And Storm looking at Noodles if the Lomax deal falls through.
Sharks centre Jesse Ramien has been shopped to the Melbourne Storm as the grand finalists sweat on the future of controversial Parramatta star Zac Lomax.
This masthead can reveal Ramien has attracted interest from Manly, while the off-contract Cronulla three-quarter has been offered to the Storm as a Plan B recruit if Lomax’s planned move to Melbourne collapses.
It is understood Storm bosses are open to preliminary dialogue with Ramien’s camp pending the outcome of their NSW Supreme stoush with the Eels for the services of Lomax.
Ramien is a free agent and is determined to honour the final year of his deal with the Sharks, meaning he wouldn’t be available for any NRL suitor until 2027.
Sharks centre Jesse Ramien has been shopped to the Melbourne Storm, while other rival clubs are also circling. Picture: Getty Images
Melbourne’s priority remains securing Lomax, whose legal battle has taken another twist with the NRL issued a subpoena to provide all documentation on the matter to the court by Friday.
The Eels allege Storm chairman Matt Tripp is the “strategist” behind the contract saga and the Melbourne supremo has agreed to testify in person in the NSW Supreme Court.
Should the Storm’s pursuit of Lomax fall through, one contingency signing could be Ramien, who remains without a home for next season.
The 28-year-old was offered a deal by the Cowboys but it is understood the figure was well below Ramien’s asking price, said to be north of $500,000 a season.
The Sea Eagles are also interested in the services of Ramien, who has amassed 170 first grade games since his NRL debut for the Sharks in 2017.
The Storm have not tabled an offer for Ramien as they await the final outcome of the messy Lomax saga which has dragged on for months.
Ramien could be a Plan B for Melbourne, as they sweat on the future of former Eels star Zac Lomax. Picture: NRL Imagery
ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys is keen for Lomax to return to the NRL and Melbourne CEO Justin Rodski has expressed his concern for the NSW Origin flyer’s welfare.
“The chances (of Melbourne securing Lomax) are sitting with the court in NSW,” Rodski told radio SEN.
“That case will happen over five days next week. You speak to different silks and KCs, and you get different opinions on where it will land.
“Obviously we are very keen to get Zac to the club. He would be a great addition to our team considering the changes we have had in the off season and the Xavier Coates injury (last week).
“Zac would add value to our team.
“There’s growing concerns for Zac and his welfare physically and mentally.
“It’s taken a toll. There’s been a pile-on from the media in Sydney.
“We’re hopeful it’s been resolved and he can come and play for the Storm.
Ramien in action for the Indigenous All Stars. Picture: Getty Images
Ramien has been squeezed out of Cronulla due to salary-cap pressures and his manager said the Indigenous All Stars powerhouse is also open to being a foundation recruit for the PNG Chiefs.
“Jesse would definitely be keen on going to Papua New Guinea,” his agent Trevor Conroy said recently.
“He has told me directly he would have no concerns at all about living in Port Moresby.
“The Sharks were happy for us to go on the open market and see what was out there.
“Jesse feels he is hitting his peak performance over the next two or three years so he wants to capitalise on it.
“PNG is a definite option for him and of course the tax-free dollars is an attraction for any player.”
No Cookies | CODE Sports
www.codesports.com.au
