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The Parramatta Eels have reportedly pulled off a coup by poaching a promising young playmaker from the Dragons.
Wide World of Sports reports 19-year-old Dantoray Lui ignored approaches from several rival NRL clubs to choose the Eels after impressing for the Dragons in Jersey Flegg Cup.
According to Nine, Lui is seen as a long-term option to replace halfback Mitchell Moses but for the time being will play NSW Cup to gain experience before joining the club’s top-30 roster from 2023.
The Eels’ playmaking depth was tested last year as Moses recovered from a back injury suffered during state of origin.
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TIGERS RELEASE STATEMENT OVER BROOKS RUMOURS
The Wests Tigers have declared halfback Luke Brooks “will not be leaving the club”, despite suggestions he’s been on the hunt for a new NRL home.
Reports have suggested Brooks’ management has been pushing for a release amid claims he would prefer not to be coached by Michael Maguire.
The Bulldogs and Knights have both been linked to the playmaker, with Newcastle potentially on the lookout for a new halfback with Mitchell Pearce pushing for an exit to Catalans.
But Tigers director of football Tim Sheens on Sunday night moved to allay any fears Brooks was on the way out.
“Luke Brooks is contracted with Wests Tigers until at least the end of 2023 and, contrary to media speculation, will not be leaving the club,” Sheens said in a statement.
“Luke is a proud local junior and an extremely talented halfback, who has shown an unquestionable level of commitment to Wests Tigers over a number of years. It is clear that he remains an integral part of the long-term plans of Wests Tigers and, in speaking with him, he too is equally focused and passionate on delivering sustained success for the club.
“Wests Tigers have been definitive on this matter and will continue to reiterate this against any untrue speculation. It is unfair on Luke, his teammates and family, as well as those involved with the club, to raise false conjecture on his future lying away from Wests Tigers when both he and the club are united on delivering success together.
“I have known Luke for a long time and am continually impressed by the way that he carries himself both on and off the field. I look forward to working with him again to give the proud Members of this club the performances and results they deserve.”
It was only on Saturday that Brooks was floated as a suitable replacement for Pearce, who is expected to request a formal request over the weekend to leave the Knights.
BULLDOGS STAR AT ODDS WITH CLUB OVER VACCINATION
The Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday reported Luke Thompson is clashing with Bulldogs management over the Covid-19 vaccination.
The report claims Thompson has repeatedly made it clear he does not want to be vaccinated and that he did not want to wear mask when required after the competition was relocated.
That stance is at odds with the club’s request all players be double vaccinated before the start of pre-season training.
As such, Weidler reports the Bulldogs would be on board with Thompson, who has around $1.4 million left on his contract, leaving the club, which could spark a play for Brooks.
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DOGS ENTER RACE FOR EELS GUN
It is not the only transfer news floating around when it comes to the Bulldogs, with The Daily Telegraph reporting they have entered the race for Reed Mahoney.
The Eels hooker is in high demand and is one of several big-name Parramatta players off-contract at the end of next year.
The Queensland-born Mahoney has naturally been linked to the Dolphins, the NRL’s brand-new 17th franchise, who will enter the competition in 2023.
The Broncos were also reported to be another suitor interested in his signature.
Now the Bulldogs have reportedly joined the race, having shown Mahoney the door back in 2016.
At the time he was pushing for a crack in the No. 9 jersey having moved to Sydney from the Sunshine Coast and could have stayed put for just $1,500.
Instead, the Eels swooped and signed Mahoney for $6,000.
Now, the Bulldogs are in desperate need for a first-class hooker to complete their long-term spine.
Jeremy Marshall-King (2022, PO), Jackson Topine (2022) and Bailey Biondi-Odo (2023) are other options at hooker should the club decide to develop internally.
As for Parramatta, fullback Clinton Gutherson is understood to be the closest to extending his current deal before the November 1 deadline.
The Eels are hopeful to extend Mahoney and hold similar optimism in front rower Junior Paulo staying put.
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