Former NSW prop Daniel Saifiti’s move to the Dolphins is on the verge of being confirmed after a breakthrough in negotiations with Newcastle.
It is understood that after weeks of protracted talks between the Knights and the Dolphins, a deal is close to being struck.
Saifiti is expected to have played his last game for the Knights after their 28-16 loss to North Queensland.
Saifiti’s impending exit comes as young back Tom Jenkins is granted a release and winger Enari Tuala edges towards a move to the Bulldogs.
The Eels are also expected to make inquiries around Newcastle hooker Jayden Brailey after Parramatta created salary cap space following the departure of prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard.
The NRL had to approve the reworked contract which will see Saifiti link up with the Dolphins until at least the end of 2027.
The final stumbling block was for the two clubs to agree on a financial commitment from the Knights, given Saifiti still had two years left on his rich deal worth about $850,000 a season.
Newcastle are expected to tip in about $200,000 for the next two seasons for Saifiti to play elsewhere.
He had discussions with the Dragons but those talks never eventuated with St George Illawarra hesitant to fill the gap left between what the Knights were going to pay and Saifiti’s expectations. He undertook a medical at the Dragons.
Saifiti travelled to Queensland last month to meet with Dolphins officials were it is understood he came to the realisation that his time at the Knights would end.
He knows incoming Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf from his stint at Newcastle – first as Nathan Brown’s assistant and then as interim coach for the final two games of the 2019 season.
The Dolphins have been on the lookout for a marquee prop to add to their forward pack for next season. They went close to securing Melbourne-bound Stefano Utoikamanu and have remained interested.
The Dolphins have already added rising Cowboys back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki with earmarked Saifiti to replace Jesse Bromwich who has retired following their final round loss to Newcastle.
The Dolphins hope to welcome back injured representative duo Tom Gilbert and Tom Flegler next year too.
Brailey is another Knights player who could be on the move. He has 12 months left on his deal with the Eels set to register an interest given their lack of depth in the dummy half position.
The Knights have Phoenix Crossland and have signed ex-Eels rake Matt Arthur to a three-year contract.
The 23-year-old Jenkins made five appearances this season but it is understood he will leave the club at the end of the season despite having another year remaining on his current deal.
Tuala, meanwhile, has scored five tries in 15 appearances this season but is off contract at the end of the season and looks set to join the Bulldogs
