The Wests Tigers could be on the cusp of yet another rejection from a playmaker as a rival club makes an 11th hour play for Jayden Sullivan.
The Tigers – who have recently missed out on halves Cameron Munster, Mitchell Moses, Mitchell Pearce and Brodie Croft to name a few – gave Dragons young gun Sullivan a tour of their facilities last week, but they now face a nervous wait.
But Sullivan will meet with the Knights on Thursday before making a final decision on where he’ll play in 2024.
Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >>>
FOX LEAGUE PODCAST – YVONNE SAMPSON
Fox League presenter Yvonne Sampson joins the podcast this week to celebrate Women in League Round. ‘Vonny’ looks back over her journey in media — from covering pigeon races in rural Queensland to hosting the coverage of some of the biggest events in Australian sport.Listen NOW >
“It’s an interesting one guys because as we know, Jayden Sullivan met with the Wests Tigers and every camera in town was there,” Dave Riccio said on NRL 360.
“I can tell you that Jayden Sullivan is set to miss with the Newcastle Knights once they return from Perth.
“What’s interesting is Jack Cogger, currently at the Panthers, will be announced on a three-year deal at Newcastle tomorrow.
“So they’ve picked up Cogger, who was formerly with the Knights, he’ll return next season on a three-year deal which is a fair old deal for a player who we know is a back-up half.
“But they also want to meet with Jayden Sullivan, that’s a bit of a warning shot over the bow for the current halves that are there.
MORE NRL NEWS
JUDICIARY: Holmes slapped with huge ban after bizarre defence; de Belin also loses
NRL’S BIGGEST JOB: Calls for Walters to win coach of the year over rookie revelation
‘WIPE CAREERS’: Slater joins Smith defending Storm celebrating stripped NRL titles
ANALYSIS: Wayne’s changes as stars face nervous wait amid cruel Sharks blow
“Adam Clune is coming off contract this year, Phoenix Crossland, Tyson Gamble next year, there’s a lot of movement going on at Newcastle.”
Newcastle halfback Jackson Hastings is also contracted until the end of 2025 and Braith Anasta believes Sullivan will end up at the Tigers.
“I spoke to someone involved in recruitment at the Wests Tigers this afternoon and to me it sounded like they’ve got him, they’ve got Bud Sullivan,” Anasta said.
“They’ve had players in the past too,” Riccio hit back sarcastically.
Dearden offered $2M deal with Cowboys | 02:54
MORE NRL NEWS
RESERVES WRAP: Dogs’ $800k boost after five-month hiatus; Manly’s injury solution
WHISPERS: Three-club race for Roosters utility emerges amid shock Dogs meeting
‘IT’S A WASTE OF MONEY’: Debate erupts over ‘unfair’ Suaalii claim
“There’s no doubt about that, but they were very confident, I’m just telling you what I heard,” Anasta said.
“Looks the Tigers are definitely still front runners but it’s interesting the Knights still want to meet with him. I did ask if the Cogger deal would have any impact on meeting Sullivan and the answer was no they said they still want to meet him,” Riccio responded.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
