An ex-Super League target has reportedly had a medical at a rival NRL club which could see an Englishman’s playing hopes diminish.
Former St Helens man Lewis Dodd looked to have locked down the starting position at South Sydney Rabbitohs after Greece international Lachlan Ilias was released and moved to St George Illawarra Dragons.
Ilias’ departure meant that Souths only playmakers beyond youngsters were Cody Walker and Lewis Dodd, making it a near cert that the former Saint would be backed as the starter by Wayne Bennett.
However, reports from Down Under have now revealed that former Super League target Jayden Sullivan has had a medical with the Souths, with the club keen to add the 23-year-old for the upcoming season.
Sullivan had been a target for both Hull FC and Salford Red Devils but the Wests Tigers man made it clear that he would not be heading to England, despite being wildly out of favour at his current side.
Former Super League target has medical with South Sydney Rabbitohs
Credit: SWpix
Wests had signed Sullivan ahead of the 2024 season but just nine games into his four-year deal, it seems the club want rid of him. Making that a lot more difficult is the $700,000 yearly salary that he is contracted to for the next three years.
It’s believed, per the report from The Daily Telegraph, that Wests would be willing to pay $900,000 of the outstanding $2.1 million, making Sullivan a $400,000 per year player for whoever takes him on.
Given that Sullivan has had a medical with Souths, it would appear that the Bunnies are one of the front-runners and that could be a major risk to Lewis Dodd’s playing time.
With Dodd’s expected playing partner Cody Walker aged 34, it could be that Sullivan and Dodd are the partnership for the future but Souths are still looking for depth in the position after Ilias’ departure.
Sullivan found himself behind rookie star Lachie Galvin, youngster Latu Fainu and of course, Wests’ huge signing of Jarome Luai.
Wests Tigers still have a cap problem with Englishman John Bateman who they are desperately trying to get off their books. The most recent reports suggest that he could be heading to North Queensland Cowboys for the upcoming season.
