The Tigers have opened discussions with halfback Luke Brooks over a potential contract extension for 2023 and beyond.
Meanwhile, Souths star Cody Walker has put his contract extension talks on hold until after the finals series in a sign he may test his value on the open market come November 1.
Read on for the latest NRL Transfer Whispers.
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TIGERS IN TALKS WITH BROOKS OVER EXTENSION
The Wests Tigers have reportedly opened discussions with halfback Luke Brooks over a contract extension for 2023 and beyond.
The Daily Telegraph reported Brooks is keen to stay and work with incoming coach Tim Sheens and assistant and future coach Benji Marshall.
Tigers recruitment manager Warren McDonnell told The Telegraph a contract extension for Brooks has been discussed.
“We are looking at the future and are talking about numerous options and we broached the subject with his management,” McDonnell told The Telegraph.
“But that’s all – broached the subject. He’s not off contract until the end of next year. We are in discussions with numerous players coming off contract after next year and we are only in the early stages of discussions (with Brooks).
“Luke is one of the players whose manager we have spoken to but we haven’t put an offer to him and we won’t in the short-term.”
Brooks was linked to a move to Newcastle last off-season, but was denied two requests for a release.
The Knights have recently acquired Broncos playmaker Tyson Gamble to play five-eighth, but are reportedly still interested in Brooks as a solution to their halfback dilemma.
However, Brooks now is a chance to stay at the Tigers long-term given the latest development in his contract saga.
The sticking point will be his asking price with the Tigers looking to cut his salary significantly from the $1.1 million he is set to earn in 2023.
However, Brooks has said that his next contract call will be a selfish one made in his own best interests, so it remains to be seen if he will accept a dramatically reduced offer.
Still, Brooks, 27, could opt to accept a pay cut to finish his career at the Tigers, who he has scored 42 tries and 214 points for over 189 games since his debut in 2013.
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WALKER’S SOUTHS EXTENSION TALKS STALL
Souths star Cody Walker has put contract negotiations with the Rabbitohs over an extension on hold until the end of the season.
Walker signed a one-year extension with the Rabbitohs for 2023 last November and may again wait for the November 1 deadline to make his next deal.
South Sydney have three spine stars in Damien Cook, Latrell Mitchell and Walker all coming off-contract at the same time in 2023.
It is believed Cook is the closest to re-signing with Mitchell and Walker also expected to stay despite being linked to a move to the Dolphins.
Walker remains focused on a deep finals run with Souths ahead of their crunch clash with the Roosters on Sunday.
“I’m not in a state at the moment to be worrying about that (contract) sort of stuff until there’s no more footy games,” Walker told reporters on Wednesday.
“My full focus and all of my energy is going into this weekend’s game.
“We’re in a spot this weekend where it’s do or die and anything could happen. I’m not even thinking about (the long-term future).”
Walker’s halves partner Lachlan Ilias recently committed to the Rabbitohs with a contract extension.
The NRL salary cap is set to increase in 2023, which may be why Walker and his fellow Souths stars are waiting to maximise their earning potential after November 1.
Walker has openly said he loves the South Sydney club and wants to finish his career at Redfern, but waiting until the salary cap is finalised makes good business sense.
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