Cook Islands international Valentine Holmes is eyeing a new deal with the St George Illawarra Dragons as he prepares to hit the open market alongside a plethora of stars on November 1.
Entering the final stages of his playing career, the 31-year-old is preparing to enter the final year of his current deal with the Dragons.
A special edition of NRL 360 will break down all the latest November 1 madness, including Sam Walker and Hudson Young. Catch the episode at 1pm AEDT on Fox League 502 and stream the episode on Kayo Sports.
While the two-time World Cup winner was far from his best in clubland during this year’s campaign, he wants to remain at the Red V beyond next season.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
“I know I am contracted for next year but this year probably wasn’t the best personally and as a club,” he told AAP.
“I feel like your actions speak for you. I am all about now. I want to be playing good footy to earn my contract, not just because I played a certain amount of games.
“I want to prove I am worthy to play in the NRL.”
RABBITOHS VETERAN ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Adam Elliott has announced his retirement from rugby league due to a serious ankle injury he suffered earlier this years.
Hanging up the boots after 11 seasons in the NRL, Elliott racked up 180 appearances and scored 76 points during which he played for the Canterbury Bulldogs, Canberra Raiders, Newcastle Knights and the Rabbitohs.
He also played two matches for the Indigenous All Stars, represented Country Origin in 2017 and the NSW Residents side in 2015.
“Growing up my dream was to play in the NRL and to now have done that for over a decade is something I’m proud of,” Elliott said.
“Rugby League has given me so much, some of my best mates have come from playing footy, and I’ve got memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.
“Thanks to everyone who has played a part in my journey, however long or short the time was. It’s been an honour to have worked alongside some amazing people.
“I wouldn’t be here without my former clubs, the Canterbury Bulldogs, the Canberra Raiders and the Newcastle Knights. I’m extremely thankful to have called them home for the time I did.
“To the Rabbitohs’ staff, players, Members and fans, thank you so much for the way you welcomed me and have made me feel like I’ve been here forever. It’s an incredible club and I’m grateful my journey has finished here.
“I can’t wait to see how I can give back to the Club and contribute off the field.”
Rabbitohs utility Adam Elliott xSource: Instagram
TOUTED WALKER REPLACEMENT ADDRESSES FUTURE
Australian Kangaroos debutant Ethan Strange has broken his silence on reported links to the Sydney Roosters after the club withdrew their extension offer to his international teammate Sam Walker.
Preparing to wear the Green and Gold jersey for the first time in his career this weekend against the Cook Islands, Strange has rubbished the rumours of a link to the Roosters.
It comes as he was previously involved in the club’s pathways system before joining the Canberra Raiders and his sister Jasmin and father John are heavily involved in the Roosters’ NRLW side as a player and coach.
“I’m with the Raiders and I’m loving it with Ricky [Stuart], so I honestly have no idea what that’s all about … I don’t even know where it’s come from,” he said.
Quick to shut down the transfer rumours, he opened up on being a late call-up in the Kangaroos squad for the injured Mitchell Moses, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the World Cup.
NRL360 breakdown Walker negotiations | 01:54
MORE SAM WALKER NEWS
‘ALMOST INSULTING’: The moment Robbo called Buzz… with ‘staggering’ Walker reveal
LANDING SPOTS: Huge twist in Walker sweepstakes after Bennett’s big reveal
Speaking to media, he revealed he and his partner were in Thailand when he received the call from coach Kevin Walters.
“I was in Phuket with my partner, we were having a nice little holiday when I found out,” he added.
“We booked it because my partner is from the Central Coast like me, and she’s been in Canberra working all year in the cold, so we thought we’d go for a nice holiday before I went back to pre-season.
“I got a nice surprise call early in the morning when we woke up over there, it was a nice surprise.
“He told me if I come back, that I would probably get a game, so I was pretty happy obviously. I’m a 22-year-old kid and getting told you’re probably gonna debut for Australia is really special. I was ecstatic.
“We got an overnight flight, slept most of it, woke up and came straight to camp.”
EAGLES LOCK DOWN UTILITY
Manly has announced utility Brandon Wakeham has signed a two-year contract extension which will keep him at the club until at least the end of 2028.
The 27-year-old has been performing well in the No.7 jersey for Fiji during the World Cup and the Sea Eagles were keen to retain him before he could have gone to the open market from Sunday.
Coach Kieran Foran said Wakeham deserved a new deal.
“Brandon is the type of player every coach wants in their squad. His work ethic is outstanding, his attitude is first-class and he is incredibly tough and resilient,” Foran said.
“He has shown tremendous persistence to establish himself in the NRL and I believe his best years are ahead of him.
“Brandon is an incredibly talented halfback as we know, and he did an excellent job for the team last season adapting to a new role (hooker) in the middle.
“I think he’s been exceptional for Fiji in the World Cup, and we are really pleased that he will remain part of the Sea Eagles for the next two seasons.”
Wakeham said he was really enjoying his football at the moment, and loved life on the northern beaches.
“I want to continue developing my game and hopefully I can achieve some special moments with Manly over the next couple of years,” he said.
Wakeham will line up at halfback for Fiji on Saturday against New Zealand.
PANTHERS LAND NEW RECRUIT, RE-SIGN OTHERS
The Penrith Panthers have recruited versatile forward Liam Le Blanc on a one-year deal for the 2027 season where he will immediately join the club’s Top 30 roster.
Known for his hard-work in the middle of the field, Le Blanc arrived from the South Sydney Rabbitohs where he racked up 27 appearances since his debut in 2024.
“Liam is an exciting addition to our squad, with the potential to develop his game within our system,” the club’s GM of Football Shane Elford said in a statement.
“He also brings valuable experience and competition to our pack, and we look forward to seeing what he can contribute to Panthers.”
The club also confirmed the re-signing of Kalani Leuluai-Going and Tom Ale for the 2027 season.
Leuluai-Going made his club debut in Round 1 and went on to captain the NSW Cup side throughout the year, and led them to a dominant grand final victory over the Newtown Jets.
BEARS MAKE NEW SIGNINGS
The Perth Bears may still be on the lookout for a marquee signing, but that hasn’t stopped them from recruiting two highly talented young guns for their inaugural 2027 season.
A member of the 2025 Australian Schoolboys side, Filipe Fakauho has decided to leave the Sydney Roosters and sign with the Bears on a three-year contract through the end of 2029.
An explosive outside back who can play either in the centres or on the wing, the Matraville Sports High School graduate will look to lock down a regular spot in the starting team in the coming years.
Meanwhile, Wests Tigers back-rower Mitchell Taotua and former Manly outside back Blake Wilson have also joined the Bears.
Playing in both the NSW Cup and Under-21s Jersey Flegg Cup competitions, Taotua made 11 appearances this year in which he scored three tries, racked up 20 tackle busts and 219 tackles as well as averaging 73 running metres per match.
Wilson signed a one-year deal for the club’s first season in 2027.
Across his three years at Canterbury and one at Manly, he scored 14 tries in 30 NRL games.
“It’s a pretty special opportunity to be part of a club’s first year in the NRL, and I can’t wait to get to Perth and get to work,” Wilson said.
“I’ve always backed myself when I’ve had a chance in first grade, and I want to come in, work hard and earn my spot. To be coached by Mal and to help set the standards for this club from day one is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Dolphins nail down superstar fullback | 00:32
WINGER RETURNS HOME TO BELMORE
The Canterbury Bulldogs have confirmed barnstorming winger Jeral Skelton will return to Belmore on a one-year deal for the 2027 season.
After debuting for the club in 2023 and playing eight matches over two seasons, Skelton left the Bulldogs to join the Tigers, where he spent the past two years.
However, he found himself down the pecking order during this year’s campaign following the emergence of talented rookie Heamasi Makasini.
“Jeral has earned a reputation as one of the more powerful wingers in the game and will add valuable depth to our outside backs,” Bulldogs GM of Football Phil Gould said.
“He was a popular player during his previous stint at the Club so we know both the players and staff will be excited to work with him again.”
In 28 matches for the Tigers, Skelton scored 18 tries and averaged 128 running metres per game.
Kalyn Ponga set to return for Kiwis? | 00:51
V’LANDYS JETS OFF TO ASIA
ARLC boss Peter V’landys has headed to Hong Kong and China to help build the interactive footy theme park he is hoping to open in Sydney.
The facility is slated to be opened in Alexandria and rugby league fans will be able to interact with players simulated by AI as well as play four-a-side football.
The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting V’landys is in Asia with three of his senior staff members and is meeting with suppliers of giant television screens and technology that will be featured at ‘NRL Land’.
“It’s a theme-style rugby league world, where you’re going to have augmented reality and you’re going to have simulated players. You can speak to a player and he’ll be able to answer all your questions. It’s all AI,” V’landys previously said.
“You’ll also be able to play four-a-side in the venue. Stay tuned. It’s going to be one of the real attractions for the sport in the next five years.”
Hong Kong is also the favourite to host games as part of the NRL’s global round ambitions which V’landys wants to get going in 2028 after the success of the game’s opening round games in Las Vegas in recent years.
The game’s boss also hopes to host NRL matches in London and Tokyo.
Paul Chan Mo-Po, the Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, has announced that HKD1.2billion ($217 million) would be put into the country’s sports fund and some of that would go to attracting sports events to the new 50,000-seat Kai Tak Sports Park.