
Super League clubs were put on notice this week, as reports began to emerge that Wests Tigers were beginning a fire sale. The Tigers’ CEO, Shane Richardson, is rumoured to have flown to the UK to attempt to offload some of the Tigers’ under-performing stars, including England’s John Bateman.
Wests are set to sign superstar, Jerome Luai, next season. Luai’s significant salary means that the Tigers are essentially open to offers, as they attempt to navigate the restrictions of the NRL salary cap.
One of the players who has become available is livewire half-back, Jayden Sullivan. The highly-rated young half only joined the Tigers in the close season, signing a four-year deal worth around $500,000 a season. The Tigers are believed to be willing to release Sullivan from the deal to facilitate an exit.
Half-backs of Sullivan’s quality are in short supply. Therefore there will be plenty of interest from Super League clubs. We have identified three potential destinations if he does leave the Tigers.
Leigh Leopards

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Although Leigh Leopards are currently relatively well stocked in the halves, that is a moving picture. The club have suffered from a number of high-profile departures, and it is rumoured that the procession through the exit door is not over.
Star half-back, and recent signing, Matt Moylan was reportedly interested in a move back to the NRL, however, he has since spoken out to deny the rumour. Moylan has also spent time playing at full back recently, due to several injuries in the Leopards squad.
Lachlan Lam, who has been a key figure in the Leopards’ resurgence is being consistently linked with an NRL move. Head coach, Adrian Lam, refused to pour cold water on the rumours, stating he would not stand in his son’s way if an NRL move became reality.
This leaves the Leopards in a difficult situation. If they want to ensure they retain sufficient quality in the halves next season, then an early move for Sullivan would do just that. Bringing in a player of Sullivan’s calibre would ensure the Leopards against the departure of one of their key players.
They say a leopard can’t change its spots. However, this Tiger may be on the verge of swapping his stripes for the spots of Leigh.
St Helens

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St Helens suffered an unexpected blow this season, as it was announced that Lewis Dodd would leave the club. Dodd, who famously kicked the golden point drop goal to win Saints the World Club Challenge, will join the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2025.
Saints now face a decision on how to replace Dodd. Wellens recently outlined the options to replace Dodd. Moses Mbye is able to cover at seven, as is Jonny Lomax. Saints also have the option of promoting from the youth academy. However, Wellens did not rule out the possibility of bringing in an external replacement.
Sullivan would fit the bill well for the Saints. He would bring a running threat from dummy half and creativity to their attack which has sometimes been lacking this season.
Dodd’s departure may create a space in the Saints squad for Sullivan.
Leeds Rhinos

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Since the retirement of the Leeds Rhinos Golden Generation, the club has had something of a rotating cast of half-backs who have failed to live up to their predecessors.
Academy products Liam Sutcliffe and Jordan Lilley struggled in the immediate aftermath of Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire’s retirement.
Luke Gale and Rob Lui guided the side to a Challenge Cup triumph but never achieved consistent Super League success. Blake Austin and Aiden Sezer arrived to much fanfare, but flattered to deceive in a Rhinos shirt, before leaving in acrimonious circumstances.
Now the Rhinos are relying on Brodie Croft and Matt Frawley to try and capture the glories of old. Croft has had a good start to life at Headingley. However, Frawley has found things more difficult and was dropped for the Rhinos home game against London Broncos.
Frawley’s poor form gives the Rhinos a decision to make. Do they stick with Frawley, in the hope that things get better, or do they twist and sign a replacement? If they decide to pursue the latter option, then they could do a lot worse than moving for Sullivan while he is available.
