It’s been a busy 24 hours in the NRL and two major stories have a big rippled effect in England as one English star has signed a new deal, whilst one overseas man has reportedly been made available to Super League clubs.
It’s also been suggested that England-eligible forward Max King, who was named in Brian McDermott’s 38-man England performance squad, could be a target for Papua New Guinea with the Chiefs keen on the prop.
Former NRL coach Shane Flanagan was among those to report that as something they had heard when speaking on Triple M Radio recently, with the Chiefs’ only current contracted prop being England and St Helens’ Matty Lees.
As for another Englishman down under, Dom Young has signed a new deal with Newcastle Knights that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2030 season.
Young, who left Huddersfield for Newcastle returned to the Knights last year after a brief stint with the Roosters and it’s fair to say that the towering winger is back in his element.
He has scored 20 tries in 23 this season with Young’s NRL try tally now at an impressive 93 in 115 games. Young will surely be part of Brian McDermott’s plans at this year’s World Cup and it’s now clear he’s part of Newcastle’s plans for the forseeable, having signed his new deal.
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NRL centre Adam Pompey free to seek new club
Another NRL outside back who is a talking point at the moment is New Zealand Warriors’ Adam Pompey with the centre reportedly free to speak with rival clubs, despite being under contract for 2027.
Pompey’s deal does not end until the end of next year but the Warriors, per The New Zealand Herald, have told the 28-year-old that he is free to explore deals elsewhere, and that’s seen options become available in both the NRL and Super League.
The 28-year-old has played 134 in the top flight down under, scoring 37 tries, but the Warriors have made outside back additions for 2027 already and that could see Pompey on the outer, hence he’s free to look at options elsewhere.
All 134 of Pompey’s top flight appearances have come with the Warriors, including 14 this year, during which time he’s also showcased his goal-kicking ability, going at a 75% rate on his 15 successful kicks.
No specific Super League clubs have been named but plenty would be keen to sign an experienced outside back, which makes Pompey an interesting late addition to the market.
