According to reports, the Dolphins will make a “serious” contract offer to Dragons Junior Amone’s young weapon.
Wayne Bennett has been monitoring the 20-year-old’s progress this season and the five-eighth has been strong for Red V.
Now, David Riccio of The Daily Telegraph believes the Dolphins are about to do a play to lure the game creator out of Wollongong.
Play all matches of each round of the 2022 season of the NRL Telstra Premiership live and without advertising during the game in Kayo. Are we Kayo? Try 14 days free now.
“They’re picking up freshmen, but I wouldn’t say they’re superstars,” Riccio told SEN.
“The dolphins are circling and Wayne Bennett has been watching Amone for the past 12 months.
“I would be surprised if the Dolphins don’t make a serious play to try to get him out of Wollongong.
“Look at this space with one of the best young talents coming out of the Dragons.”
Amone is said to have been offered a one-year extension of his current contract ending after the 2023 season.
The Dolphins have failed in their attempts so far to lure a marquee player to the new NRL franchise, losing Kalyn Ponga, Reed Mahoney, Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant.
Young Fire Storm for NSW | 00:27
As it stands, the Dolphins have signed a number of quality players, but have approached the NRL asking for permission to approach the players before Nov. 1, when players without a contract can negotiate.
“They’re picking up freshmen, but I wouldn’t say they’re superstars,” Riccio said.
“The dolphins are circling and Wayne Bennett has been watching Amone for the past 12 months.
“I would be surprised if the Dolphins don’t make a serious play to try to get him out of Wollongong.
“Look at this space with one of the best young talents coming out of the Dragons.”
MORE NEWS NRL
ORIGIN: Storm Gun Notches Makes FOUR Test Attacks When NSW Thrashed QLD in Under-19 Clash
WHISPERS: The Knights Offer to Overcome Milford’s “Handshake Agreement” with Dolphins
MEDIUM SEASON TRANSFERS: Who could sign your club before the August 1 deadline
THE SOUTH ARE LOOKING FOR A BLOCK COOK
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have moved to avoid another confrontation with Adam Reynolds ’contract with reports that they are in the process of closing Damien Cook in a long-term deal.
Club midfielder and junior Reynolds left Redfern late last season after Souths only offered him a one-year overtime. The club’s position angered the fans, a mood that has only worsened when Reynolds led the Broncos back to the top eight, while the Souths have endured an inconsistent start to the season.
Play all matches of each round of the 2022 season of the NRL Telstra Premiership live and without advertising during the game in Kayo. Are we Kayo? Try 14 days free now.
The Tigers will pay a lot for Brooks to leave 02:17
Cook is out of contract at the end of 2023. The rise of young Rabbitohs gunman Peter Mamouzelos and Cook’s degradation from the Blues from Origin No.9 has called into question his long-term game future.
The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio said, however, that negotiations with Cook began this week.
“We know it’s the home period and the round of performances, but deep down, it never sleeps, negotiations and club list management,” Riccio told SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Certainly this is the case for several clubs, we start in the south of Sydney and the big one is Damien Cook.
“It’s interesting now because we’re seeing discussions about whether Damien Cook is declining in the field of representation in terms of being a starting hooker.
“But in South Sydney, they definitely want to keep it long-term.”
Riccio revealed that the Souths want Cook to sign at least until the end of 2025.
“So here we are in 2022, so far at least three more seasons,” he said.
Tetevano shows red for NASTY high shot | 00:59
“This brings him to 34, it’s a major investment by Souths. The catch will be that Souths and Cook will agree on the financial terms,
“It’s okay to say they want to offer him a new deal, but will it be at the price Damien Cook asked for?”
It comes after former Rabbitoh Damien Cook asked South Sydney to shut down Cook.
“They can’t make the same mistake,” Marshall told Triple M in reference to Adam Reynolds.
“I think they have to sign him (Cook).
“He’s an Origin player, he played in Australia.”
Marshall said Mamouzelos’ development would only accelerate with Cook nearby.
“There’s time, Pete has time, it’s still developing,” Marshall said.
“Cooky has been there and he’s done it and in the big games he gets up.”
“(Mamouzelos) is a good kid, but you have to buy your time,” Marshall said.
“Look what Harry Grant had to do behind Cameron Smith, they’re still having a great time now.
“We’re all so obsessed with all the emerging players that they haven’t done anything yet and blocking this and blocking that.