NRL 2016: Michael Gordon could join Sydney Roosters from Eels
May 27, 2016 8:00pm
Paul Crawley, Christian Nicolussi & Barry TooheyThe Daily Telegraph
PARRAMATTA fullback Michael Gordon could be on the move to the Sydney Roosters as early as next week to free up further salary cap space so the Eels can retain star playmaker Corey Norman.
In what shapes as a double blow for Parramatta, Canberra-bound Junior Paulo appears to have played his last game for the club with the barnstorming prop likely to be a late scratching against Newcastle on Monday.
And in an extension to the mid-season game of musical chairs, Paulo’s pending signing by the Raiders could see Newcastle pick up rising forward Mitchell Barnett, while young Roosters centre Brendan Elliot could also find himself on the move to the Knights if *Gordon’s release is granted.
The Saturday Telegraph can reveal Gordon’s possible departure is being talked about behind closed doors but there are several scenarios that still need to play out to make it possible.
While no deal has been done to release Gordon, it is understood the Roosters are keen to snap up the well-respected 32-year-old to help ease the pressure on young fullback Latrell Mitchell as he settles into the week-to-week grind of the NRL.
Gordon’s departure would also be reliant on the Roosters releasing Elliott, and the Knights being able to fit him into their already stretched salary cap.
While Parramatta have a ready-made replacement for Gordon in former Junior Kangaroo fullback Clint Gutherson, Gordon’s possible exit would still further weaken the Eels who have already had to let go *Nathan Peats to the Gold Coast.
Norman’s contract negotiations have been put on hold following his recent drug charge relating to allegations that surfaced at The Star casino last weekend. While the Eels would be reluctant to let Gordon go, he is off contract at the end of the season and a move to the Roosters would likely extend his NRL career following his shift from Cronulla.
Meanwhile, the next time Paulo lines up in the NRL could be next weekend when the Raiders play against Manly.
As revealed in The Daily Telegraph on Thursday, Canberra and Paulo’s agent Sam Ayoub were desperate for him to quit the Eels immediately.
Paulo was issued a police warning for consorting with convicted criminals, including former Nomad Paulie Younan and Rafat Alameddine on Friday night.
Ayoub stressed the importance of Paulo getting out of Sydney, and said during the week: “The purpose behind the madness in signing with Canberra when we did was to get Junior away from some distractions and elements, and I believe it would be in his best interests to make the move to Canberra now rather than wait until next year.’’
While it’s not understood Paulo has yet been granted an official release by Parramatta he has spoken with the coaching staff and the players about his intentions.
