Marty Deutschmann
NRL Captain
- Oct 23, 2013
- 3,491
- 3,049
IT’S the biggest rumour in rugby league that no one wants to talk about publicly.
So, we will.
While all the player movement in recent weeks has surrounded the futures of James Roberts, Peta Hiku, Tim Lafai, Jack Bird, Dylan Walker and Chris McQueen, there is another name now attracting plenty of “off-the-record” interest.
And no, it is not Adam Reynolds either, with the Rabbitohs on Friday forced to deny he had requested a *release. This rumour relates to Greg Inglis’ future beyond 2016, possibly even sooner.
Social media has been abuzz with the speculation for days. But, perhaps most importantly, some of the NRL’s most powerful figures are watching with eyes wide open.
The talk is that Inglis will not see out the remaining two years of his contract with the Rabbitohs. And sitting patiently to see how this unfolds is Wayne Bennett’s Broncos, who are also keen on Roberts.
Could Greg Inglis be leaving the Rabbitohs to join the Broncos?
While there appears little chance Inglis would be making a move to Brisbane in 2016, there is every chance it could happen in 2017, a year before Inglis’ deal with the Rabbitohs expires.
For some time now the talk going on at rival clubs is that all is not well in the Rabbitohs’ camp, and the recent decision by Walker to leave, and Reynolds’ unhappiness, goes to the heart of the *perceived problem.
In particular, Walker’s barrister Julianne Levick was scathing when she condemned the club for treating the 21-year-old “like a piece of meat”.
That came in the wake of Walker’s request for a release following his overdose on prescription drugs, and the subsequent penalties Souths put in place.
Levick pointed to the fact that Walker had played in pain for most of the season with a *“serious” hand injury.
“The decision is a disgrace,” she said of the penalty, and the fact Souths released a statement to its large base of members. “Seemingly the club don’t accept any responsibility for what’s gone on in a roller- coaster 2015 season for this kid.
“This is such an unsatisfactory outcome on any view, particularly considering how this kid has been treated like a piece of meat in the face of serious injury throughout the 2015 *season.”
While Walker’s new deal with Manly is yet to be rubber-stamped by the NRL, there is no question he will join the Sea Eagles shortly.
It also now looks like Reynolds is unhappy and reportedly keen to join McQueen on the Gold Coast after the backrower was pushed out to make way for Sam Burgess’ return.
Meanwhile, Souths are now chasing Roberts, who knocked back what is understood to be $700,000 over two years at the Gold Coast because he felt he was being “devalued”.
Brisbane also want Roberts, who plays right centre, while Inglis is a specialist left centre at Origin and Test level, and a move from fullback could potentially prolong his career.
Souths fans must be watching on in disbelief.
South Sydney chief executive John Lee on Friday was adamant that Inglis would be going nowhere.
“He is very happy,” Lee said. “He was at a sponsor’s function during the week and very happy. And he is contracted with us for the next two years.”
So that ends that debate. Or does it? Not when you talk to some of the big-hitters at rival clubs.
What is a guarantee is that the closing weeks before Christmas will make interesting viewing for all who keep a close watch on the NRL trading market.
On Friday, Lafai agreed to join the Dragons and McQueen is heading to the Gold Coast.
Now we wait on Bird’s future and of course Roberts, who could instigate another fresh round of NRL dominoes.
Judging by the bombshell that exploded around Reynolds on Friday, there is nothing in this climate that would surprise anyone.
After all, this is the NRL’s silly season.
So, we will.
While all the player movement in recent weeks has surrounded the futures of James Roberts, Peta Hiku, Tim Lafai, Jack Bird, Dylan Walker and Chris McQueen, there is another name now attracting plenty of “off-the-record” interest.
And no, it is not Adam Reynolds either, with the Rabbitohs on Friday forced to deny he had requested a *release. This rumour relates to Greg Inglis’ future beyond 2016, possibly even sooner.
Social media has been abuzz with the speculation for days. But, perhaps most importantly, some of the NRL’s most powerful figures are watching with eyes wide open.
The talk is that Inglis will not see out the remaining two years of his contract with the Rabbitohs. And sitting patiently to see how this unfolds is Wayne Bennett’s Broncos, who are also keen on Roberts.
Could Greg Inglis be leaving the Rabbitohs to join the Broncos?
While there appears little chance Inglis would be making a move to Brisbane in 2016, there is every chance it could happen in 2017, a year before Inglis’ deal with the Rabbitohs expires.
For some time now the talk going on at rival clubs is that all is not well in the Rabbitohs’ camp, and the recent decision by Walker to leave, and Reynolds’ unhappiness, goes to the heart of the *perceived problem.
In particular, Walker’s barrister Julianne Levick was scathing when she condemned the club for treating the 21-year-old “like a piece of meat”.
That came in the wake of Walker’s request for a release following his overdose on prescription drugs, and the subsequent penalties Souths put in place.
Levick pointed to the fact that Walker had played in pain for most of the season with a *“serious” hand injury.
“The decision is a disgrace,” she said of the penalty, and the fact Souths released a statement to its large base of members. “Seemingly the club don’t accept any responsibility for what’s gone on in a roller- coaster 2015 season for this kid.
“This is such an unsatisfactory outcome on any view, particularly considering how this kid has been treated like a piece of meat in the face of serious injury throughout the 2015 *season.”
While Walker’s new deal with Manly is yet to be rubber-stamped by the NRL, there is no question he will join the Sea Eagles shortly.
It also now looks like Reynolds is unhappy and reportedly keen to join McQueen on the Gold Coast after the backrower was pushed out to make way for Sam Burgess’ return.
Meanwhile, Souths are now chasing Roberts, who knocked back what is understood to be $700,000 over two years at the Gold Coast because he felt he was being “devalued”.
Brisbane also want Roberts, who plays right centre, while Inglis is a specialist left centre at Origin and Test level, and a move from fullback could potentially prolong his career.
Souths fans must be watching on in disbelief.
South Sydney chief executive John Lee on Friday was adamant that Inglis would be going nowhere.
“He is very happy,” Lee said. “He was at a sponsor’s function during the week and very happy. And he is contracted with us for the next two years.”
So that ends that debate. Or does it? Not when you talk to some of the big-hitters at rival clubs.
What is a guarantee is that the closing weeks before Christmas will make interesting viewing for all who keep a close watch on the NRL trading market.
On Friday, Lafai agreed to join the Dragons and McQueen is heading to the Gold Coast.
Now we wait on Bird’s future and of course Roberts, who could instigate another fresh round of NRL dominoes.
Judging by the bombshell that exploded around Reynolds on Friday, there is nothing in this climate that would surprise anyone.
After all, this is the NRL’s silly season.
