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The Roosters have reportedly locked in a key forward after months of speculation surrounding his future.
Meanwhile, a new marquee target has emerged if Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins fail in their pursuit of Cameron Munster.
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CRICHTON’S FUTURE SECURED
Roosters gun Angus Crichton is reportedly set to re-sign with the Tricolours, ending speculation surrounding his immediate future.
Initially, the 26-year-old’s two-year contract extension was said to be a handshake deal with no formal contract being registered with the NRL.
Crichton himself acknowledged the speculation has been “tough” but never considered playing for any other club.
“I think we are really close to finalising something, so hopefully in the next little bit I will sign on for the next two years,” Crichton said to 9News.
“It has been tough to have that hanging over my head and to get it sorted will be a massive weight off my shoulders.
“I don’t want to play for any other team.”
Reports linked the Origin backrower to a move to the Tigers with the Roosters’ salary cap facing a big squeeze.
The Daily Telegraph’s Buzz Rothfield revealed the immense cap pressure the Tricolours are under, with seven of the competition’s highest paid players on their books.
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“In 2022 they have got Tedesco on $1.1m, Luke Keary on $850,000, Joseph Manu ($720k), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves ($700k), Angus Crichton ($700k), Sio Siua Taukeiaho ($625k) and Victor Radley ($510k) for a total of $5,205,000,” Rothfield said on NRL360.
With the impending arrival of Brandon Smith and an increase in salary for young gun Joseph Suaalii, Roosters bosses now have to squeeze the remaining 21 players into what is left of their salary cap.
The departure of Ronald Volkman, Freddy Lussick, Daniel Suluka-Fifita and Lachlam Lam has opened cap space.
Sam Verills and Siosiua Taukeiaho are also set to leave at the season’s end, meaning the Roosters could have even more money to re-sign players for 2023 onwards.
DOLPHINS NEW MARQUEE TARGET
After missing out on a long list of marquee players, Triple M’s Ben Dobbin believes Wayne Bennett could set his sights on a new star — Latrell Mitchell.
While conceding he believes Munster will ink a four-year deal from 2024 onwards, Dobbin explained that Mitchell and Bennett’s relationship “runs deep”.
The NRL super coach mentored Latrell during 2020 and 2021, coming desperately close to a premiership last season.
“If they don’t get Cameron Munster, I’m going to throw you a smokey right now. I believe they will go after Latrell Mitchell… Wayne Bennett’s relationship with Latrell Mitchell runs deep,” Dobbin said on Triple M.
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Rugby League legend Gorden Tallis believed Latrell Mitchell has his roots firmly placed at the South Sydney club, explaining he is the “happiest” he has ever been.
“It is too far away from his farm, I think for Latrell, there is a bigger picture for him,” Tallis said.
“I have never seen a guy more settled and going back to the country and doing what he is doing, that is more important to Latrell now than money.
“I think he is the happiest (he has been).”
Fox League’s James Graham went on to make a huge claim, stating if Munster makes the move north, he will be “easily” the highest paid player in the game.
“Munster is a Dolphin, in 2024 I think Munster is a Dolphin,” Dobbin said.
“I think for Munster to go onto the open market… he will be the highest paid player in the game, easily,” Graham said.
“I think it will be a four-year deal,” Dobbin said.
“So that will be roughly around $6 million?” Tallis asked.
“Is he worth it? Yes, can he change the fortunates of a club? Yes he can,” Dobbin said.
“Can you put tools around him and will it attract other players? Yes it will.”
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