Glenn Jackson | May 31, 2007
BRISBANE have emerged as major contenders to sign Penrith's former Test front-rower Joel Clinton.
The Herald understands Clinton met Broncos coach Wayne Bennett in Brisbane last week and may sign with the premiers early next week.
While the 25-year-old City and Australian representative has been the subject of interest from several NRL clubs, he is now set to decide between his current club and the Broncos.
It is understood Clinton, a Penrith junior, has been offered three-year deals by both clubs and, while he would like to remain at the Panthers, is also flattered by the interest from Bennett, who coached him in his last outing in an Australian jumper, in 2004.
Clinton's manager, David Riolo, also met Penrith officials yesterday, and while tight-lipped about Brisbane's interest, he expected a decision from his client early next week.
"He's looking at all his options," Riolo said. "He's a Penrith boy, and he's really happy there. But Brisbane's also an attractive proposition. We'll sit down early next week and decide."
The Panthers yesterday confirmed the signing of Newcastle prop Adam Woolnough on a three-year deal, which would cushion somewhat the loss of Clinton to the premiers.
The Broncos lost Shane Webcke to retirement last season and have Petero Civoniceva, Dane Carlaw and Brad Thorn off contract at the end of this season. While the club is eager to re-sign Civoniceva, doubts remain over whether Thorn and Carlaw will be at the Broncos next year.
The moves come with the Broncos on the verge of signing another highly rated Penrith junior in Peter Wallace, who is also due to decide between the two clubs early next week. Wallace's manager, Allan Gainey, met Penrith general manager Mick Leary yesterday.
"It's always hard for a young bloke," Gainey said. "He's a local junior who's played 10 first-grade games and he's offered a contract with Brisbane, and Wayne Bennett's identified him as someone whom he really believes would fulfil a role up there alongside Darren Lockyer."
The Broncos yesterday lost centre Brent Tate to the Warriors on a three-year deal and are likely to lose Shaun Berrigan to the English Super League, which would free up significant funds, although much of that will be offset if the Broncos retain youngsters Joel Moon, Greg Eastwood, Darius Boyd, Steve Michaels and Denan Kemp, who are all off contract at the end of the season.
Broncos managing director Bruno Cullen said: "We haven't got a war chest."
Meanwhile, North Queensland chief executive Peter Parr described as "positive" his talks with off-contract Manly player Travis Burns, who is keen to return to his home state.
Burns, who has also been the subject of interest from Gold Coast, wants to play five-eighth, however, the Sea Eagles see Jamie Lyon as their long-term option in the position.
"It was just a catch-up," Parr said. "He reiterated to me that he was fairly happy at Manly but he's also interested in playing five-eighth. Obviously our preferences are always North Queenslanders first and Queenslanders second - anyone who comes from north of the border ticks a pretty big box. And he plays in a position we want to strengthen."
Said Burns: "Manly's been good for me but I've just got to sit down and work out what's the best opportunity for me
it's not going to be an easy decision."
And Brett Kimmorley's manager will re-open talks with Cronulla today, 10 days after his two-year, $700,000 offer was taken off the table by the club.
Agent George Mimis will meet Sharks coach Ricky Stuart today to discuss the futures of Kimmorley and his halves partner Adam Dykes.
