Dragons look south to fill Soward void
Date April 19, 2013
- St George Illawarra may boast an English halves combination next season after expressing interest in Melbourne's Gareth Widdop as a replacement for Penrith-bound five-eighth Jamie Soward.
Fairfax Media understands the Dragons have had discussions with Widdop's manager, Paul Sutton, to lure the 24-year-old away from Melbourne in a move that could see him play alongside England halfback Rangi Chase.
It is believed the joint venture could have Chase back at the club as early as next week after officials from English Super League club Castleford said they would not stand in his way if he accepted an offer from the Dragons.
In the crosshairs: Gareth Widdop.
Photo: Getty Images
The Dragons, who confirmed the signing of Canberra forward Joel Thompson on Thursday, have plenty of money to spend in next year's salary cap, with Matt Cooper, Nathan Fien, Ben Creagh, Mitch Rein, Chase Stanley, Michael Weyman, Bronx Goodwin and Matt Prior all off contract.
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They haven't been active in the player market since Wayne Bennett joined the club in 2009, but they are after some high-profile signings for next year, and have shown interest in Cronulla's Todd Carney.
However, given the uncertainty around the future at the Sharks, the Dragons risk missing out on Widdop if they wait around for Carney to make a decision while he awaits the outcome of the ASADA investigation.
The Dragons have expressed an interest in off-contract Warriors back-rower Feleti Mateo, who has also been linked to former coach Ivan Cleary at the Panthers.
Sutton has been in constant deliberation with the Dragons over the past month in his dealings with Josh Dugan, but at the same time has been working with Dragons coach Steve Price and recruitment manager Craig Young to accommodate the Storm playmaker.
Melbourne have tabled an offer to Widdop but are waiting to hear back from their No.6 while he negotiates with other clubs.
While it is highly unlikely, the Dragons could have Chase back at the club before Thursday's Anzac Day clash against the Roosters. Castleford chief executive Steve Gill all but conceded losing the English pivot to his former club.
''There is an Australian club that wants Rangi and Rangi has said that he would like to go there,'' Gill said. ''We want to keep Rangi - he's our player - but ultimately it's going to be Rangi's call because we don't want to keep a player at Castleford Tigers who doesn't want to be here. If he wants to leave, then we'll make it happen and look at compensation.''
Kyle Stanley has also put his hand up to fill Soward's vacant No.6 jersey next year. "I definitely want to take that role," Stanley said. "One hundred per cent [I want that position]. I've played my juniors in the halves and I want to end up in the halves.
''[Soward] has done a good thing by his family. He has helped me with my game a lot. We are great, good friends. I was pretty upset when he told me. He has done so much for the club.
"He is going to leave a massive hole. He brings a lot to the team. He is our goal kicker and general play kicker. It's a massive hole
if Nathan Fien retires, too, they leave two huge gaps in the team."
Stanley has long been earmarked as an NRL star but injuries have hampered his progression. He will undergo his fourth knee reconstruction in two weeks after slipping in his backyard in November ending his 2013 season.
"I had the tunnel in my knee filled up with artificial bone and that takes a four-month heeling process," Stanley said. "I want to get this one right to get back on the field. We got a second opinion because the knee has failed twice and we needed to get it clarified."
Read more:
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...soward-void-20130418-2i32i.html#ixzz2QrJN7Iat
