http://m.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-p...also-set-to-move/story-fn2mcuj6-1227634981767
Canterbury to release Tim Lafai, with Will Hopoate and Peta Hiku also set to move
DAVID RICCIOThe Daily TelegraphDecember 05, 2015*3:40PM1 COMMENTS
The emergence of Hayne
1:29
KIWI International Peta Hiku toured St George Illawarras training facilities last week with the unwanted Manly utitilty eyeing off a centre position in the Red V next year.
Hiku is also in Parramattas line of sight, with the Dragons considering tabling an offer for Canterburys Tim Lafai, should the Eels beat them to the signature of the Manly utility.
Lafai is on the cusp of being released by the Bulldogs as they plan to welcome Eels and NSW Origin winger Will Hopoate to Belmore next year.
The Penrith Panthers have also been heavily linked to Lafai, while Cronulla despite being mooted as also eager to sign the hard-running left centre, have no interest, focused instead on re-signing rookie of the year Jack Bird.
It might be just three weeks until Christmas, but the NRL merry-go-round continues to be a complex mess of negotiations, trades and stand-offs, with a string of quality first-graders yet to find a home for 2016.
"" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; height: 250px; border: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;">
Given his talent, Hiku has attracted plenty of interest across the NRL and despite having played almost every position in the backline for Manly and New Zealand, the opportunity to form a Dragons centre paring with Josh Dugan, is a major lure for the 23-year-old.
The Dragons are planning to start next season with Melbourne Storm recruit Kurt Mann at fullback.
The announcement of Hiku would also bring immediate depth and quality to the Dragons backline, joining the likes Jason Nightingale, Euan Aitken and Peter Matautia.
Should Hiku opt to join the Eels, he would settle into a familiar environment with former Manly teammates Anthony Watmough, Kieran Foran, Clint Gutherson and James Hasson already at the club.
Hiku is set to make a call on where his future lies in the coming days.
Straight Shooter
