The Panthers have reportedly signed former Bulldogs centre Paul Alamoti to a contract extension as cover for Taylan May if he decides to leave.
Alamoti is currently playing in reserve grade, but May is being chased hard by the Bulldogs.
Newscorp reported Alamoti, who was signed for 2024 only has extended his deal until the end of 2025.
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Still, the Panthers remain confident of keeping May beyond his current deal, which expires in November.
“Conversations are progressing well with Taylan’s management representatives,” Panthers CEO Matt Cameron told The Western Weekender.
“He is a valued member of our playing group and the club is confident we can get something sorted out sooner rather than later.”
His agent from Black Money Enterprises also told the publication that talks were progressing well.
“Negotiations with the Panthers are ongoing but positive,” he said.
“Given Taylan’s strong showing in the World Club Challenge and against the Storm last week, obviously there’s heavy interest from numerous clubs.
“Taylan’s a very intelligent young man with great guidance from his family, so I’m sure he will make the right decision in due time.”
COWBOYS MAKE OFFER TO YOUNG GUN TO WARD OFF DOLPHINS
North Queensland Cowboys coach Todd Payten has revealed the club have offered contract extension to forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki in a bid to ward of approaches from rivals including the Dolphins.
The 20-year-old back-rower has impressed scoring two tries in 14 games since his debut last season.
“We’ve got a plan to keep him, absolutely,” Cowboys coach Todd Payten said via The Courier Mail.
“We have given him our best offer.
“He is still only 20, he doesn’t turn 21 until the end of the season (in December).
“Kulikefu is still learning his trade and understanding what it’s like to be professional.
“He has an abundance of ability so we’re excited and hopeful that we can keep him.”
BULLDOGS SET TO SIGN FORMER EELS FORWARD
The Bulldogs are set to add another forward to their burgeoning pack with recently released Eel Jirah Momoisea likely to join the Belmore-based club..
The 25-year-old was granted a release by the Eels on Thursday. He played just three games for Parramatta in 2023 before being demoted to reserve grade.
Momoisea debuted for the Knights in 2021, playing eight games for the club before linking up with the Eels last season.
In addition to Momoisea, the Bulldogs have also recently signed forwards Zane Tetevano and Daniel Suluka-Fifita.
According to News Corp, Momoisea is set to sign a developmental contract as the Dogs’ top 30 squad is full.
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BRONCOS’ INTEREST IN NRL COMBINE WINNER
One of the two male winners of the inaugural NRL Combine in Las Vegas earlier in the month could be on his way to Brisbane for an opportunity with the Broncos.
Kris Leach, who played college football as a tight end for Kent State University in Ohio before being signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent last April, is being considered by the NRL’s Broncos for a two-week training contract according to The Courier Mail.
The 24-year-old has expressed his desire to crack it in rugby league, and while the Broncos are considering bringing Leach over to train with the club to get a closer look at the former tight end, Brisbane recruitment boss Simon Scanlan still says there’s a long way to go before an American player will feature in the NRL.
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“As a club we want to support what the NRL are trying to achieve,” Scanlan said.
“At the moment, we are open to talking to the NRL on who the players selected are from the Combine and giving them the option of training with us.
“The expectation isn’t that they progress and get a full-time contract or they play for us in the NRL.
“This is a starting point and we’ll try and help the NRL tap into the American market.
“We’re definitely open to giving an American athlete some time in our system.
“Would an American player go through and play NRL? It’s very unlikely but this is a starting point and we’ll be open to the idea of an American coming over here to train for two weeks.”
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