The Tigers have signed Randwick rugby union skipper Ben Houston to a train and trial contract for 2023.
Meanwhile, ex-Storm forward Darryn Schonig has his sights set on an NRL return with the Bulldogs.
Read on for the latest NRL Transfer Whispers.
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TIGERS SIGN RUGBY UNION CONVERT
The Tigers have signed Randwick rugby union skipper Ben Houston to a train and trial contract for 2023.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported Houston has impressed Tigers coach Tim Sheens as he bids to make the club’s top 30 squad, after being given an opportunity to test himself in the rival code.
Sheens is excited to see how the 23-year-old goes in the trials after a full-pre-season under his belt.
“Ben has a rugby background, he’s a good athlete. A big, rangy guy who is full-on in everything he does,” Sheens told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“The fact he was captain at Randwick and their leading tackler, I was happy for us to have a look at him.
“At this point he’s improving with every session. His attitude has been great, he moves well, now it’s just a case of giving him an opportunity and seeing how he goes in a game.”
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Houston has been soaking up knowledge from fellow Tigers recruit and veteran prop David Klemmer as he bids to make a success of his code switch.
“He’s been unreal and he’s almost taken me under his wing a big,” Houston said of Klemmer, per the Herald.
“He’s a terrific player and I’ve learned so much from him already. It’s also easier seeing a taller player do what he does, so I know where to put my arms and legs.
“My mates are at the age where they feel the contact from being hit in rugby more and are starting to knuckle down on their work careers.
“I’ve already got my degree to fall back on, so I really want to test myself and see how far I can go. The goal is to land a Top-30 contract.”
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FORMER STORM FORWARD EYES NRL RETURN AT BULLDOGS
Ex-Storm forward Darryn Schonig has his sights set on an NRL return with the Bulldogs.
Wide World of Sports reported Schonig has been training with the Bulldogs all summer after moving to Toowoomba to play for their feeder club.
The 26-year-old played seven games for the Storm in 2020 and 2021 and played for Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland Cup last season.
The former Australian Schoolboy is contracted to Toowoomba for 2023, but if he continues to impress he could force his way into the Bulldogs top 30 in 2024 and beyond.
KNIGHTS YOUNG GUN MAKES BRONCOS SWITCH
The Knights have lost rising centre James Johnson to the Broncos ahead of the 2023 season.
Wide World of Sports reported Johnson, who played in the Knights’ Jersey Flegg grand final team last season, is training with the Broncos top squad this pre-season.
The 22-year-old will play for Brisbane North in the Queensland Cup in 2023 as he bids to work his way into the Broncos’ top 30.
“He sees more opportunity at Brisbane and is just looking for a chance,” a source close to Johnson said.
