Clubless NRL star has his say on potential Super League switch

Most of the big name free agents have locked in a new club for the 2023 season but one major free agent remains clubless and that is winger Josh Mansour.

A prolific scorer in the NRL for both Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs, he starred for Lebanon in the Rugby League World Cup where the out of contract winger expressed interest in a move to Super League.

However, he has now revealed that a move to Super League is off the table as he has to put his family first despite convincing his wife to come over to the UK during the World Cup.

“I experienced the country and the culture and I really enjoyed it,” he said on SEN Radio.

“I convinced the ‘missus’ to pack up our bags, head over and seek a new challenge.

“However, with a third child on the way, that kind of threw a bit of a curveball at me.

“I think I have to put that aside. I have to stay in Australia and stay close to family.

“My daughter is about to start kindergarten and there’s a lot going on.

“It would be too difficult.”

With Leigh Leopards signing ex-Leeds Rhinos prop Ava Seumanufagai yesterday, they have used their last quota spot meaning Salford Red Devils and the Catalans Dragons are the only teams with spots open for an overseas signing so the move had become unlikely.

Nonetheless, Mansour has been left frustrated:

“I’m not going to lie (but) it’s been a frustrating and hard couple of months,” Mansour said on SEN 1170 Mornings.

“It’s been difficult but I’m still trying to do my best to keep fit.

“I’m (training) mainly by myself which is difficult because you have to motivate yourself and write your own program.

“I’ve played the game for so many years so I’ve got that experience and knowledge so I’m just trying to replicate a pre-season as best as I can on my own.”