https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sp...s/news-story/848c08cd22a492226afd518d2838250c
Eels target Blake Ferguson and Morris twins
Parramatta’s search for depth and quality in the outside backs has prompted coach Brad Arthur to hold talks with Blake Ferguson and weigh up the merits of signing the Morris brothers from Canterbury.
The Australian understands Arthur met Ferguson last week — the former NSW winger is off contract at the end of the season and the Sydney Roosters are vacillating over a new deal despite the 28-year-old having an enormous season for his club.
The Morris twins are also on the Eels’ radar, although there is no shortage of interest in either player.
Canterbury could yet attempt to retain Josh and Brett given they now have some wriggle room in their salary cap following the departures of Aaron Woods and Moses Mbye.
It is understood the club has asked the twins’ manager David Riolo to be kept informed of negotiations and the door is not closed on making offers to both.
They will face competition. Parramatta hasn’t ruled out potentially signing the pair as a package deal — it is understood the brothers’ preference is to continue playing together, although circumstances may dictate that they finish their careers apart.
The Eels are working hard to strengthen their squad for next season, having disappointed this year when most thought they would challenge for the premiership. The club is in the midst of a wide-ranging review of its football department, although key officials have assured Arthur he will be the coach next season regardless of the outcome.
The review is largely focused on determining whether Arthur needs more support off the field but there seems little question the club could do with more quality on the field given the way they have struggled in 2018.
Heading into tonight’s game against St George Illawarra at WIN Stadium, the Eels are running last, having won only three games. Improving their stocks in the outside backs is one of their priorities, hence the talks with Ferguson.
The Roosters winger has been among the form players in the NRL this season — he leads the premiership in runs and run metres — although it wasn’t enough to retain his spot on the wing for NSW in the State of Origin series.
Regardless, Ferguson remains a player of Origin quality and the Eels are weighing up a move for a player whose behaviour off the park has often overshadowed his abilities on it.
His form this year has largely been put down to an improved attitude away from the training ground — Ferguson hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol since late last year.
The result has been a resurgent season with the Roosters and the club’s decision to delay talks over his future has left him open to offers from rival clubs.
Newcastle coach Nathan Brown has also spoken to Ferguson and the Knights remain very much in the mix for his signature. The Morris brothers are an entirely different proposition given both have always been clean-cut players off the field.
The greater concern with them is their age — they both turn 32 later this year — and the injury problems which have plagued them through the latter stages of their careers.
When they have played this season, their form has been one of the few shining lights in a Bulldogs side which has struggled to be competitive. As a result, they won’t be short of options.
The most intriguing, at least as far as Brett is concerned, could be St George Illawarra. The Dragons are yet to make a decision on veteran winger Jason Nightingale, although the sense is that he will retire at the end of the season.
Nightingale is one of the Dragons’ favourites sons, but so was Brett Morris before he left to play alongside his brother. St George Illawarra was asked whether they would be interested in England winger Ryan Hall earlier this year but Morris shapes as a more logical target should Nightingale decide to make this season his swan song.
While the Dragons are in the market for a prop and a winger, the Eels have plenty of cap room and are evaluating most positions in their squad. Their situation is only expected to improve given five-eighth Corey Norman is unlikely to be at the club next season.
Arthur has already spoken to Canberra utility Blake Austin — the talks were reported on the NRL website yesterday — and he shapes as a possible successor for Norman.
The club has also been linked with Wallabies winger Marika Koroibete while they are yet to make a call on Jarryd Hayne, with the former NSW and Test representative stating he will wait until the end of the season to make a decision on his future.
