As the end of the season approaches so do the end of some player’s contracts with those who are just tied down to the end of 2023 having a handful of games left to put themselves in the shop window, as evidenced of late by the impressive form of Leeds Rhinos’ Blake Austin who jokingly called for CEO Gary Hetherington to ‘get the cheque book out’.
Austin is one of a number of star players off contract across Super League but the emerging transfer story at the moment revolves a man who actually has another year on his deal.
Sio Siua Taukeiaho signed for Catalans Dragons ahead of the 2023 season, joining on a two-year deal from Sydney Roosters along with fellow Rooster Adam Keighran, and with Keighran already confirmed to be heading to Wigan for 2024 it seems Taukeiaho could be heading for the exit door as well.
That’s because the prop has told the Dragons he intends to return home heading to the NRL, and there are now two sides interested in his services as he chases a third Grand Final.
He told the Daily Telegraph last week: “I’ve spoken with Catalans, I’ve let them know it’s my plan to come back to the NRL next year.
“I’ve won premierships at the Roosters and I think my experience can be helpful.
“There’s no issues with Catalans. They have been great, we’re leading the Super League and I would love to finish here with a premiership, but I believe I’ve got more to offer in the NRL.
“I believe I have a good two or three years left in me.”
Gus Gould’s Canterbury Bulldogs had tabled a huge offer of $500,000 per year on a two-year deal, whilst Wests Tigers have offered a three-year deal but at a value of $900,000 total instead per the Telegraph.
The Bulldogs are set to win the race it seems at the moment but whether Wests delve deeper and make an improved offer is unclear, whilst the Telegraph also reference St George Illawarra Dragons as a potential landing spot.
He’d revealed last week that a key desire behind returning to the NRL was the opportunity to pursue boxing after he retires, claiming he wanted to fill the void left by Paul Gallen.