Few Super League sides have quota spots available but for those that do the talent pool just got smaller as two linked targets have been snapped up by NRL sides.
Penrith Panthers had been feeling the salary cap squeeze with the three-time consecutive champions struggling to keep their talent together, as seen with the exit of Jarome Luai to Wests Tigers.
They’ve now lost another key player in Zak Hosking who was released and allowed to make the switch to Canberra Raiders with immediate effect, likely set to serve as Eliot Whitehead’s long-term replacement.
There does however remain one Penrith player who could be destined for Super League and that is Luke Garner, the second-rower having been linked with a switch per The Mole of Wide World Of Sports.
With Warrington Wolves having just released forward Sam Kasiano there’s an opening at the Halliwell Jones Stadium meaning Garner could be the third NRL forward to link up with Sam Burgess’ side following Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Zane Musgrove.
For now though Garner remains an option for Super League sides as confirmed by his agent who revealed to The Mole that the forward had options in either hemisphere.
Despite those prospects of Garner remaining alive for Super League sides, another would be target that has been snaffled by the NRL is former Wests Tigers playmaker Brandon Wakeham.
The Fijian international is just 24 and has bags of potential and had all the hallmarks of a half-back who switches from down under and revitalises their career, just as Jackson Hastings, Brodie Croft and Jake Clifford have done in recent years.
Unfortunately though he’s now off the table as Manly Sea Eagles have signed Wakeham to play for their feeder team Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles where he’ll play in the NSW Cup.
Manly announced the news via a statement which read: “The 24-year-old half-back brings a wealth of experience to the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles team, who open their campaign against South Sydney on Saturday, March 9, at 4 Pines Park under new Coach Wayne Lambkin.”
Blacktown Workers General Manager of Football Todd Darvall said the Club was delighted to sign Wakeham, explaining: “When the opportunity came up to sign a quality half like Brandon, we didn’t hesitate to grab him.
“Brandon has played 40 NRL games through stints at Canterbury and the Wests Tigers. He has also represented Fiji in 10 Test matches.
“He will be a key asset in leading our Blacktown team around the field this season. His knowledge and leadership qualities will be invaluable.”
