Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett is reportedly attempting to lure one of his star forwards to Sydney with him next season.
Souths and Euan Aitken are reportedly discussing a deal from next season, meaning the in-form back rower could follow Bennett, who will rejoin the Rabbitohs on a three-year deal.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the Dolphins aren’t yet prepared to offer Aitken an extension longer than one year.
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However, the versatile forward is looking for a little more security and hoping for a multi-year deal with Souths reportedly entertaining that idea.
Bennett has said that he won’t take any players the Dolphins wish to keep.
“That’s not going to happen. I didn’t build this club to try and destroy it,” the legendary coach said.
“If there is a guy that they are not offering a contract to or he is looking to go somewhere else and I think he can play a bit, then that will be a different thing.”
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The Raiders have reportedly won a five-club race to secure one of the Super League’s best young forwards in Matty Nicholson.
News Corp previously reported the 20-year-old told the Warrington Wolves he wants to leave England, activating a release clause to make the move to the NRL.
The gun back rower’s Australian agent, Liam Ayoub, was reportedly approached by several clubs, with the rising star first catching the eye of NRL scouts in 2022.
Now, according to the SMH’s Michael Chammas, Nicholson has decided he will take his talents to the nation’s capital in 2025.
“Young English backrower Matty Nicholson has agreed to join the Canberra Raiders from nect season,” he posted on X.
“He’s 20 and plays for Warrington under Sam Burgess… Good get for the Raiders.”
Nicholson made the decision in 2022 to snub the NRL and instead make the move to Warrington.
He’s since emerged as one of England’s most promising talents under Burgess, and has already made his debut for his country.
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The Raiders have previously played host to English stars Elliott Whitehead, George Williams and Josh Hodgson.
Most recently, Morgan Smithies joined Ricky Stuart’s squad ahead of the 2024 season and has become a regular starter in the No.13 jersey.
Lewis Dodd, who is another English talent, will also make the move to Australia ahead of the 2025 season, signing with the Rabbitohs.
Source Agencies
