Dragons close in on Benji, Proctor signatures
By ADAM PENGILLY and BRAD WALTER
May 6, 2014, 9:28 p.m.
RUGBY LEAGUE
St George Illawarra will only have to wait a week for confirmation of a potential stunning double coup, with Kevin Proctor well and truly in their sights.
As the Red V's courtship of returning superstar Benji Marshall inches closer to a resolution, Proctor's manager Chris Orr has confirmed the New Zealand and Melbourne star is seriously considering a shift to Wollongong.
Kevin Proctor (left) with Dragons player Jason Nightingale at the Kiwis training camp last week. Picture: GETTY IMAGES
The 25-year-old met with Storm officials earlier this week and is expected to announce a decision on his future by next Wednesday.
The Roosters and Dragons have led the chase for the explosive back-rower, while the Storm can make a last-ditch play to prevent Proctor from following a trail blazed by Gareth Widdop.
"I've told the other clubs they're still in the running," Orr said. "We're just waiting to hear back from Melbourne on their final position."
Proctor's potential signing could come days after Marshall seals his comeback to rugby league.
Dragons chief executive officer Peter Doust was unavailable to comment on Tuesday but it's understood a deal is imminent.
It was left to St George Illawarra's leadership group to sing the praises of the 29-year-old after their field session at Kogarah.
Price's No 7 predicament became even more urgent after he made his fourth halfback change in just nine rounds - turning to Sam Williams in preference to Michael Witt for the clash with the Bulldogs on Sunday.
Marshall's former Tigers teammate and roommate Bronson Harrison indicated coach Steve Price had consulted the Dragons' senior players about the premiership winner before he opened negotiations.
"He asked maybe if there was interest from his side of things and Benji is not silly, he will look at all of his options," Harrison said.
"After speaking to him I know how hungry he is.
"I used to live with him and I know how much of a competitor he is, I know how intelligent he is so I know that if he comes here there is a good opportunity for him to shine.
"I think if he decides to come here it is a great environment for him to be in, we have got great medical staff, we have got a great backline and a strong, solid pack so I think that is a good environment for him to flourish."
The man Marshall will partner in the halves if he dons the Red V, Widdop, also welcomed the idea of combining with Marshall.
Widdop already linked with Witt, Williams and Adam Quinlan at the scrumbase in just eight games this year.
"As a young fellow, I played with some great players down at Melbourne so to play with Benji - another great player - would be great too," Widdop said.
"But at the moment, we have Sammy Williams, Adam Quinlan, Michael Witt, who are all good players themselves.
"It is all up in the air. We just have to move on and worry about playing football. It's all speculation but everyone knows what he has done for rugby league.
"He was a great player before he left for rugby union."
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