Jason Ryles has reportedly identified Panthers rising star Isaiah Iongi as a long-term fullback replacement following the departure of Blaize Talagi.
Talagi, 19, signed a three-year deal with the Penrith club ahead of the 2025 season, snubbing an option in his contract to remain at Parramatta.
Now, according to the SMH, Ryles is hoping to secure the services of Iongi in his first major transfer move since being appointed head coach for 2025 and beyond.
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Iongi has a year remaining on his deal with the reigning premiers but now sits behind both Dylan Edwards and Daine Laurie on the fullback pecking order.
He also made his NRL debut in Round 22 and was solid at the back, showing he’s got what it takes to be a regular first grader.
The Panthers reportedly won’t stand in his way if he’s able to secure a full-time NRL contract with a rival club.
The last player to make the move from the Panthers to the Eels was J’maine Hopgood, who has since earnt himself Maroons selection and become a key cog in Parramatta’s pack.
Iongi’s potential move would also allow Ryles to move Gutherson from the No.1 jersey, a move that loomed likely with Talagi shifting to fullback before his departure.
Iongi has played 55 NSW Cup games since making his debut in 2022, with 51 of those coming at fullback and only four off the bench.
SHOCK SCHUSTER MOVE
Former Sea Eagles star Josh Schuster could be offered an NRL lifeline, with a report claiming Wayne Bennett has interest in the 23-year-old’s services next season.
Manly confirmed in a statement back in April that the versatile Schuster, who played both in the halves and second row for the club, had been released from the final three years of his contract.
Sea Eagles Manly chief executive Tony Mestrov said at the time that Schuster needed “time to focus on himself and what is best for him moving forward”, with the playmaker taking the rest of the season to put himself back in a position to play in the NRL.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, that opportunity could come from Bennett and South Sydney, with the publication reporting Schuster’s manager met with Rabbitohs officials this week about a potential deal.
However, any chance of a move happening would rely on the Rabbitohs having enough salary cap space.
The Herald reported in May that several NRL clubs had contacted Schuster’s manager in a bid to secure his signature before the June 30 transfer window, only to be told the 23-year-old wanted to sit out the season to get his body and mind “right”.
“I’ll get ready for the pre-season, that’s pretty much it,” Schuster told The Herald.
Bennett has already lured Euan Aitken to the Rabbitohs until the end of the 2027 season.
CAMPBELL-GILLARD BECOMES HOT PROPERTY
Reagan Campbell-Gillard is set to be moved on by incoming coach Jason Ryles, and a frontrunner for his signature has emerged.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the Cowboys are the favourites to secure his services, having also been linked with the Dragons and Bulldogs.
Campbell-Gillard is reportedly willing to move north to Townsville, while the Eels are desperate to clear space on their salary cap.
Ryles has six spots to fill on his roster for the 2025 season, however, he reportedly doesn’t have a large amount of funds to recruit players as it stands.
Following the departure of Valentine Holmes who signed with the Dragons, North Queensland have reportedly cleared over $800,000 off their wage bill for the 2025 season.
Meanwhile, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will also depart for the Dolphins, meaning the Cowboys have funds to spend alongside upgrading the contracts of several big-name players.
The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis also revealed Shane Flanagan is keen on recruiting Campbell-Gillard to reinforce his middle forwards.
“It’s clear their next target is a middle, an experienced middle, that’s what they are on the look out for,” Carayannis said on SEN.
“Reagan Campbell-Gillard is probably at the top of their list. They’ve spoken to Daniel Saifiti, they’ve been linked to Corey Horsburgh.
“But I think if all things were being equal, they’d like to sign Reagan Campbell-Gillard. I think Campbell-Gillard is on the lookout for a three-year deal.
“But I don’t think the Dragons will come with that, so if they can find a way to get two years done then I think the Dragons would be looking at Campbell-Gillard for next season.”
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The Eels reportedly aren’t willing to contribute to his $750,000 salary, with his current deal expiring at the end of the 2025 season.
For commentator Andrew Voss, Flanagan’s rebuild of the Dragons’ roster has been remarkable, despite losing Zac Lomax at the end of the 2024 season.
“Suddenly a different look in terms of players with scrapbooks, I know they are not current internationals,” Voss said.
“Valentine Holmes we don’t know, because he’s a current Origin player, but they are big names. They have turned the corner haven’t they St George Illawarra.
“They have already doubled the numbers of wins they had last year, on the verge of the top eight.
“Now attracting players that are still stars of our game, that’s a good turnaround by the club.”
Source Agencies
