Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has responded to reports suggesting Rugby Australia is keen to lure Joseph Suaalii to the rival code immediately.
Meanwhile, the Eels have lost a rising talent to a rival club and a veteran forward is eyeing a return to the NRL.
A former Raiders playmaker is also open to returning to Australia after a stint abroad.
Read on for the latest NRL Transfer Whispers.
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AUSTIN’S NRL RETURN
Former Raiders, Tigers and Panthers playmaker Blake Austin has revealed he has aspirations to return to the NRL.
The 32-year-old is currently plying his trade for the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League, making the move abroad after the 2018 season.
Austin is off-contract at the season’s end and is yet to make a decision regarding his future, having previously been linked with a move back to Australia during his time at Warrington.
Now, Austin has signalled his intentions to once again feature in the NRL.
“I have never been afraid to do things a bit differently. If an opportunity came up to go home, that would be something I would look at and my kids would push me and force me to look at,” Austin said on the JBK Show.
“I am really confident I could cut it. I think I could do a really good job at 14.
“If I was going back I would want to go to a successful team and just focus on me but I’m open to all offers.”
He also said the Tigers can “give me a call if they want” after their public pursuit of Super League halfback Aidan Sezer.
SUAALII A NO-GO FOR WALLABIES
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has shot down speculation that Rugby Australia will attempt to lure Joseph Suaalii across early.
Suaalii will switch codes following the 2024 NRL season after signing a bumper three-year contract worth over $5 million.
The Roosters are reportedly considering allowing Suaalii to depart the club early if the Wallabies continue to struggle ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
That is according to Wide World of Sports, who are reporting Tricolours powerbrokers are even predicting Rugby Australia bosses will make a desperate plea in the coming weeks.
The Wallabies have gone down to both South Africa and Argentina, in a final minute thriller, in recent weeks as new coach Eddie Jones attempts to revitalise the Australian team.
But when asked if Suaalii is an option, Jones said: “He’s not available for selection so I’m not really interested.”
It comes as the Roosters’ woes continue this season, with their chances of making the finals incredibly slim.
News Corp’s David Riccio labelled the Roosters’ season a “car crash”.
“This has been a car crash season for the Sydney Roosters and unlike one I can recall as far as having to many hurdles to jump to get through,” Riccio said on NRL 360.
“It began at the start of the year with Angus Crichton’s off-field issues and personal issues that he had to deal with at the start of the year.
Manly fires back at Moses accusations | 04:38
“We moved into the Joseph Suallii situation, switching codes, Jason Ryles up and leaving as an assistant coach, Sam Walker, their starting half dropped.”
“This is a club that reeks stability and that’s the basis of their success that they don’t have these issues so when that many issues arise, we’re seeing the fallout of it now.
“It’s unfamiliar territory for the Roosters and they just haven’t handled it well at all,” Braith Anasta said.
If the Roosters fail to make the top eight it would be only the second time in the past 10 years.
Meanwhile, the Wallabies face the All Blacks on July 29.
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EELS LOSE YOUNG GUN HALFBACK
The Raiders have reportedly poached one of the most in-demand halfbacks from the Eels, with Ethan Sanders signing a contract with the Canberra club.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the young gun will join Ricky Stuart’s Raiders from 2025, putting pen to paper on a two-year deal.
Sanders starred for NSW in the under 19s Origin and was awarded Player of the Match honours in Parramatta’s SG Ball grand final victory.
He remain contracted with the Eels until the end of the 2024 season, but Parramatta powerbrokers reportedly may allow him to depart early.
Sanders would have faced stiff competition for first grade minutes, with both Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown signing long-term contracts.
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FORMER COWBOY’S AUSTRALIA RETURN
Versatile premiership winner John Asiata is reportedly set to depart the Super League to return to Australia.
According to Wide World of Sports, the 30-year-old has fielded offers from three NRL clubs and is set to once again play in the NRL.
Asiata has been plying his trade for Leigh Leopards over the past two seasons and is captain of the Super League club.
“There is one club in Queensland and two in New South Wales that are interested in John,” Asiata’s manager Pierre Tannous said.
“His form in England has been very good but he feels it is time to come home.”
Asiata played off the bench for the Cowboys in the 2015 grand final, lifting the NRL trophy alongside Johnathan Thurston.
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