‘Tough situation’ as five clubs fight for premiership star

Canberra, Gold Coast, Parramatta and the Roosters are playing a waiting game with Penrith’s front-row colossus Moses Leota.

The four-time premiership-winner was given permission by the Panthers to test the market last month - but not to sign anywhere.

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Leota’s management met with the Panthers this week and reported back that the four clubs are all keen to sign the tough prop for 2028.

Penrith have put any talks with Leota, who has missed just seven games in the last six years, on hold until they sort out the futures of marquee men Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo, who are also unsigned beyond the end of next season.

“It’s a tough situation for Penrith because they have so many players in demand and Moses understands that,” Leota’s manager Gavin Orr told nine.com.au.

“We reported to them the interest from at least six clubs with the Raiders, Eels, Titans and Roosters leading the way, but we have to wait until they see what Cleary and Yeo are doing and how much money they have in the cap.

“They want to keep him and he wants to stay, but it all comes down to the cap.”

Cleary and Yeo have both indicated that they are likely to wait until November 1 before making any decision on their futures beyond 2027, giving them the opportunity to negotiate with rival clubs and test their market values.

Tigers utility facing clouded future

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Heath Mason’s future at the Wests Tigers is up in the air with the versatile utility off contract for next season.

The former Australian Schoolboys five-eighth has looked promising when given the chance at NRL level but his ability to play anywhere in the backline is counting against him - he can’t secure a regular start in any one position.

But that ability to fill several holes has attracted some interest from rival clubs both in Australia and overseas.

The joint venture hasn’t said no to the local junior who is something of a fan favourite, but the closer we get to November 1, the more chance he will be playing elsewhere next season.

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‘Big test’ facing Dolphins star

Another utility player making a name for himself with his versatility is underrated Dolphins forward Kurt Donoghoe.

The 24-year-old has been outstanding, coming off the bench in a variety of roles and lifting the Phins’ intensity with his ball skills and hard hitting.

But I’m hearing Donoghoe will face his biggest test in the World Cup at the end of the year, where he will play for Fiji.

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The Bati have plans for Donoghoe to fill the halfback position in the tournament. and while he’s played little football at No.7 before, he may just rise to the occasion.

Donoghoe has played in the halves for the past three years in the year-end Pacific Championships, but mostly at five-eighth alongside Brandon Wakeham.

But with Wakeham now transitioning to hooker at club land, it could be over to Donoghoe to fill the main playmaking role in the World Cup.

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Dogs pounce on young flyer

Canterbury have signed a speedy utility back from the Raiders - Sylas Simon.

A classy fullback/winger, he’ll join the club’s development squad next season.

Originally from Queensland, the young Indigenous flyer could be a great buy down the track, with his fast feet reminding some scouts of Reece Walsh.

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Simon comes from an OzTag background and his dad played in the Penrith Panthers system back in the 1990s, coming close to NRL level.

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