SHOOSH
Which club from north of the border is believed to have made a subtle inquiry about an international forward at a Sydney club last week. We’re tipping his current club wouldn’t stand in the way if they followed through with an offer.
SHOOSH I
Which highly-regarded sports official has had a second interview for the Dragons chief executive job. If he gets offered the position, it will be a popular appointment. He is a shrewd operator.
SHOOSH II
Which experienced NRL spin doctor is on the hunt for a new gig?
VOLKMAN CLOSES IN ON LIFELINE
Ronald Volkman has officially begun the long path back to the NRL after agreeing to join Jason Ryles at Parramatta this season.
Volkman was one of the most promising playmakers in the game before he was struck down by injury, and then caught in a contract crossfire that resulted in the NRL fining St George Illawarra over their handling of the matter.
The 22-year-old has been locked in talks with a handful of clubs, but Sunday Sesh understands he has landed on the Eels and will join the club initially on a season-long deal, although the hope is that his contract will be upgraded at some point during the year.
He still has to undergo a medical but the deal is expected to be confirmed imminently after a second round of meetings were held this week.
“Ronald Volkman is an exceptional half coming through the ranks, and after what happened to him this season he is ready to stamp his mark and the challenge of being an NRL player for a long time to come,” Volkman’s manager Mario Tartak said.
Volkman played five games across two seasons at the Warriors before agreeing to a deal at the Dragons, only for it to go pear-shaped after he underwent a medical. The Dragons were fined $40,000 by the NRL over their handling of the matter.
BRONCOS FACE FIGHT FOR SMITH CLONE
The Brisbane Broncos are playing a dangerous game with the hooker who has been earmarked to take them into the future.
Blake Mozer entered the final year of his deal on November 1 and rival clubs are watching closely given they can now talk to the 20-year-old, who played eight games last season and has drawn comparisons with Maroons and Kangaroos legend Cameron Smith for his style of play.
Sunday Sesh understands the Broncos are keen to keep Mozer, but the arrival of Ben Hunt has put a squeeze on their salary cap and they now have hookers in abundance given Hunt is expected to spend time there when Ezra Mam is cleared to return to play.
Mozer played all eight games off the interchange bench this season as he shared time with Billy Walters. However, Hunt’s signing is expected to lead to some departures as the club adjusts their books to accommodate his arrival.
Centres Kotoni Staggs and Selwyn Cobbo seem the most likely to feel the squeeze, with one expected to leave at the end of next season to balance the salary cap.
Mozer has been asked to remain patient but the longer the Broncos take, the more likely he is to have his head turned by a rival.
