Sea Eagles winger Christian Tuipulotu is reportedly on the cusp of joining the Dragons after his club granted him permission to negotiate with rivals.
Tuipulotu has a relationship with Dragons new coach Shane Flanagan from when the latter was an assistant at Manly last year.
If a deal is struck then it would pave the way for the Sea Eagles to upgrade veteran forward Nathan Brown into their top 30, according to The SMH.
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Tuipulotu, 22, made his NRL debut at the Roosters in 2020 before joining Manly the following year and he’s played 31 games for the club.
But an immediate switch beckons for the Tongan international who Flanagan is keen to have partner Mikaela Ravalawa on the wing at the Dragons.
Tuipulotu is currently stuck behind Jason Saab, Jaxson Paulo and Tommy Talau at the Sea Eagles.
BRONCOS EXTEND GF HERO
The Broncos have been handed a huge pre-season boost with young gun Ezra Mam reportedly committing to the Red Hill club with a long-term contract.
That is according to The Courier Mail who are reporting Mam will sign a contract until at least the end of 2025, joining a number of high-profile Broncos.
Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo have all also signed until at least the end of 2025 as the Brisbane club attempt to go from 2020 wooden spooners to premiers in 2024.
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Mam’s extension will reportedly be announced prior to the Broncos’ trip to Las Vegas whether they will kick off the 2024 season against the Roosters.
Brisbane powerbrokers now have another retention debacle on their hands and will be desperate to retain fullback Reece Walsh beyond 2025.
The former Warrior comes off contract at the end of the 2024 season and would be the hottest free agent on the market if he doesn’t re-sign prior to November 1.
Dogs won’t stand in the way of TPJ | 00:31
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Mam’s performance in the 2023 grand final cemented him as one of the NRL’s rising stars, scoring a dazzling second half hat-trick against the Panthers.
His display caught the eye of the Dolphins, with super coach Wayne Bennett keen on acquiring his services after recruited teammates Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler.
However Broncos bosses moved quickly to ensure Mam will wear a maroon jersey for years to come, with Walters saying his retention is a “matter of when”.
“I’m very confident he’ll stay. He loves the place here and we love him,” he said.
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