Titans keen to snare Jennings

Updated January 09, 2013 18:52:56

Sydney Roosters remain in a strong position to snare New South Wales Origin centre Michael Jennings despite 11th-hour interest from Gold Coast sparking a potential bidding war for his services.

The Titans, in need of firepower out wide following the departure of Beau Champion, are desperate to lure Jennings north on a big seven-figure deal.

But it is understood the Penrith star is keen to stay in Sydney.

That means the Roosters may still be able to offer less to keep the 24-year-old, who appeared on the way to Bondi Junction at the start of this week.

Despite Jennings being on the outer with Panthers officials, Penrith still holds a key to where he will play in 2013.

He's currently on a $600,000-per-season contract but the Roosters are reportedly willing to offer less - $2 million over four years.

With Jennings and his management not interested in a pay cut, and the Panthers reluctant to pay any part of his salary elsewhere, the Titans could come up trumps by stretching themselves with a massive deal.

Gold Coast, which suffered from salary cap pressures last season, now appears to have room to move under the cap after releasing foundation playmaker Scott Prince and Champion, who has returned to South Sydney.

Jennings' signature would add a match-winning back to their list of potent Origin forwards containing Nate Myles, Greg Bird, Dave Taylor and Jamal Idris.

Captaincy candidate Myles was tight-lipped on speculation Jennings could be an off-season recruit but admitted he would be a more than welcome acquisition.

The Titans have fresh memories how the Penrith centre, sensationally dropped by coach Ivan Cleary midway through last year, returned from injury in round 25 to inspire a 36-22 victory at Panthers Stadium.

"Any club that Michael is going to be an asset to with his speed and agility," Myles said on Wednesday.

"He hurt us in the second-last round of the year just with his skill so we know what he's capable of first-hand."

At a Gold Coast junior rugby league promotion, Taylor also spoke of the boost Jennings could provide the Titans but was not about to get his hopes up.

Myles is considered among the favourites to replace Prince as skipper

"Don't get me wrong I'd really enjoy the responsibility ... but we're rich for players who can do it," Myles said.

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, bondi-junction-2022, nsw, robina-4226, qld, australia

First posted January 09, 2013 18:52:56

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Bulldogs snare Manly star Williams

Updated June 04, 2012 11:58:48

The Bulldogs have signed Manly back rower Tony Williams to a four-year deal beginning in 2013, ending weeks of speculation over his future.

Williams will re-unite with premiership-winning coach Des Hasler at Belmore after spurning the advances of his former club Parramatta.

The barnstorming forward - who is also capable of playing on the wing or in the centres - recently made his State of Origin debut for New South Wales in game one of this year's series.

He suffered a back injury in the loss to Queensland and is not expected to return for Many until round 15.

The end-of-season departure of Williams from the Sea Eagles is expected to free up space under the salary cap for the Brookvale-based club.

Williams has played four Test matches for Australia and 60 first grade games in the NRL, crossing for a total of 37 tries at club level.

Tags: sport, rugby-league, canterbury-2193, nsw, manly-2095, australia

First posted June 04, 2012 11:58:48

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Warriors snare Titans' Friend

Posted April 11, 2011 17:00:00

Gold Coast hooker Nathan Friend has kicked off the NRL player merry-go-round after agreeing to a three-year deal with the Warriors starting next season.

The 30-year-old will shift to Auckland in 2012, with the contract guaranteed for two years and containing an option for the 2014 season.

"We're really pleased to be able to secure a player of the highest quality in such a key position," Warriors recruitment manager Dean Bell said in a statement.

"It's not often anyone rated as one of the best in a specialist role becomes available on the market.

"Such players are usually well tied up, so for us to get someone as talented as Nathan is a real achievement."

His signing does not bode well for the future of current hooker Aaron Heremaia, who was one of only two Warriors players to appear in all 25 matches for the club last season.

The Warriors will be Friend's fourth club, after stints with Brisbane, Melbourne and the Titans.

"(The Titans) gave me the chance to establish myself at first grade level and I appreciate what they've done for me," Friend said.

"While my focus is on doing well for them for the rest of this season, I'm also pleased to have my future sorted out for next year and beyond. It's an important contract not just for me but also my family."

Friend made his comeback from off-season shoulder surgery last Friday night, where he came up with an astonishing 57 tackles in the 22-12 loss to North Queensland in Townsville.

- AAP

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