BRAD WALTER and JACQUELIN MAGNAY
SMH
St George Illawarra hooker Aaron Gorrell has been linked to Cronulla following the appointment of Ricky Stuart as coach. It is understood Gorrell, who still does not have a contract for next season, was close to joining Sydney Roosters before Stuart's sacking in August.
Cronulla's star half-back Brett Kimmorley said he was staying at the Sharks for next season, despite the recent appointment of Stuart.
Kimmorley and Stuart met on Friday at Cronulla and nutted out some of their differences, the key issue being Stuart's concern that Kimmorley didn't listen to his instructions when he was state-of-origin coach.
Kimmorley said later, at the Cronulla Sutherland grand final lunch, that he was excited about Stuart's tenure as coach and was looking forward to next season.
Stuart has told friends that he was happy enough for Kimmorley to stay with the club and has dismissed suggestions there may be a player swap with the Roosters.
The new coach spoke to Sharks players on Friday and will meet staff tomorrow.
He has moved forward the return to training, with the club regrouping on October 23, a week earlier than scheduled. As a sweetener to the players, he has restructured other periods of rest during the off-season.