Luke Brooks, contract, Cowboys, Wests Tigers, Chad Townsend, Matt Lodge,
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Off-contract prop Matt Lodge has met with a rival Sydney club after confirming he won’t be at the Roosters next season.
The Knights have responded to chatter two of their best players are on the move, while Cowboys coach Todd Payten has addressed rumours that Luke Brooks is headed to Townsville.
Read on for the latest NRL Transfer Whispers.
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LATRELL OUT of Origin 2 in Blues blow! | 00:39
KNIGHTS REJECT DUO’S EXIT CHATTER
The Knights have rejected speculation they’re looking to release Daniel Saifiti (2026) and Bradman Best (2024).
The duo have been linked with an exit amid chatter the club is facing salary cap pressure and the club’s director of football Peter Parr has responded.
“There’s never been a discussion had about releasing Daniel or Bradman,” Parr told the Newcastle Herald.
“I understand that with recruitment and retention, there are always rumours floating around in the world of rugby league. But we have no desire to release either player. It’s our intention that they both end up as long-term players for the Knights.
“I’ve reiterated that to both the players, and their agents, and I’ve never had a discussion about either player with another club.”
Parr said Newcastle are looking to re-sign Best before he hits the open market on November 1.
“That would be our preferred option … we’ll let Bradman keep playing his footy for the moment, and see what eventuates down the track,” Parr said.
LODGE’S MEETING WITH RIVAL REVEALED
Matt Lodge is on the hunt for a new club after confirming he won’t be offered a new deal by the Roosters beyond this season.
The Roosters have extended veteran prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and signed Panthers young gun Spencer Leniu, leaving little room for Lodge.
But there could be space for the 28-year-old at the Bulldogs with News Corp reporting he met with coach Cameron Ciraldo last week.
The Bulldogs have not tabled an offer but according to the report, Ciraldo wanted to meet the star forward.
The club could have a spot to fill in the forward pack should English recruit Luke Thompson not be re-signed beyond this year.
Lodge has played 109 NRL games across stints with the Tigers, Broncos, Warriors and Roosters.
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Kelly cleared to play in Origin decider | 00:58
COWBOYS SHUT DOWN BROOKS RUMOURS
Cowboys coach Todd Payten has hosed down suggestions the club is interested in Luke Brooks to replace Chad Townsend.
Townsend has been linked to the Super League despite being contracted to the Cowboys until the end of…
Read More: Luke Brooks, contract, Cowboys, Wests Tigers, Chad Townsend, Matt Lodge, 2023-06-15 21:22:30