PARRAMATTA are set to release former Test prop Michael Vella to play out his career with newly promoted Super League club Hull Kingston Rovers - if they can secure a suitable replacement.
Vella, who last year overcame a battle with thyroid cancer, has another season remaining on his contract with the Eels but Hull KR are prepared to offer him a longer deal to be one of their marquee players in the famous club's first season in Super League after winning the division one premiership.
The 28-year-old Australia international is a former teammate of Rovers coach Justin Morgan and captain James Webster, and has often expressed a desire to have a stint playing in Britain before he retires. But his release depends on Parramatta being able to replace him, and it is understood they are waiting on a decision from another front-rower at a rival NRL club, who is also considering an overseas offer.
If Vella goes to Hull KR, he will be Rovers' first NRL recruit but the Humberside club has signed former Wests Tigers captain Mark O'Neill from Leeds.
Tigers hooker Isaac De Gois was also considering joining Hull KR but will instead play for Cronulla next season.
New Zealand Invitation hooker Rangi Chase, a former schoolmate of Benji Marshall's at Keebra Park High, has also been released to join St George Illawarra after the Tigers extended the contract of Junior Kangaroos rake Stuart Flanagan.
The Dragons have also signed prop Adam Peek from Parramatta.
Meanwhile, South Sydney Football Club has submitted a tender for the redevelopment of the leagues club, which is under the control of financial administrators.
Final tenders are being accepted this week and the Rabbitohs are expected to face competition from a number of property developers.
If Souths' bid is successful, a hall of fame will be established on the premises, similar to the museum being set up by fellow foundation club Sydney Roosters as part of its 100th season celebrations in 2007.
"I envy their situation and I would hope that we could one day have that as well," Rabbitohs executive chairman Peter Holmes a Court said.
"To have the financial strength of their leagues club to be able to do that is something I would like us to have."
In other news, former Cronulla hooker Matt Hilder yesterday pleaded guilty to assault in a Sydney court.
Hilder, 24, allegedly threw a plastic chair at a middle-aged man during an argument in Milba Road, Caringbah, on September 10.
Hilder, who has signed with the new Gold Coast Titans franchise, pleaded guilty to one charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in a brief appearance at Sutherland Local Court.
He will be sentenced on November 1 and is due at Titans orientation on the Gold Coast on November 6, with full training to resume a week later.
Brad Walter
