Breakout utility Connor Tracey is on the verge of penning a three-year extension under incoming Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon, with the local junior joking he couldn t leave without at least playing one game at Shark Park.
Traditionally a five-eighth, a spot where he got a few chances late in 2020, Tracey has been one of his club s best through seven rounds plugging gaps in the centres and even on the wing.
Tracey told NRL.com some encouraging chats with Fitzgibbon had him close to inking what is likely to be a three-year extension to keep him in the Shire despite a logjam in his preferred positions of fullback and five-eighth.
By WWOS staff2 hours ago
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Fox Sports reports that Reynolds has met with Fitzgibbon this week and that the star halfback is ready to sign with the Sharks on a deal worth $2.4 million.
The $800,000-a-season deal would see the goalkicking No.7 through until his 34th birthday and keep him in Sydney, a key point for the family man who was born and bred in the Redfern area. Adam Reynolds (Getty)
It s that connection with the heartland of South Sydney that has made this whole saga difficult to grapple with for Rabbitohs fans.
Reynolds, the club captain, made it clear that it was his preference to stay, yet management were unwilling to budge on a one-year deal.
Origin coaches Brad Fittler and Paul Green believe there is merit to the NRL potentially adopting a conference system down the track, particularly if it can build rivalries.
Fittler and Green, who attended the Ampol State of Origin launch in Melbourne, said they would like to see more detail before giving the proposal their full backing
ARL Commissioner Peter Beattie confirmed on Wednesday that the league was looking at splitting teams geographically in the future if and when the Telstra Premiership expanded to 18 teams.
Fittler said there would be advantages for teams and fans if a draw was set up with clubs playing conference rivals twice and the other sides once each season during a two-year cycle.
Thursday 29 April, GIO Stadium, 7:50pm
Raiders: Come into the game off a five-day turnaround after a loss to Cowboys on Saturday night. Joseph Tapine and Isosia Soliola are both options to come back into 17 after both were dropped last week. Jarrod Croker s position in the team could come into question with his form down but he also appeared to re-injure the shoulder he had off season surgery on and could be in some doubt. Bailey Simonsson should return from concussion on the right wing which could see Sebastian Kris dropping to the bench.
Rabbitohs: Tevita Tatola is in doubt after he failing game day HIA. With the six-day turnaround he will need to progress through NRL HIA protocols and get doctor clearance to play. Patrick Mago would come into the 17 if Tatola is ruled out with Jai Arrow likely starting. Jaxson Paulo suffered a shoulder injury in first half against the Titans and was able to play on but could be in some doubt. Cody Walker will continue at fullback with Benji Mars
Walters axes Dearden after Cowboys defection gympietimes.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from gympietimes.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.