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The Wests Tigers are still interested in Josh Hodgson, but the Raiders won’t let the veteran hooker go unless they get something in return.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have settled an issue with a star player, while an ex-Knights star is eyeing an unexpected NRL return.
Read on for the latest NRL Transfer Whispers.
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DOGS’ ISSUE WITH BIG-MONEY STAR SETTLED
The fears that Luke Thompson could leave the Bulldogs have been put to bed after the star forward has reportedly given in and will be fully vaccinated by the end of the year.
It was revealed on Sunday that Thompson was at odds with the Bulldogs’ stance that all players must be double vaccinated before the start of pre-season training.
As a result of Thompson’s refusal, the club was reportedly open to releasing him from the remaining two years of his contract.
But the issue seems to be settled with a Bulldogs source telling Wide World of Sportsthat the Englishman will get the Covid-19 vaccine.
“He had a talk with the club and his manager and just realised it would be all too difficult (not to get the jab),” the source said.
“With lots of travel across state borders and other factors, it could have led to problems.
“It was his decision in the end but we are delighted he has seen the light.”
A HOOKER FOR A HOOKER
The Raiders are said to be open to letting veteran hooker Josh Hodgson join the Wests Tigers — but they reportedly want a certain player in return.
According to Wide World of Sports, the only way the Tigers will be able to sign Hodgson is if they allow Jacob Liddle to join the Raiders.
Liddle has shown plenty if promise over the 64 NRL games he’s played, however at one point early in the season he was overlooked for young gun dummy half Jake Simpkin.
The 24-year-old ended up claiming back the No.9 jersey and so the Raiders see him as a handy pick up to bolster their hooking stocks.
The Raiders have Tom Starling on their books, who spent majority of this year playing off the bench but is seen as the future No.9 of the Green Machine. However Starling was involved in an off-field incident recently and could face time on the sidelines.
As for the Tigers, if they can lure Hodgson to the club, they’d have three genuine hookers in their top 30, which is unnecessary. One would be squeezed out and Liddle seems like the most likely man.
According to WWOS, if Liddle isn’t offered up in a swap, there are several other NRL clubs who are interested if Hodgson does sign with the Tigers.
MULLEN EYES NRL RETURN
Ex-Newcastle playmaker Jarrod Mullen believes his 34-year-old body could still handle the rigours of the NRL if handed a career lifeline.
Mullen’s four-year ban for using steroids ended earlier this year and he played the 2021 season in the Queensland Cup with the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
The one-time NSW Blues halfback was also embroiled in a cocaine scandal in 2019 which saw him sentenced to 300 hours community service.
But he’s since stayed out of trouble.
“Obviously, it’s been a long journey,” Mullen told SEN.
“To get that final email from the [NRL] Integrity Unit to say that they’ve cleared me, to wish me all the best, it was very surreal.”
Mullen says his focus these days is on youth work and playing well for the Falcons, but he hasn’t given up on a dream NRL recall – even if the game has changed.
“I think you do need a calm head out there, the game has gotten so fast,” Mullen added.
“People need to think so fast on their feet, the young halves these days, most of them are very sort of structured I think – I’m not being critical of them – but they sort of don’t play what they see and instead go with set plays.
“Playing the old-school type of way and obviously the left foot kicking could be a positive to a team.
“I’m sitting here trying to sell myself, but I at least think I could be a back-up for a team… I really do believe my body can hold up.”
Mullen – who debuted for the Knights in 2005 and made 211 appearances – said he’d had “a few nibbles” of interest from NRL clubs but nothing concrete.
“I’m just going to bide my time, I’m sort of in a win-win situation,” he said.
“I’m loving my time up here on the Sunshine Coast, and I can play for the Falcons.
“If I’m playing good enough here, with a good pre-season, transfer windows and all of that, if I’m playing good enough a team could reach out and take me then.
“I’m not putting too much pressure on it.”
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KNIGHTS’ SHOCK REPLACEMENT TARGET FOR PEARCE
The Knights have identified Wests Tigers star Luke Brooks as a possible replacement for the departing Mitchell Pearce.
The Daily Telegraph reported the Knights view Brooks as a suitable replacement at No.7 with Pearce set to take up a lucrative offer from Super League side Catalans.
Brooks shares the same management as Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien and is on similar money to the amount that would be made available by Pearce’s departure.
Pearce is set to request a formal release over the weekend to take up a $1.8 million deal with the Dragons with the Knights reportedly leaning towards granting Pearce a release.
Brooks still has two years to run on his current Tigers contract that takes him through until the end of the 2023 season.
However, the Tigers have brought Jackson Hastings to the club, who could partner Adam Doueihi in the halves when he returns from injury.
The Tigers also have Tyrone Peachey who can play No.6 after he signed a two-year deal earlier this month.
Brooks has failed to take the Tigers to the finals in eight full seasons since his debut in 2013.
The 26-year-old has been heavily criticised and could benefit from a change of clubs to end the speculation over a potential move away from the Tigers.
But it seems the Tigers won’t be letting their halfback go that easy with the club releasing a statement last weekend hosing down rumours that Brooks could head to the Hunter.
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“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,” Tigers’ director of football, Tim Sheens said.
“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.”
O’Brien reportedly wants to wait on releasing Pearce until a suitable replacement is settled on so as to not hurt the Knights’ chances next season.
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