griffin who oversaw Alvaro’s development at the Broncos when he was playing in the under 20s squad.
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“Daniel has shown his competitiveness and capabilities as a first grade player over the past six years and we’re excited to see how he complements our squad,” Dragons general manager of football Ben Haran said.
Meanwhile, Alvaro’s ex-Eels teammate Brad Takairangi is headed to the Super League on a two-year deal with Hull KR.
Takairangi played 178 NRL games over 11 years with stints with the Roosters, Titans and the Eels. He proved to be quite the handy player that could fill in at centre, second row or in the halves however he was not re-signed beyond 2020 by Parramatta.
Gal goes in on Whittaker
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Hull KR coach Tony Smith believes Takairangi’s versatility will be a huge asset to his team.
“He’s a very experienced player with a lot of versatility,” he told Hull KR TV.
“Brad’s able to play in the back row, in the centres and at stand-off. His versatility and experience will be enormous for us and add to our strength in depth in a number of positions.
“Should we need him to fill into any of those he’ll be more than comfortable and proficient in them. He’s a real big signing for us.”
Brad Takairangi has joined Hull KR. Picture: Brett CostelloSource: News Corp Australia
The Bulldogs have continued their signing spree with securing Storm superstar Josh Addo-Carr on a four-year deal beginning in 2022.
The 25-year-old will see out the final year of his contract with Melbourne before making the move to Sydney.
The deal is reportedly worth around $500,000 a season.
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FULL NRL TRANSFER CENTRE
BRONCOS
2021 squad: Jesse Arthars (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), Anthony Milford (2021), Corey Oates (2021, PO 22), Cory Paix (2022), Keenan Palasia (2021), Tevita Pangai Jr (2022), Jordan Riki (2021) Kotoni Staggs (2021), Jake Turpin (2021, PO 22).
TBC: Jamil Hopoate (2020), Jordan Kahu (2020), Issac Luke (2020), Izaia Perese (2020), Ben Te’o (2020), Ilikena Vudogo (2020)
2021 gains: Andrew McCullough (Knights), Dale Copley (Titans)
2021 losses: Darius Boyd (retirement), David Fifita (Titans), Jack Bird (Dragons), Matt Gillett (retired), Sean O’Sullivan (Warriors), Joe Ofahengaue (Tigers)
New deal: Thomas Flegler (2023)
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), 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)
2021 losses: Nick Cotric (Bulldogs), John Bateman (Wigan), Michael Oldfield (Eels), Andre Niko, Kurt Baptiste (Sunshine Coast Falcons)
New deal: Jordan Rapana (2021)
Coach: Ricky Stuart (2023)
BULLDOGS
2021 squad: 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)
2021 losses: Sauaso Sue (Knights), Reimis Smith (Storm), Kerrod Holland (retirement) Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles), Marcelo Montoya (Warriors), Aiden Tolman (Sharks), Jack Cogger, Tim Lafai, Isaiah Tass (all unsigned)
2022 gains: Matt Burton (Panthers), Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs)
Coach: Trent Barrett (2023)
SHARKS
2021 squad: Blayke Brailey (2022), Josh Dugan (2021), Andrew Fifita (2022), Wade Graham (2022), Braden Hamlin-Uele (2022), 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 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), 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)
TBC: Sam Stone (2020)
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)
New deal: Brian Kelly (2023)
Coach: Justin Holbrook (2024)
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)
TBC: Albert Hopoate (2020), Luke Metcalf (2020), Samuel Smith (2020)
2021 losses: Joel Thompson (St Helens), Corey Waddell (Bulldogs), Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors), 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 (from Bulldogs until 2022),Harry Grant (loan return from Tigers), Jack Howarth (upgraded), George Jennings (2022)
TBC: Ricky Leutele (2020), Cameron Smith (2020)
2021 losses: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans), Paul Momirovski (loan return to Tigers), Albert Vete (Hull KR) Suliasi Vunivalu (Super Rugby), Sandor Earl (retired)
2022 losses: Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs)
Coach: Craig Bellamy (2021)
KNIGHTS
2021 squad: Bradman Best (2022), 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), Jack Johns (2022), 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), Star To’a (2023), Enari Tuala (2021), Connor Watson (2021), Dom Young (2023)
2021 gains: Jack Johns (Rabbitohs), Bailey Hodgson (Castleford), Sauaso Sue (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)
Signed for 2022: Jake Clifford (from Cowboys until 2023)
Coach: Adam O’Brien (2022)
3. Saint Peter saves sport
1:23
COWBOYS
2020 squad: Daejarn Asi (2021), Michael Bell (2021), Lachlan Burr (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), Tukimihia Simpkins (2021), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (2022), Murray Taulagi (2021), Jason Taumalolo (2027), Shane Wright (2021)
2021 gains: Lachlan Burr (Warriors)
2021 losses: Gavin Cooper (retired), Tom Opacic (Eels), John Asiata, Daniel Russell (both 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)
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, Rhys Davies, Jaeman Salmon (all unsigned)
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), Josh Mansour (2021), Liam Martin (2023), Tyrone May (2021), Brent Naden (2021), Charlie Staines (2023), Zane Tetevano (2021), Brian To’o (2023), Dean Whare (2021, MO 22), Isaah Yeo (2021)
2021 gains: Robert Jennings, Matt Eisenhuth (both Tigers)
TBC: Kaide Ellis (2020)
2021 losses: Caleb Aekins (Raiders), Jack Hetherington (Bulldogs), James Tamou (Tigers), 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), 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 (Dragons)
TBC: Billy Brittain (2020)
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)
RABBITOHS
2021 squad: Corey Allan (2021), 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 losses: Jack Johns (Knights), Bayley Sironen (Warriors), Ethan Lowe (retirement), James Roberts (Tigers), Tom Amone, Cory Denniss, Kurt Dillon, Ky Rodwell
New deal: Keaon Kolomatangi (2023)
Coach: Wayne Bennett (2021)
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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), Isaac Liu (2021), Joseph Manu (2022), Brett Morris (2021), Josh Morris (2021), Victor Radley (2023), Billy Smith (2021), 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).
TBC: Lachlan Lam (2020)
2021 gains: Adam Keighran (Warriors)
2021 losses: Kyle Flanagan (Bulldogs), Poasa Faamausili (Dragons), Mitchell Aubusson (retirement), Ryan Hall (Hull KR) Sonny Bill Williams (Toronto Wolfpack)
New deal: James Tedesco (2024), Drew Hutchison (2021), Naufahu Whyte (2022), Tuku Hau Tapuha (2022), Sam Verrills (2024), Sitili Tupouniua (2024)
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), 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)
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), Kane Bradley (2021), 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 (2021), Joe Ofahengaue (2023), Russell Packer (2021), Josh Reynolds (2021), James Roberts (2022), Jake Simpkin (2022), 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)
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), Benji Marshall, Oliver Clark, Elijah Taylor, Dylan Smith (all unsigned)
New deal: Shawn Blore (2023), Alex Seyfarth (2021), Zane Musgrove (2024)
The Wests Tigers could lose winger David Nofoaluma amid reports he will consider shifting to a Sydney rival as he chases a pay rise.
Nofoaluma comes off-contract at the end of next year and would command significant interest on the open market after a strong 2020 season.
The Daily Telegraph reports Parramatta are a likely suitor for the 27-year-old who could command as much as $450,000 a season on the open market.
Nofoaluma has a relationship with Eels coach Brad Arthur and considered joining teammate Mitchell Moses as a replacement for Semi Radradra in 2017.
Round 1
The Eels have Blake Ferguson coming off contract at the end of 20201
It is understood the Tigers have tabled a three-year offer to Nofoaluma but have yet to secure his signature.
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Naden failed drug test
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Nofoaluma has been at the Tigers since making his NRL debut in 2013 but admitted to the Daily Telegraph last week that he could leave if it meant capitalising on his last chance at setting himself up for the future.
“I obviously love the Wests Tigers and the fans, you can tell by my passion.” Nofoaluma said.
“But in reality, I am heading into what could potentially be my last contract.
“I am going to explore all my options and weigh up what’s the best decision for myself and more importantly my future.”
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Benji to the Super League?
0:31
Parramatta are also still a chance of taking out the premiership while the Tigers are largely considered to still be a few seasons away from contention.
They have the current longest finals drought in the NRL and with Nofoaluma’s career nearing its end, he may opt to leave for the Eels if it means a better shot at the premiership.
Nofoaluma had 17 tries, 164 running metres and 112 tackle busts from 20 games in a stellar 2020 that saw him in Origin contention.
The Wests Tigers could lose winger David Nofoaluma amid reports he will consider shifting to a Sydney rival as he chases a pay rise.
Nofoaluma comes off-contract at the end of next year and would command significant interest on the open market after a strong 2020 season.
The Daily Telegraph reports Parramatta are a likely suitor for the 27-year-old who could command as much as $450,000 a season on the open market.
Nofoaluma has a relationship with Eels coach Brad Arthur and considered joining teammate Mitchell Moses as a replacement for Semi Radradra in 2017.
The Eels have Blake Ferguson coming off contract at the end of 20201
It is understood the Tigers have tabled a three-year offer to Nofoaluma but have yet to secure his signature.
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Nofoaluma has been at the Tigers since making his NRL debut in 2013 but admitted to the Daily Telegraph last week that he could leave if it meant capitalising on his last chance at setting himself up for the future.
“I obviously love the Wests Tigers and the fans, you can tell by my passion.” Nofoaluma said.
“But in reality, I am heading into what could potentially be my last contract.
“I am going to explore all my options and weigh up what’s the best decision for myself and more importantly my future.”
Parramatta are also still a chance of taking out the premiership while the Tigers are largely considered to still be a few seasons away from contention.
They have the current longest finals drought in the NRL and with Nofoaluma’s career nearing its end, he may opt to leave for the Eels if it means a better shot at the premiership.
Nofoaluma had 17 tries, 164 running metres and 112 tackle busts from 20 games in a stellar 2020 that saw him in Origin contention.
Who would want to be an NRL coach? It’s got to be one of the toughest gigs in Australian sport.
Unless you’re Craig Bellamy, Wayne Bennett or Trent Robinson, your days are numbered. Although, even master coach Bennett knows what it’s like to be shown the door.
If anyone can attest to the pressure cooker role it’s the five men who were either axed or walked from their jobs in 2020. Stephen Kearney, Dean Pay, Paul McGregor, Anthony Seibold and Paul Green all left their respective clubs last season and it’s a real reminder of just how ruthless the gig is.
While all 16 coaches will be under pressure in one way or another in 2021, we expect these five coaches to feel the heat the most.
Round 1
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Benji to the Super League?
0:31
JOHN MORRIS
Out of all 16 coaches, John Morris is in the most unstable position. It’s unfortunate given he’s taken the club to back-to-back finals series while juggling roster issues but after his request for a contract extension was knocked back it’s clear Morris will be under immense pressure next season.
Morris stepped into the role in early 2019 after Shane Flanagan was deregistered. He’s faced his fair share of challenges like injury concerns for high earners Matt Moylan, Andrew Fifita, and Josh Dugan as well as skipper Wade Graham. He lost veteran centre Josh Morris to the Roosters early last season and then also lost Bronson Xerri due to a doping ban.
With no contract extension on the table at this stage, Sharks coach John Morris will be looking over his shoulder in 2021. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
When you look at the team on paper, the Sharks haven’t been reaching the level of success they should be but Morris has at least uncovered a handful of exciting rookies.
But blooding rookies or not, there’s no doubt Morris will feel the heat next season. There’s been murmurs that he has lost the support of some players — although halfback Chad Townsend denied that and vouched on behalf of himself and Shaun Johnson that Morris has done wonders for their game. On top of the reported unrest, Morris is off-contract after 2021 and Flanagan is free to return to a head coaching role in 2022, setting the stage for a possible return of the Sharks’ maiden premiership-winning coach if Morris doesn’t deliver.
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MICHAEL MAGUIRE
Question marks were raised over Michael Maguire’s tough methods when it was revealed players told him they felt like they were walking on eggshells last season. However the club backed Maguire and he reportedly verbally agreed to a two-year extension in early November which will keep him at the club until the end of 2023. Regardless, Maguire isn’t in the most desirable position as an NRL coach.
The Tigers are getting restless which puts a lot of pressure on coach Maguire. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett).Source: AAP
The Tigers almost landed a superstar signing in Josh Addo-Carr only for it to fall through, then fan favourite Josh Aloiai left for Manly on unsavoury terms. After the Aloiai bombshell, chairman Lee Hagipantellis declared the Tigers would not be just a stepping stone for players anymore but the club’s recruitment and retention struggles pose a real issue that falls into the lap of the head coach to deal with. The Tigers also haven’t played finals footy since 2011. Of course, that’s not Maguire’s fault given he’s only been at the club for two seasons, but guiding a club in a finals drought is never an easy feat. That paired with the passionate voices of the Tigers faithful will see Maguire be placed in the pressure cooker in 2021.
Jury discharged in JdB case
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KEVIN WALTERS
He may be a club legend but make no mistake Kevin Walters will be under a tonne of pressure in his debut season as Broncos coach in 2021. The Queensland great has a huge task ahead of him — to turn a wooden spoon club back into the powerhouse brand it’s well known for being.
When ex-coach Anthony Seibold signed on there was a lot of hype and faith that he could lead the club to great success. In fact, there was a photo of him in a newspaper with the words ‘this man will win a premiership’. We all know how that ended.
Because of the awful 2020 season and Seibold’s messy exit, the Broncos faithful and stakeholders are likely to be a little cautious this time round. Their wounds haven’t fully healed and if there’s any hint of another dreadful season, they may not be so patient this time.
The Broncos had two serious contenders to choose from: Walters and former Cowboys coach Paul Green. Many considered it a decision between the head and heart, the head being Green and the heart being Walters.
Kevin Walters has a big year ahead of him. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Ultimately Walters got the job despite having no experience as an NRL coach, hence why Green — a premiership-winning coach — was deemed the wiser choice. He’ll no doubt inject some pride back into the club and has the perfect personality to work with young players who may be suffering confidence issues after a horror year.
But if Walters can’t produce success — and that’s exactly what the powerhouse club always expects — he’ll no doubt feel the heat.
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BRAD ARTHUR
It’s crazy to think the coach of a team that finished in the top four could be under pressure the following season, but such is the brutal nature of the NRL. Arthur signed an extension in August which will keep him at the helm until the end of 2022. But as all of the axed coaches in 2020 will tell you, contracts don’t always mean a coach is safe. Arthur and his team recruited well heading into 2020 to build a competitive side that went on an impressive run in the first half of the season, winning eight of their first 10 games. But then the wheels began to fall off and by finals the Eels were hardly the exciting and dominant team we saw at the start of the year. They should have gone deeper into the finals, it’s as simple as that and their back-to-back finals losses raised some doubt over whether Arthur is the right man to take the club to the premiership.
Can Brad Arthur take the Eels to a premiership? (AAP Image/Brendon Thorne).Source: AAP
After the Eels’ semi-final loss to the Rabbitohs, club legend Peter Sterling suggested the players lacked mental resilience. On the back of that it was reported that there were some rumblings of unrest with the Parramatta hierarchy wanting to see a change in Arthur’s coaching style. One person from the club went as far as saying “running an extra three laps of the oval is not going to get us a premiership.”
That’s hard to ignore
There hasn’t been complete unity in the recruitment department either which has led to some eyebrow-raising signings that not everyone is on board with and the butting of heads has added to the existing tension.
While the issues may not be isolated to just Arthur, he is the head coach which means, fair or not, the blowback lands on him.
Teenager steals the show
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ANTHONY GRIFFIN
From the moment Anthony Griffin signed on as the Dragons’ head coach he was immediately put under pressure. No fan base is as ruthless with their expectations than the Red V faithful.
Aside from that, Griffin’s appointment was quite controversial. Many doubted his hard-nosed style would work for the Dragons and some were disappointed club great Dean Young wasn’t appointed after stepping up to the interim role after McGregor was let go.
New Dragons coach Anthony GriffinSource: Supplied
Griffin has his work cut out for him. It’s a similar situation to the Sharks, where on paper the Dragons look like quite a competitive team but that hasn’t been transpiring onto the field consistently enough. Besides the Jack de Belin court case hovering over the club, Griffin will need to find a solution to his spine. Ben Hunt plays his best footy at hooker but wants to be halfback, Corey Norman hasn’t been at his best for quite some time and with a shortage of quality hookers in the game, Griffin could face a battle of keeping skipper Cameron McInnes at the club if he doesn’t get to play at hooker. These are all hurdles Griffin will face later down the track but they are the type of issues that could make or break his time with the club.
It’s not an NRL season without some big and sometimes unexpected player movements.
This year we saw the return of cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams in a highly unusual deal, Val’s Holmescoming to rugby league and Latrell Mitchell in new colours AND in a new position.
Some of this year’s player movements were an overwhelming success — like Harry Grant becoming the Wests Tigers’ cult hero — while others fell flat.
Foxsports.com.au has dissected 10 of the biggest transfers for 2020, whether the deal was done last year or they were mid-season signings, and rated them on how well the transfer worked out.
Round 1
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NRL release 2021 schedule
3:15
10. Blake Green
Blake Green is a true journeyman of the NRL so adding a seventh club to his resume shouldn’t have come as a surprise. But it’s the way his exit from the Warriors played out that makes Green one of the biggest transfers of 2020. The 34-year-old was informed via the media that Warriors owner Mark Robinson had no intentions of re-signing him because he is managed by controversial player agent, Isaac Moses. Understandably, that didn’t sit too well with Green and he sought a release a month later to join the Knights who were battling a horror run of injuries. Green’s experience was a welcomed addition to Newcastle. His addition also allowed Kurt Mann to shift to hooker — the position that seemed to have an injury voodoo on it.
Blake Green didn’t lose a game while playing for the Knights. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
His first game was a roaring success with a 44-4 thrashing of the Tigers. The Knights went on to win the following two games — in the second one Green suffered a season-ending injury — and the next week, without Green, the Knights were brought back down to earth by ironically Green’s former club, the Warriors. Prior to injuring his knee Green had signed a deal with the Bulldogs for 2021, but has since backflipped to remain at the Knights. Given he’ll miss the first half of next season, the Knights’ faith in his presence says a lot. A short stint in 2020 but nonetheless a successful one. 7/10.
9. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
Reagan Campbell-Gillard joined the Eels off a lacklustre season with Penrith. He had signed a five-year deal to stay with the Panthers in 2018 but coach Ivan Cleary had clearly lost faith in the towering forward and he was demoted to the bench in 2019. Parramatta threw the 27-year-old a new opportunity and it’s worked out to be a godsend. Campbell-Gillard reinvigorated his game and cemented his spot as a starting prop once again. He also played his way back into State of Origin contention, earning a selection in NSW’s extended squad. Although he didn’t line up for the Blues in any of this year’s games, it was a big step in the right direction. 7.5/10.
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8. Valentine Holmes
While Valentine Holmes didn’t have the most exciting season, his NFL stint made his return to the NRL quite interesting. Holmes left the NRL at the height of his career. He won a premiership with the Sharks in 2016, made his State of Origin debut in 2017 and was named the Sharks’ player of the year in 2018. The 25-year-old spent 2019 in USA chasing a new dream. His return to the game vis the Cowboys was underwhelming. He had been out of the game for a year so understandably he was a bit dusty and it didn’t help that an ankle injury held him back from rediscovering his devastating form. He was solid and did his job but wasn’t quite like the Val we were so used to seeing — the same goes for his performances in Origin this year too. However, given Holmes’ highly competitive nature and hunger for a challenge, he’ll likely improve dramatically next season. 6/10.
Eels sign Bryce Cartwright
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7. Brodie Croft
There was a fair bit of pressure on Brodie Croft when he signed with the Broncos. They were looking for an organising half and thought they had found one in the ex-Storm playmaker. He was their big signing for 2020. Still only young, the 23-year-old brought with him 39 NRL games under his belt and big game experience, having worn the Storm’s No.7 jersey in the 2018 grand final. The expectations of Croft were so high he was even named co-captain before a single game for the Broncos. He was the first Bronco to have the ‘c’ next to his name in his club debut since Wally Lewis, 32 years ago. Massive expectations.
Brodie Croft will be hoping for a much better season in 2021. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Unfortunately for Croft, 2020 is probably a season he’d rather forget. He failed to live up to the expectations — but to be fair so did majority of the Broncos’ side. He was benched and dropped in a horror season for the club. As we know, the NRL is a rollercoaster, players go in and out of form in the early stages of their careers. Hopefully new coach Kevin Walters can get the best out of Croft next season but as for 2020, it was a fail. 4/10
6. Api Koroisau
Api Koroisau’s addition to the Panthers was a masterstroke. His presence, under the guidance of former assistant coach, Trent Barrett, transformed Penrith’s attack. Koroisau complemented halfback Nathan Cleary and five-eighth Jarome Luai perfectly and the trio found career-best form in 2020. You could easily argue that Koroisau was the form hooker of 2020, he was just overshadowed by Harry Grant’s stunning breakout season and the dominance of Cameron Smith in what was likely his final season. The Panthers’ success this year is a credit to what Koroisau brings to a team. Of course, the rest of the team and the coaching staff deserve the accolades too… would Penrith win the minor premiership and play in the grand final had they not signed Koroisau? It’s unlikely. One of the best transfers of 2020. 10/10.
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5. Kyle Flanagan
When the Roosters signed Kyle Flanagan as Cooper Cronk’s successor you could have looked at it in two ways. One, an incredible opportunity for a young, emerging halfback with just nine NRL games under his belt to step into an already hugely successful side and learn off some of the best in the business. Or two, an incredible amount of pressure on a kid about to step into a side oozing with highly competitive superstars — a club that expects to win.
For majority of the year it seemed like an opportunity. Flanagan was developing his game and learning how to be consistent in the top grade. He was travelling well, doing his job and slowly building. It wasn’t until he was dropped for Lachie Lam question marks were raised. When he was shown the door after just one season to prove himself, it became clear that what was an opportunity was actually a pressure cooker. Take nothing away from Trent Robinson, he knows exactly what he is doing. He’s one of the best coaches in the game and it’s the brutal decisions like Flanagan’s axing that make him so successful. But where does it leave Flanagan’s season overall? Not great. 5.5/10.
4. Harry Grant/Paul Momirovski swap deal
At the time, the Harry Grant and Paul Momirosvki swap deal didn’t seem like that big of a deal. Grant, while we knew a bit about his ability, had only played two NRL games, while Momirovski wasn’t a huge name either. Fast forward to now and Grant is a star of the game after an absolutely sensational year which earned him the Dally M Rookie of the Year honour and a brilliant Origin debut for Queensland.
Harry Grant had a year to remember with the Tigers. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Momirovski wasn’t so fortunate. Injuries hampered his time with the Storm and when he did play he didn’t quite have the same impact that Grant did on the Tigers. Regardless, it was the first ever swap deal and set the foundations for the loan deals that later came about to assist the Warriors throughout their challenging season. The Tigers often cop it for their recruitment and retention decisions, but they absolutely nailed this one. Given Grant’s rise it’s hard to see how this transfer wasn’t a roaring success. 10/10.
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3. Ryan Matterson
Ryan Matterson’s exit from the Tigers wasn’t pleasant. The 26-year-old had only spent one season there before becoming unsettled. The Eels swooped in on him and were quick to pick him up to bolster their forward pack. Matterson arguably found career-best form in 2019 but he didn’t quite have as much impact in 2020. Regardless, he was a consistently solid performer for Brad Arthur. He was reliable and pulled more than his weight. Along with Campbell-Gillard, his addition to the Eels’ pack helped them have such a dominant start to the year. 7.5/10.
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2. Latrell Mitchell
Latrell Mitchell’s future was the biggest talking point during the 2019-2020 off-season. He rose to super stardom in the left centre role for the Roosters so when he signed for their rivals, the Rabbitohs, with the intention of playing fullback, naturally all eyes were going to be on every step he made on the field. He had a lot of critics, many of those doubted whether he could make the transition to fullback. But despite a shaky start to the year in the No.1 jersey, overall Mitchell well and truly silenced his doubters when he started to hit brilliant form in the second half of the season. The Eighth Immortal, Andrew Johns declared during the season that Mitchell was an out and out centre, before later admitting he was wrong.
“I said at the start of the year he was a centre – I was so wrong,” Johns said. “He was coming into great form at fullback. He looked fit, physically and mentally… well done Latrell, he proved me wrong.”
Latrell Mitchell’s first season as the Rabbitohs’ fullback was a success. Picture. Phil HillyardSource: News Corp Australia
You never want to see any player get injured, but Mitchell’s season-ending hamstring injury was a real shame. The Rabbitohs were on a roll and if they had Mitchell throughout the finals series, maybe they would have beaten the Panthers in the preliminary final and possibly even claim the premiership. 8/10.
1. Sonny Bill Williams
Love him, hate him or sick of seeing his name… whatever it may be, there’s no denying that Sonny Bill Williams’ return to the Roosters was the biggest transfer of 2020. If we told you in January that SBW, despite being signed on a mammoth deal with Toronto Wolfpack, would return to play for the Roosters in September you would have laughed. But in the wacky year of 2020 it happened. The Roosters had a number of players on the sidelines through injury and with the Wolfpack’s withdrawal from the Super League, Williams had no team to play for this year. The Roosters paid the 35-year-old $150,000 to play the last four rounds and two finals games. Was it worth it? Probably not. It might be that the expectations of pure brilliance come with the SBW name but he simply didn’t live up to the hype. Sure, he’s older now so physically he isn’t at his peak and he only had a couple of months to form combinations. But given the effort to get him to Australia and put him in quarantine it’s hard to say he brought more to the team than what any other forward that was already playing in the NRL couldn’t bring. 5/10.
Parramatta insist they can get the best out of Bryce Cartwright after giving the back-rower an NRL lifeline for next season.
The Eels on Thursday confirmed Cartwright’s signature on a one-year deal, with the former Gold Coast and Penrith forward to commence training soon.
A teenage prodigy when he debuted at the Panthers in 2014, Cartwright has fallen by the wayside in recent years.
He managed just seven games at the Titans last season, with his defence often called into question.
However, at his best the 26-year-old can still be an X-factor in attack, known for his ability to offload at will.
“Bryce is a unique talent having ball skills like few other forwards in the NRL competition,” Eels GM of football Mark O’Neill said.
“He will add size and skill to our forward pack and depth and quality to our overall squad.
“Bryce was looking for an opportunity in Sydney and is keen to play under Brad Arthur and with our team at the Eels.
“Like Bryce, we believe that through our coaching, quality playing roster and a balanced environment will bring the best out in him, something we are all committed to achieving in season 2021.”
The Parramatta Eels have told Blake Ferguson he will not be at the club beyond the end of next season, opting against extending the contract of the former NSW winger.
The Herald can reveal the Eels informed Ferguson’s management a fortnight ago that there won’t be a spot for him at the club after the 2021 season. Ferguson, who joined the club from the Sydney Roosters in 2019 on a three-year $1.5 million deal, still has another year to run on his contract.
Blake Ferguson has been told 2021 will be his final season at the club.Credit:NRL Photos
The Eels aren’t actively forcing Ferguson out of the club, but nor would they stand in his way should he land an extended deal at a rival club.
The Eels have had internal discussions about Penrith winger Josh Mansour, who is also aware of Parramatta’s interest, however the club is not in a position to take the next step unless Ferguson was willing to move on.
