Dane Gagai is weighing up a two-year deal with the Sydney Roosters up against a one-year extension with the Knights with the potential option for a second.
The Daily Telegraph’s Dave Riccio revealed on NRL 360 that Gagai is deciding whether to uproot his family for the security of a two year deal or extend with the Knights.
“It is a big 48 hours for Dane Gagai,” Riccio said on NRL 360.
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“My understanding is he is mulling over a two year deal from the Sydney Roosters to join them next season.
“We know that the Roosters have got a plethora of outside backs that are leaving at the end of this season.
“They see Dane as a really good, experienced centre. Obviously world class on his day as far as rep footy is concerned.
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“They see him dropping into that system and playing a role in developing their next generation backline players coming through.
“The Knights are sitting at a one year deal. They are tossing up whether to throw in a second year as an option to try and keep Dane.
“Keeping in mind they signed James Schiller from the Raiders and there is a suggestion he will be used as a centre to replace Dane Gagai, so it is a big 48 hours coming up.”
The 33-year-old has scored 79 tries in 276 games for the Broncos, Rabbitohs and Knights to go with 12 tries in 22 Origins for Queensland and four tries in seven Tests for Australia.
EELS YOUNG GUN TESTS OPEN MARKET
Parramatta have a fight on their hands to keep rising star Blaize Talagi with the talented backline star deciding to test his value on the open market.
The Daily Telegraph reported Talagi has failed to trigger an option in his contract for 2025.
The 19-year-old is now a free agent and is able to receive offers from rival clubs.
The Eels and coach Brad Arthur is a huge fan of the versatile Westfield Sports High product, who can play fullback, five-eighth and centre.
Talagi is seen by the Eels as the heir apparent to skipper Clint Gutherson‘s No.1 jersey and has been named as his replacement to take on the Broncos on Friday night.
Gutherson is out for five weeks after knee surgery giving Talagi a chance to drive up his asking price be it at the Eels or at a rival club.
Parramatta officials confirmed Talagi’s decision to take himself to the open market on Tuesday, but the club also made it clear that they are eager to retain his services.
Talagi has scored one try in five games for the Eels since making his debut earlier this season.
FIFITA DOMINO TO TRIGGER ROOSTERS STAR’S FUTURE
David Fifita is widely tipped to join the Panthers unless the Roosters can make a late charge for his signature.
The Panthers are locked in a bidding war with the Roosters for Fifita’s signature, which could have big repercussions for former Origin star Angus Crichton.
“If he goes to the Roosters what happens to Crichton?” Braith Anasta asked on NRL 360.
Brent Read explained the Panthers will make a play for Crichton if they miss out on Fifita and potentially visa versa.
“The Roosters think they can keep both, but Penrith reached out to Angus Crichton’s management last week and expressed an interest in him if they didn’t get David Fifita,” Read said.
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“I think if Dave goes to the Roosters, I think Penrith will look at Angus Crichton amongst some other players.
“And I don’t think they are the only club looking at Angus Crichton given the form he is in at the moment.
“I’m sure the Gold Coast will have a look at him if Dave leaves the Gold Coast and I think there will be a handful of other clubs.”
Dave Riccio believes Fifita’s decision could spark a domino effect across the transfer market.
“That’s the one thing this Dave Fifita move will do, it will create the domino effect throughout the game,” Riccio said.
“To Angus Crichton’s point where clubs will start to look and we haven’t had the big domino fall yet and this could be the one.”
Fifita, 24, has scored 47 tries in 113 games for the Broncos and Titans since his debut in 2018, while he has also played eight Origins for the Maroons and four Tests for Tonga.
Crichton, 28, has scored 37 tries in 162 NRL games for the Rabbitohs and Roosters since his debut in 2016 and has played 11 Origins for the Blues and five Tests for the Kangaroos.
Source Agencies
