Manly are considering making a massive play for the world’s best hooker, Harry Grant, for 2028.
Grant is one of a host of players able to talk terms with rival clubs now November 1 has passed and will be in massive demand from at least half a dozen clubs.
Harry Grant and Cameron Munster. Getty Images
The Test hooker had an option his way for 2028 but has chosen not to take it up in a move that is set to trigger bidding war for his services.
But I’m hearing Manly, who have struggled in the key hooking position in recent years, will lead the race for the crafty No.9.
After a couple of under-performing years, the Sea Eagles are having a cleanout of their roster and will have plenty of money in the cap to make a real play for Grant, a marquee player capable of turning a club around.
Plenty of players are reluctant to leave Melbourne but Grant has already done so, having had a loan year at Wests Tigers in 2020.
Sources close to Grant have told nine.com.au he spent a lot of that time on the northern beaches – the heart of Manly territory – and enjoyed his experience there.
Promising rookie’s injury troubles over
A big boost for the Bulldogs with boom halfback Mitch Woods finally over the hamstring injury that prevented him from playing a single game last season.
The Bulldogs were so concerned about Woods’ injury they sent him to several overseas clinics in search for a cure earlier this year.
The youngster, who many believe will end up alongside Lachlan Galvin in the halves in the long term, has looked sharp at the start of pre-season training this week and officials can’t wait to see him in action in the trials next February.
“He’s a very special talent and it’s been a frustrating time for him,” my Bulldogs insider told me this week.
Tigers poach schoolboy star after messy exit
Talented utility back David Bryenton, who made headlines by walking out on Canterbury earlier this year, has signed with Wests Tigers.
Bryenton, who won the Peter Sterling Medal as the country’s best schoolboy player in 2025, joined the Bulldogs last season but quit after a dispute over the terms of his contract.
The young fullback from renowned Gold Coast nursery Keebra Park State High School has been in hot demand ever since and his move to the Tigers is a big coup for the club.
He is expected to start next season in the NSW Cup but don’t be surprised if he is in the top grade team at either centre or wing by mid-season.
Bennett adds to Bunnies depth
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett. Getty Images
The Rabbitohs have signed a classy Kiwi forward from Newcastle’s NSW Cup team for next season and his name is quite a mouthful – Tamakaimoana Whareaorere.
The 22-year-old, who is versatile enough to play prop, second row or lock, represented the Maoris at junior level before making the move across the ditch to the Knights.
Whareaorere played 12 games for the Knights in NSW Cup last season, scoring two tries and making numerous line breaks.
His skills impressed Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett and head of pathways David Furner and he will be one to watch in the trials early next season.