St George-Illawarra has its sights set on poaching another Raiders youngster, with the Dragons emerging as Canberra's biggest rival in its quest to retain Joel Thompson.
Thompson has been heavily linked to Parramatta after it missed out on fellow Raiders back-rower Josh Papalii, but Fairfax Media understands the Dragons are firming as the Raiders likely challenger.
His Canberra deal expires at the end of the season, and the Raiders are desperate to retain the 24-year-old.
With veteran three-quarter Matt Cooper likely to retire after this year, the Dragons are attracted by Thompson's versatility.
Thompson has found a permanent home in Canberra's back row this year, but has played a significant portion of his 72 NRL games at centre.
Helping the Dragons' cause is the wealth of former Raiders already on their books, including Bronx Goodwin, Bronson Harrison, Michael Weyman and Daniel Vidot. It is also understood the struggling Warriors, are poised to make a play at Thompson.
Head coach Matt Elliott and assistant Andrew McFadden are former Raiders staffers, and are big fans of the Forbes junior.
The Raiders have held some discussions with Thompson's management, and the club is also busy trying to lock up a number of other off-contract players.
Halfback Sam Williams, centre Jarrod Croker and prop Brett White head the list of players whose deals expire at the end of the year.
Canberra is in a strong bargaining position after it ripped up Josh Dugan's rich contract, but the saga has prolonged discussions with other players.
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...rs-thompson-20130327-2guxe.html#ixzz2Oma95f9c
Note, this is not from the Telegraph so might be slightly more believable, although nto sure if its wise. I get that we are having a recruitment drive, but I dont think the back row is our weak point, and I dont think putting a back rower in the centres will be the answer either!!!
Thompson has been heavily linked to Parramatta after it missed out on fellow Raiders back-rower Josh Papalii, but Fairfax Media understands the Dragons are firming as the Raiders likely challenger.
His Canberra deal expires at the end of the season, and the Raiders are desperate to retain the 24-year-old.
With veteran three-quarter Matt Cooper likely to retire after this year, the Dragons are attracted by Thompson's versatility.
Thompson has found a permanent home in Canberra's back row this year, but has played a significant portion of his 72 NRL games at centre.
Helping the Dragons' cause is the wealth of former Raiders already on their books, including Bronx Goodwin, Bronson Harrison, Michael Weyman and Daniel Vidot. It is also understood the struggling Warriors, are poised to make a play at Thompson.
Head coach Matt Elliott and assistant Andrew McFadden are former Raiders staffers, and are big fans of the Forbes junior.
The Raiders have held some discussions with Thompson's management, and the club is also busy trying to lock up a number of other off-contract players.
Halfback Sam Williams, centre Jarrod Croker and prop Brett White head the list of players whose deals expire at the end of the year.
Canberra is in a strong bargaining position after it ripped up Josh Dugan's rich contract, but the saga has prolonged discussions with other players.
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...rs-thompson-20130327-2guxe.html#ixzz2Oma95f9c
Note, this is not from the Telegraph so might be slightly more believable, although nto sure if its wise. I get that we are having a recruitment drive, but I dont think the back row is our weak point, and I dont think putting a back rower in the centres will be the answer either!!!
