It’s almost two weeks after the November 1 deadline with player contracts coming to an end and teams free to negotiate with potential players for 2025 and 2026.
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A host of the biggest names, including Ben Hunt and Terrell May, have all been heavily in the news, while Knights gun Leo Thompson has also been a man in-demand.
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Read on for the latest NRL player transfer news below.
TEDESCO’S EXTENSION LOOMS
The Roosters are reportedly finalising an extension to keep gun fullback James Tedesco at the club for a further season.
That is according to the SMH, who are reporting his form in the 2024 season has seen Tricolours bosses happy to hand him a new deal.
Tedesco, after being dumped as the NSW fullback, came second to Jahrome Hughes in the voting for the Dally M Medal.
His demotion as Blues No.1 could also see his career at club level extend beyond what could have been possible with the extra workload of representative football.
“The Origin period is very taxing mentally and physically. You’re backing up after games so it does take a toll on your body. I felt this year I had those weeks off and I was playing some of my best footy,” Tedesco said.
“It definitely aligned there, even at the end of the year your body’s quite sore and tired and then you’re playing more rep footy [after the season].
“This time of year, how I’m feeling, I haven’t felt this way in a while. I feel really relaxed and my body feels great, it definitely could prolong [my career].”
Tedesco also explained he’s hoping to have his extension sorted before the Roosters return to pre-season training, putting to bed concerns surrounding his age.
“We’re only talking about that because of age, whereas I don’t see that as an issue,” he said.
“If things are dropping because of my age, I understand, but after the year I just had at 31, I know what my body’s like, what my mentality is and my work rate.”
GUTHERSON’S SHOCK MANLY APPROACH
It’s been revealed Clint Gutherson’s management reportedly reached out to the Sea Eagles regarding a potential shock homecoming.
The former Eels skipper was unveiled as the Dragons’ newest recruit on Friday, however his path could have taken a very different turn.
That is according to WWOS, who are reporting the Sea Eagles considered signing Gutherson, but were forced to snub any potential moves due to salary cap limitations.
The 30-year-old began his career for the Sea Eagles, and was born and raised in Manly, having made his debut for the club in 2013.
Gutherson was limited to just five games across three seasons during his time at the Brookvale-based club, which prompted his move to the Eels.
He then became a key figure for the Eels, eventually being named the club’s skipper before he was deemed surplus to requirements by incoming coach Jason Ryles.
Ryles has allowed Gutherson, Reagan Campball-Gillard and Maika Sivo to leave the club as he reshapes their salary cap, while Zac Lomax and Blaize Talagi also left Parramatta.
Gutherson’s Sea Eagles approach comes after reports surfaced the gun fullback was becoming frustrated with the slow pace of negotiations with the Dragons.
MAY’S DECISION LOOMS AMID BENJI SIT DOWN
Exiled Roosters gun Terrell May has reportedly sat down for a meeting with Tigers coach Benji Marshall, with a three-club race for his signature firming.
Alongside the Tigers, the Dragons and Bulldogs are reportedly keen on signing the Samoan prop, who was informed he was free to depart the Tricolours club immediately in a shock move.
According to Code Sports, Marshall and May met on Tuesday and left the meeting impressed after the rookie coach pitched his vision for the club.
Jarome Luai’s arrival in 2025 is also reportedly set to play a factor, with the former Panthers five-eighth close to the May family after both Taylan and Tyrone previously played for the club.
Luai reportedly had conversations with May regarding a potential move to the Tigers during their time together in Samoa camp, whilst touring England.
Meanwhile, May has reportedly already had conversations with Shane Flanagan and Cameron Ciraldo, with a decision on his future looming.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson labelled his conversation with May a “difficult one” after he called the front rower to inform him he was free to depart.
“Terrell is a really, really good player. That’s why I played him in so many games this year. But it does give opportunities to some guys underneath that to play more,” he said to News Corp.
“Terrell is not going to have trouble finding a club, the quality he plays with. He is not of bad character, he has not done anything wrong.
“I think that has been thrown out there. He has been a value add to our group and there are just some small bits there around how we want to play and also the longevity of Terrell.
“We felt like it was time to move in a different direction and expressed that to Terrell. The difficult thing has been that people have questioned his character around that and that shouldn’t be the case.”
DRAGONS POACH CROSS-CODE STAR
Shane Flanagan and the Dragons have reportedly recruited an Australia Sevens star, with the player transfer war between rugby union and league continuing.
According to Code Sports, Nathan Lawson has been recruited by the Red V ahead of the 2025 season, and the club are reportedly viewing him as an option to feature on the wing.
The 25-year-old was awarded the John Eales Medal for the best male Sevens player in the country two weeks ago, but has now turned his back on rugby union.
Lawson joins Valentine Holmes and Clint Gutherson as the Red V’s backline recruits, with competition heating up for spots under Flanagan.
Young gun Tyrell Sloan’s fullback spot is set to be taken up by the incoming Eels captain, while now he faces further competition for a slot on the wing.
Lawson is the newest player to make the code switch, with Mark Nawaqanitawase (Roosters) and Carter Gordon (Gold Coast) having joined their respective clubs in 2024.
Storm flyer Will Warbrick, meanwhile, is an example of another rugby Sevens star who has enjoyed a succesful stint in rugby league.
Meanwhile, former Roosters star Joseph Suaalii enjoyed a stellar rugby union debut, playing at inside centre for the Wallabies in their win over England at Twickenham over the weekend.
Australia’s men’s Sevens program was also hit with uncertainty following the Olympics, with coach John Manenti stepping down to make a move to US rugby union.
LANE’S TIME AT THE EELS SET TO CONTINUE
Eels coach Jason Ryles is reportedly set to hand Shaun Lane a contract extension, with the hulking forward edging closer to signing an extension.
That is according to WWOS, who are reporting the 29-year-old’s happy at the Parramatta club, with his current contract expiring at the end of the 2025 season.
Lane’s time at the Eels is set to be extended by at least 12 months, having arrived at the club ahead of the 2019 season after stints at the Sea Eagles, Warriors and Bulldogs.
Lane’s extension comes amid a cleanout in Ryles’ first season as Eels coach, allowing Clint Gutherson, Maika Sivo and Reagan Campbell-Gillard to depart.
Ryan Matterson has reportedly also been given permission to explore his options, while Zac Lomax and Blaize Talagi had already signed elsewhere.
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