In recent weeks we have seen Leeds Rhinos star Harry Newman, Wigan Warriors halfback Harry Smith and of course St Helens and England fullback Jack Welsby linked with huge moves to the NRL.
Welsby is apparently on the radar of three NRL clubs who would be willing to pay a fee thought to be in the region of $600,000 to secure Welsby who has two years left on his deal at St Helens.
These clubs are reported to be Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra Dragons as per the Mole of Wide World of Sports. The third club remains unnamed but based off previous reports it is likely to be either the Sydney Roosters or Canberra Raiders.
However, Welsby isn’t the only young St Helens star being chased by NRL clubs. Lewis Dodd is again on the radar of teams down under.
Dodd emerged fully in the 2021 Super League season replacing the injured Theo Fages as Saints’ halfback as they went on to secure a third consecutive Grand Final win.
The world was at his feet and he started 2022 in red hot form before a season ending injury but he started 2023 by making his mark in Australia by nailing the drop goal that defeated Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge.
Now, the Daily Telegraph are reporting that he is on the radar of a number of NRL clubs with the Telegraph saying that North Queensland Cowboys must sign the scrum half as they analysed their contract situation:
“Who they must keep: Tom Dearden – The Cowboys have tabled an offer to Dearden but it was short of expectations and he is expected to hit the open market, where offers are likely to tumble in. The Cowboys need to find a way.
“Who they must target: Lewis Dodd – the St Helens halfback has another year remaining on his contract in England but is already on the radar of NRL clubs. Word is he has his sights set on testing himself in Australia and the Cowboys may need some help in the halves.”
However, it has been reported by ROAR that NRL club Canberra Raiders would be interested in his services. They have lost Jack Wighton to the South Sydney Rabbitohs for next year as well as Matt Frawley to Leeds Rhinos leaving holes in their spine.
They previously targeted Lachlan Lam to no avail and could now have their eyes set on Dodd. Dodd is contract to St Helens till 2025 so the interest in him will only increase.