https://www.theage.com.au/sport/nrl...erson-leilua-player-swap-20191029-p535hi.html
Ryan Matterson could head to St George Illawarra on a player swap with Luciano Leilua in a move that would result in the star forward taking on Wests Tigers in the opening weekend of the 2020 season.
Dragons officials met with Matterson’s management on Tuesday to express their interest and work through a range of scenarios with a view to snaring him.
Matterson’s future remains undecided after the Tigers granted him permission to speak to rival clubs despite having two years remaining on his existing deal. The 25-year-old has been excused from training commitments for “personal reasons” until his future is decided.
The Dragons, Eels, Rabbitohs and Titans are among the contenders for Matterson’s signature. However, the Tigers have made it clear they won’t part company unless they get a favourable outcome in the form of a player swap or financial compensation.
That could potentially be satisfied by Leilua, despite the fact he too is currently under contract. The younger brother of Joseph Leilua has made 43 NRL appearances after making his debut in 2016 but hasn’t nailed a starting spot in coach Paul McGregor’s side.
The Samoan international has shown glimpses of the potential that had him earmarked as one of the most promising young forwards in the game but could benefit from a fresh start.
Tigers coach Michael Maguire is assessing all of his options as several clubs attempt to offload players due to salary cap pressures. Cronulla playmaker Matt Moylan and Titans utility AJ Brimson are other targets the Tigers are considering as Maguire attempts to reshape his roster.
Leilua is an attractive proposition given he could help fill the void that Matterson would leave in the forward pack if the fringe NSW backrower is released.
The Dragons are also mindful that lock Jack de Belin can only return to the side if he is acquitted of rape charges. De Belin’s hearing is scheduled to begin on March 2, with an outcome expected just before the start of the 2020 season. Matterson is viewed as a strong addition to the Red V regardless of de Belin’s availability.
With preseason training set to commence for some clubs next week, Matterson is hoping to have his future resolved as soon as possible.
Souths are also a contender for Matterson’s services, particularly if Sam Burgess is forced into premature retirement due to his shoulder issues. How much the Rabbitohs will have to spend will depend on whether the club is granted salary cap dispensation for Burgess.
The transfer market is set to go into overdrive from November 1, the date from which clubs can negotiate with players who are off contract at the end of 2020. The big-name free agents include David Fifita, Jack Wighton, Latrell Mitchell, Jake and Tom Trbojevic, Cody Walker, Jai Arrow, Josh Jackson and Tyson Frizell.
However, there is likely to be more immediate movement as clubs tinker with their rosters ahead of their 2020 campaigns
