Knights backrower Robbie Rochow seriously weighing up joining Cronulla or Parramatta
May 30, 2016 7:25pmMatt LogueThe Daily Telegraph
NEWCASTLE could lose another player with off-contract back-rower Robbie Rochow seriously weighing up joining Cronulla or Parramatta.
On the back of Tariq Sims leaving the Knights to sign a three-year deal worth $1.2 million with St George Illawarra, The Daily Telegraph can reveal Rochow has indicated a desire to depart at season’s end to play in a side that can compete for a title.
Newcastle already field the NRL’s most inexperienced side and Rochow’s exit would certainly add to this, especially with veteran forward Jeremy Smith retiring this year.
It’s understood the Sharks and Eels are the favourites to snare Rochow’s signature.
Despite the interest, the Country Origin representative is yet to receive a formal offer from any club — including the Knights.
The Sharks are currently working through the futures of off-contract forwards Chris Heighington, Luke Lewis and Sam Tagataese.
All three players want to remain in the NRL beyond this season, but it may not be realistic under the salary cap.
Heighington has been linked to finishing his career in England and he refused to rule out this option.
“I’ll definitely have to look at it,” Heighington said of playing in the English Super League.
“I’d love to stay in the NRL because I still feel like I’ve got a bit to offer here, but we’ll see what happens.
“I want to keep playing, I don’t know where.
“Hopefully I can stay here (at the Sharks), but if not I’ll have to look elsewhere.”
Heighington’s potential departure could open the door for Rochow to sign with the Sharks.
The Maitland-born back-rower is currently sidelined after fracturing his arm for a second time at training earlier this month.
He is expected to return from injury in three weeks.
Parramatta has also expressed an interest in Rochow despite the club’s current woes with the salary cap.
The Eels have already been forced to offload Nathan Peats and Junior Paulo to the Gold Coast and Canberra respectively, while fullback Michael Gordon has been linked to a mid-season move to the Roosters.
Parramatta have also guaranteed $500,000 in third-party agreements for 2017, which are set to be included in next year’s salary cap.
The club is desperate to retain star five-eighth Corey Norman on a multi-million dollar deal over four years, so it would be extremely difficult to add players to their roster.
This leaves the Sharks firming as Rochow’s most likely destination for next season and beyond.
Rochow’s looming departure follows news Sims has decided to leave Newcastle before June 30.
Sims is expected to officially announce he has signed a deal with the Dragons in the coming days.
The former North Queensland forward informed his teammates after training on Sunday of his desire to depart for greater financial and security.
