New Dragons coach Shane Flanagan is busy building the squad he believes can turn the club’s fortunes around and locking in a powerhouse back is the next piece in the puzzle.
He has also turned his attention to luring a rising Cowboys star to the Red V.
Read on for the latest NRL Transfer Whispers.
Watch sport this summer live with no ad breaks in play on Kayo Sports. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >
WESTS DRAMA! Nofoaluma skips training | 00:41
DRAGONS SET TO EXTEND SULI
The Dragons are set to lock in boom centre Moses Suli after tabling a three-year extension to the 25-year-old.
That is according to a News Corp report, which claims Suli and the club are close to agreeing to terms.
Suli joined the Dragons ahead of the 2022 season after being released early from his Manly contract.
The Tongan international was one of the Dragons’ best players in what was a disappointing 2023 campaign. He finished the season with two tries, six try assists and six linebreaks in 22 games while averaging 118 running metres per game. He also finished second in the side for tackle busts with a total of 75.
It comes after Suli created a stir back in March when he admitted he initially didn’t want to join the Dragons but said he had to “do what is best for me and my footy.”
The next day he was forced to clarify his comments, claiming his interview got “twisted” and explaining that his initial hesitation was due to having to leaving is family home.
“I love the club and loyal fans.” Suli said in March.
Suli’s new deal will keep him in the Red V until the end of 2027.
Nawaqanitawase set to ink Chooks deal | 00:30
MORE NRL NEWS
WHISPERS: Knights poach young gun centre from Panthers amid succession plan
MCKINNON: Big Latrell move Souths must make; call that will shape new-look Raiders
WHO SAYS NO?:Shock swap deal floated after Roosters confirm rugby star’s arrival
TRANSFER CENTRE: Manly star’s mega eight-year deal; Warriors sign Capewell
NEW ERA: Freddy’s advice for Madge after landing ‘complicated’ Blues role
RISING COWBOY ON FLANNO’S HIT LIST
Shane Flanagan has made no secret of his interest in Warriors star Addin Fonua-Blake, but he reportedly has his eye on another forward too.
News Corpreports Flanagan is also pursuing Cowboys second-rower Heilum Luki.
The 22-year-old has an option in his favour for 2025 with the Cowboys but is yet to take it up.
He is a genuine rising star that is expected to play Origin one day but has been forced to play majority of his NRL career so far off the bench behind starting edge forwards Jeremiah Nanai and Luciano Leilua.
The Cowboys have a fight on their hands to retain 19-year-old Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, whose impressive rookie season sparked the interest of several rival clubs.
Finefeuiaki comes off contract at the end of 2024, as does Chad Townsend and Tom Dearden. The club may struggle to retain them all — which could open the door for the Dragons to poach Luki.
