Dykes deal close to being done
August 6, 2004 - 9:34PM
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Cronulla and Parramatta are expected to sign-off on Adam Dykes' return to Toyota Park next week, arming the Sharks with the weapon they've been looking for - a foil for Brett Kimmorley.
Cronulla has used the versatile Greg Bird outside Kimmorley this season but the former Australian schoolboy is more suited to the back of the scrum.
That's where Dykes fits into the equation.
His return - after three seasons at Parramatta - would allow the NRL club to shift Bird to lock and pair their former pivot with Kimmorley.
Cronulla officials are confident the dynamic duo will compare with any in the premiership.
"We're looking to hopefully have it done next Monday," Cronulla chief executive Steve Rogers said of Dykes' signing.
"I'm confident it's going to happen."
Dykes, whose three years at Parramatta have been plagued by injury, has been linked with a return to the Sharks for several months but the clubs have had trouble finding the right time to sit down and sign off on the deal.
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The 27-year-old has another year remaining on his contract at Parramatta but it's understood the Eels are willing to let him return to Cronulla.
Dykes made his first grade debut with the Sharks in 1995 and spent seven seasons at the club, playing more than 200 first grade games.
Meanwhile, a question mark still hangs over Kimmorley ahead of Sunday's clash with the league-leading Sydney Roosters at Aussie Stadium.
Kimmorley is troubled by a hamstring injury and will be given until match day to prove his fitness by coach Stu Raper.
The former Test half is itching to get back on the park.
It's understood the Sharks are considering handing teenage front rower Michael Greenfield a first grade debut in that match.
Greenfield is a product of Westfield Boys High and has been outstanding in Premier League in recent weeks.
The Sharks will be without the suspended Chris Beattie for Sunday's game.
In other league news, Braith Anasta's manager has denied the Bulldogs plan to negotiate an extension of the in-form five-eighth's current contract.
Anasta, who has been mooted as an Australian Rugby Union target, has another year to run on his existing deal but the club is keen to tie the 22-year-old up beyond 2005.
"While Braith continues to play good football we won't be entering into it," Greg Willett said.
"I want him to concentrate on his football. I don't want to get involved in anything likely to affect his concentration."
And Newcastle hooker Danny Buderus has paid tribute to coach Michael Hagan, who joins an exclusive club this weekend when he chalks up his 100th game in charge of the club.
Hagan is one of only two current coaches - the other is Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes - to have played and coached 100 games at the one club.
"I think he knows how to manage personalities and he's very good in that sense," Buderus said.
"He's obviously got a great record. He's got a great relationship with Newcastle. He's had a quick rise. In his first year he won a comp with us.
"He's always willing to listen."
© 2004 AAP
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