Former Dogs’ shock NRL lifeline; rugby star’s league return on the cards: Transfer Whispers

Former Bulldogs and Raiders enforcer Ryan Sutton has been handed an NRL lifeline by the Titans, signing to join Des Hasler’s squad.

According to Code Sports, the 29-year-old has put pen to paper on a contract for the remainder of the 2025 season, hoping to impress Gold Coast bosses.

Sutton was released by the Bulldogs in March, having agreed with Canterbury powerbrokers for the final year of his reported $550,000 contract to be paid out.

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The English forward had a turbulent time at Belmore, playing only 13 games across three seasons with a wave of injuries hampering the talented prop and lock.

Prior to his Dogs stint, Sutton was a mainstay in the Raiders’ forward pack under Ricky Stuart and he featured in 75 games across four seasons.

Sutton’s last first grade appearance came in Round 27 in 2023 and he remains sidelined due to injury, hoping to return to first grade with the Titans later this year.

THE ‘WRIGHT’ MOVE FOR TOM?

The NRL’s poaching raid on Rugby Australia could be set to continue with one club reportedly signalling their interest in signing Wallabies star Tom Wright.

That is according to Code Sports, who are reporting that club have approached Wright regarding a return to rugby league.

The 27-year-old previously played four NRL games for the Sea Eagles after beginning his professional career in 2016, having made the switch to the 15-man code in 2018.

However, the gun fullback has reportedly received lucrative offers to make a move to French and Japanese rugby union.

The talented star is set to make a decision regarding his future in the coming days, with a move to Japan on a two-year deal currently leading the race for his signature.

“This is exactly the type of situation Australian Rugby can’t afford to be in,” one RA insider said to News Corp.

“Wright is one of the few genuinely world-class players we have, and losing him to Japan would be devastating enough.

“But potentially losing him back to league would be a double blow.”

Wright was also asked about his future on Thursday morning, giving nothing away when asked on SEN’s Vossy and Brandy.

“I’m thinking of a way to straight bat this,” he said.

DCE TO ROOSTERS ‘SIGNED AND DELIVERED’

Daley Cherry-Evans is “signed and delivered” to the Sydney Roosers, according to Brandon Smith.

The Manly Sea Eagles skipper stunned the club when he revealed on live TV that he would be leaving at the end of the season.

He reaffirmed his stance despite the club tabling a two-year deal,

The Roosters have been considered the heavy favourite to land the Maroon Origin star, speculation that only intensified with news that Smith and teammate Dom Young could leave mid-season in a bid to free up space in the salary cap.

“I think (Cherry-Evans) has already been signed and delivered for a while now – everyone’s just too afraid to admit it,” Smith said on 2GB’s Wide World of Sports Radio on Thursday.

“I was hoping (the money) would go towards some of the younger players that are coming through because if they don’t snap them up now, they probably won’t be able to keep them.”

EELS EXILE SHOPPED TO RIVALS

Eels forward Ryan Matterson has reportedly been given permission to negotiate with rival clubs, with the 30-year-old being linked to the Super League.

Matterson, who is on a deal worth $600,000 a season, has played just one NRL game in 2025, and has been unable to lock down a position in Jason Ryles’ team.

Matterson’s management team asked for permission to explore the open market, and that has been given the green light by Parramatta, according to The Daily Telegraph.

The Orr brothers, who manage Matterson, have been seen in England watching Super League games.

Matterson joined the Eels in 2020 after leaving the Wests Tigers and has since played 94 games for Parramatta, but in 2025 he has had to spend most of the season in the NSW Cup.

He has taken up a player option for next season with the Eels, but despite that, it appears as though Matterson might be on the move.

Matterson isn’t the only star player to struggle to get a look-in with new coach Ryles.

Bryce Cartwright hasn’t featured in the NRL at all this season, and Joe Ofahengaue was released and has signed with Super League club Leigh.

Meanwhile, forward Shaun Lane may be about to depart the Eels, as he continues on indefinite leave.

Lane is spending time away from rugby league as he decides on his next steps, in consultation with the club.

But as for Matterson, it looks as though his future lies elsewhere.