by Travis Meyn
Premium Content
Subscriber only Premiership-winning Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes is weighing up a potential $1 million sacrifice as Melbourne pieces together a succession plan for departing super coach Craig Bellamy. Hughes is one of the NRL s most in-demand free agents after playing a pivotal role in last year s premiership triumph. The New Zealand international has attracted interest from numerous rival clubs, some prepared to pay up to $900,000-a-season to lure him out of Melbourne. While the Storm are keen to retain Hughes they will not be forking out that sort of cash, with Melbourne s offer expected to be in the vicinity of $600-700,000-a-season.
In a series analysing who will line up in each position for all 16 teams in the opening round of the Telstra Premiership in 2021, NRL.com looks at the Canterbury Bulldogs.
NRL.com says: Nick Cotric is likely to start the season at centre and while Jake Averillo is a chance of pressing for a full-time move to five-eighth at some stage he is in doubt for the start of the season with an elbow injury.
Lachlan Lewis or Brandon Wakeham is likely to start the season in the halves partnering Kyle Flanagan. The other will compete with Sione Katoa for the bench utility spot.