https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/ha...ars-entering-open-market-20181031-p50d85.html
Hayne headlines list of unemployed stars entering open market
Adrian Proszenko31 October 2018 — 7:31pm
Just as the coaching carousel comes to a grinding halt, it’s time for the players to take their turn in the circus that is the open market.
Some of the biggest names in the NRL are officially free agents from November 1, signalling the first time rival clubs can approach them if they are in the last year of their contract. While a bidding frenzy can now begin for the game’s elite, the date also marks the first day that several high-profile stars are officially unemployed after failing to find clubs for 2019.
Chief among them is Jarryd Hayne, who will be a notable absentee when Parramatta begins pre-season training on Thursday. The Eels can’t afford to table an offer representing Hayne’s market worth unless they move players, despite identifying several big-name stars they want to part company with. However, coach Brad Arthur is hopeful a resolution can be reached.
“I’d like Jarryd to be at the club and we’re working through that,” Arthur told Fairfax Media.
“We’ll see where it gets to. The thing is Jarryd wants to play at Parramatta and we want him to play at Parramatta. He wants to play with his mates.
“He played some real good footy for us at the back end on the back of being fit and getting his body right. I’m sure he would enjoy the challenge of having a strong pre-season and doing that for a full 24 rounds, injury free.
“Him and the club are discussing it.”
Technically, Storm skipper Cameron Smith and South Sydney veteran John Sutton are clubless, although both are certain to nut out a deal with their current clubs before they are due to commence pre-season training.
Brisbane sensation Tevita Pangai Junior is another likely to stay put, although Wayne Bennett’s move to South Sydney – particularly if it occurs immediately – may prompt him to reconsider. Corey Oates and Matt Lodge are expected to remain at Red Hill, but the futures of Greg Eastwood, James Segeyaro, Marata Niukore, Mitch Rein, Lachlan Lam, Hymel Hunt, Robert Jennings and Sandor Earl are less certain.
Under the new contracting model, all clubs must lock in at least 24 of their top 30 spots by November 1, leaving some clubs room to make a play for free agents before their top 29 is cemented on March 1.
However, fringe signings could be put on the backburner in pursuit of marquee names. Some of the big names available for 2020 include Damien Cook, Luke Brooks, Valentine Holmes, Cooper Cronk, Dylan Napa, Clint Gutherson, Mitchell Moses, Corey Norman, Wade Graham, Shaun Johnson, Tariq Sims and Dylan Walker.
Melbourne playmaker Cameron Munster is also on the list, but he has agreed to terms on a three-year deal that will be announced shortly.
Now that the fate of the coaches is known, the horsetrading of players is expected to begin in earnest. The Warriors have told Johnson he isn’t in their plans and a potential player swap with Moses has been mooted.
Brooks is likely to be a priority signing for incoming Tigers coach Michael Maguire after finding form this season, Holmes is seriously considering moving back to North Queensland and Cook’s stocks have risen after an incredible season that resulted in him taking over from Smith as Australian hooker.
Just like the coaches, there is every chance that even those under contract could be on the move.
Bulldog David Klemmer is likely to head to Newcastle, Kieran Foran has been linked to his former mentor Des Hasler at Manly, and Parramatta continue to shop players in a desperate bid to sign Hayne.
There have been suggestions that Hayne, if a deal can’t be reached with the Eels, could switch to rugby in a bid to press for a spot in the Fijian team ahead of the Rugby World Cup. Former Wallabies coach John Connolly said it was a tough ask given the quality of the Fijian squad.
“It’s a stretch but not impossible,” Connolly said. “He has to be doing it for the right reasons, not because he can’t get a contract in league.”
Yet to sign for 2019
Jarryd Hayne: Wants to stay, put but Eels need to shed players to make it happen.
Cameron Smith: Certain to finalise a new Storm deal before pre-season starts.
James Segeyaro: Sharks hooker has been linked to a move to Canterbury, but nothing certain.
Greg Eastwood: Former Kiwi international still hopeful of one last NRL deal.
John Sutton: Hoping to remain a one-club man with a final year at Souths.
Tevita Pangai Junior: His short- and long-term future could be wedded to that of Wayne Bennett.
Marata Niukore: Set to remain at Parramatta after breakout year.
Mitch Rein: Hoping to secure another Titans deal.
Matt Lodge: Set to remain in Brisbane.
Corey Oates: Like Lodge, poised to stay put.
Sandor Earl: Likely to get another chance to make a miracle comeback at the Storm.
Big names off contract in 2020
Damien Cook
Valentine Holmes
Luke Brooks
Cooper Cronk
Shaun Johnson
Tariq Sims
Dylan Napa
Clint Gutherson
Corey Norman
Dylan Walker
