The struggling Parramatta Eels are leading the race to sign four-time Penrith premiership winner Moses Leota.
Only hours after it was revealed that Leota had permission to talk to rival clubs despite being under contract for 2027, the Eels contacted his management.
Moses Leota could leave the Panthers. Getty
After another under-performing season, the Eels are desperate for muscle up front and hard man Leota would be an ideal leader of their young pack.
“They are keen to talk so we will sit down with them and see what they have to offer,” Leota’s manager, Gavin Orr, told nine.com.au.
“If it is a strong offer we will seriously consider it. If not, he will stay where he is.
“Moses loves it at Penrith, but he is 30 and will be 32 when he signs his next contract, so it will probably be his last contract.
“We just want to see what his value is and how he stands in the marketplace, and it was good of the Panthers to let him get in early and see where he is at.”
NRL rules say Leota can’t talk to other franchises until November 1, but the club gave him permission to do so.
Interestingly, several other Panthers stars – headed by Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo – were denied the same request recently, an indication that the club may be prepared to sacrifice Leota to keep its salary cap healthy and retain others.
Parramatta won’t have it all their own way however, with new clubs Perth (2027) and PNG (2028) certain to show interest in the veteran prop.
Perth have been granted a marquee player allowance by the NRL, while PNG have the lure of tax-free dollars.
Bunnies star eyeing PNG chance
South Sydney are in danger of losing much-improved hooker Peter Mamouzelos next season.
Word is the 25-year-old is in the sights of PNG for 2028 and will spend his ‘gap year’ next season under his old coach Jason Demetriou at the London Broncos.
Peter Mamouzelos of the Rabbitohs. Getty
Mamouzelos is still contracted to the Bunnies for next season, so the club would have to give him a release.
But with Brandon Smith now firing at hooker and some good young players coming through, Souths may well let him move on to free up space in the salary cap.
Mamouzelos has only played eight games this season in the top grade, but would be a handy addition for both the London Broncos and PNG with his NRL experience.
Raiders snag Kiwi young gun
The Raiders are bringing a promising hooker from New Zealand over to join their ranks next season.
Kayce Perese-Sukroo, who was named Tournament MVP at the Kiwi national titles, is a classy ball-playing 17-year-old who had several clubs chasing him.
The youngster saw his best career path to the NRL at the Raiders and after starring for the Warriors in the Harold Matthews Cup this year, he will start his Raiders journey in the SG Ball Cup in 2027.
Veteran Frizell’s future unclear with Knights
Tyson Frizell’s future at the Newcastle Knights remains clouded midway through the season.
Tyson Frizell of the Knights. Getty
Frizell has played his part in the Knights’ wonderful season, standing out in his 13 games in the top grade.
But the former NSW and Australian representative turns 35 later this year and the Knights aren’t sure about giving the veteran a further 12 months in 2027.
The club is wary of holding back its young talent. It’s the reason the Knights let in-form centre Dane Gagai leave to the Broncos next season.