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Cronulla have a strong interest in Mason and South Sydney are talking to Anasta through his uncle, George Piggins, while the Roosters have been linked to both - as well as Rabbitohs pair Ashley Harrison and Scott Logan and Sharks forward Keith Galloway.
But even after losing veteran captain Luke Ricketson, Queensland back-rower Michael Crocker and New Zealand prop Jason Cayless, the Roosters are unlikely to be able to afford more than one big-name recruit as none of the trio is on big money.
After almost retiring last season because of salary cap restraints, Ricketson's contract is not much more than the $100,000 exemption he is entitled to for playing 10 years at the club, while Crocker and Cayless were signed as little more than fringe first graders.
Former Queensland winger Chris Walker has not been made a new offer and the Roosters are keen to release halfback Brett Firman if he can find a new club but they are also trying to re-sign Maroons utility Chris Flannery, whose stature in the game demands he earn a vastly increased contract.
In addition, Craig Fitzgibbon and Anthony Tupou have automatic upgrades in their contracts, while the club has
re-signed Brett Finch and Iosia Soliola and is negotiating with 10 other members of last year's successful Premier League and Jersey Flegg teams.
By contrast, Souths have more than
$2 million of contracts due to expire at the end of the season and are expected to snare Melbourne's Matt Orford and Steve Bell, while Anasta and Galloway are also in the club's sights.
With St George Illawarra set to re-sign Test prop Luke Bailey for one more year, Cronulla have set their sights on Mason and have released Michael Sullivan to Warrington and Andrew Lomu and Jason Williams to Canberra, while David Peachey is off to Widnes and Jason Stevens is retiring.
The Sharks are also in the market for a centre, but have baulked at the asking price of Brisbane's Shaun Berrigan and are looking to England where Wigan's Brian Carney and Mark Calderwood of Leeds are among a number of players keen to play in the NRL.
Carney's friendship with Matthew Johns is believed to be swaying him towards joining Newcastle, while Calderwood has been linked to Manly, who are yet to re-sign Chad Randall, Luke Williamson, Shayne Dunley, Steve Matai and Paul Stephenson.
But even after losing veteran captain Luke Ricketson, Queensland back-rower Michael Crocker and New Zealand prop Jason Cayless, the Roosters are unlikely to be able to afford more than one big-name recruit as none of the trio is on big money.
After almost retiring last season because of salary cap restraints, Ricketson's contract is not much more than the $100,000 exemption he is entitled to for playing 10 years at the club, while Crocker and Cayless were signed as little more than fringe first graders.
Former Queensland winger Chris Walker has not been made a new offer and the Roosters are keen to release halfback Brett Firman if he can find a new club but they are also trying to re-sign Maroons utility Chris Flannery, whose stature in the game demands he earn a vastly increased contract.
In addition, Craig Fitzgibbon and Anthony Tupou have automatic upgrades in their contracts, while the club has
re-signed Brett Finch and Iosia Soliola and is negotiating with 10 other members of last year's successful Premier League and Jersey Flegg teams.
By contrast, Souths have more than
$2 million of contracts due to expire at the end of the season and are expected to snare Melbourne's Matt Orford and Steve Bell, while Anasta and Galloway are also in the club's sights.
With St George Illawarra set to re-sign Test prop Luke Bailey for one more year, Cronulla have set their sights on Mason and have released Michael Sullivan to Warrington and Andrew Lomu and Jason Williams to Canberra, while David Peachey is off to Widnes and Jason Stevens is retiring.
The Sharks are also in the market for a centre, but have baulked at the asking price of Brisbane's Shaun Berrigan and are looking to England where Wigan's Brian Carney and Mark Calderwood of Leeds are among a number of players keen to play in the NRL.
Carney's friendship with Matthew Johns is believed to be swaying him towards joining Newcastle, while Calderwood has been linked to Manly, who are yet to re-sign Chad Randall, Luke Williamson, Shayne Dunley, Steve Matai and Paul Stephenson.
). Perhaps my oppostition to willie coming toius for $500K is partly due to the fact that I believe we need berrigan more. I think the second centre position has been one of the most controversial and contentious positions this season, one only has to read the zuess/mellor/bailey threads on here to see that. and I strongly belive that players who WILL be here for sure next season, covell and simmons play much much better with quality centres inside ( stating the obvious).
