NRL clubs are already discussing a move for Jack Welsby.
The English fullback was sensational in both St Helens’ win over St George Illawarra Dragons the week before he stole the show in the World Club Challenge win over Penrith Panthers scoring a try, notching an assist and coming up with two try saving tackles which helped propel St Helens to the world title.
St Helens have the fullback signed on until 2025 but according to the Mole of Wide World of Sports NRL clubs are keen on him and would be willing to pay a fee for his services,
Now the Daily Telegraph has reported that NRL clubs, namely those with aging fullbacks, are keen on bringing Welsby to Australia.
They even have a cunning plan to get the fullback.
The suggestion is that an NRL club will offer him a contract for 2026, once his St Helens contract has expired.
Then, once he signs the dotted line lobby for an early release offering a reduced fee ahead of the 2025 season.
Alongside this interest in Welsby, there have been suggestions of interest in Lewis Dodd as well as Joe Batchelor.
Meanwhile, Sione Mata’utia recently confirmed in the Newcastle Herald that 2023 would be his “last year” in England as he looks to return to the NRL.
Now it is Curtis Sironen being chased by NRL clubs.
According to Fox Sports, after a brilliant performance in the World Club Challenge where he set up Welsby’s try with a superb break, several NRL clubs got in touch with the second-row about a return to the NRL.
Sironen is also in the final year of his deal at St Helens and a move to the NRL for 2024 wou;dn’t be out of the question with several suitors interested.
During the World Club Challenge, legendary commentator Andrew Voss revealed that Sironen was “bitter” about the way his NRL career ended.
He said:
“He is loving life at St Helens but he’s still bitter about how his NRL career ended making only six appearances at Manly Sea Eagles.”
