Tigers stunner: Ex-Test prop set to join rival club immediately — Transfer Whispers
The Dragons are set to add another forward to the fray on the eve of the NRL season, with the Red V reportedly close to signing Tigers prop David Klemmer.
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Klemmer was left out of the Tigers’ team for the second trial game in a row and it’s now been reported that in the background, the 31-year-old has been holding discussions with the Dragons according to Code Sports.
Given the Dragons’ interest in Klemmer, it appears the club is no closer to sorting out the issue regarding wantaway prop Francis Molo, who hasn’t been at seen at Dragons training since last month.
Molo is hoping for an early release from his deal after a disagreement with a member of the Dragons coaching staff.
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan called the Molo situation “a total mess”.
According to Code Sports, the Dragons can’t register a contract with Klemmer until Molo has been officially released.
Former Raider Emre Guler inked a contract with the Dragons last month.
Klemmer became expendable at the Tigers after the club added Terrell May and Royce Hunt in the off-season.
It’s unclear whether Klemmer will join the Dragons before the start of the season, but you’d have to think it’s short odds that he’s played his last game for the Tigers.
EELS’ $11M FIGHT TO RETAIN SUPERSTAR
Eels powerbrokers are set to face an $11 million battle to retain the services of star five-eighth Dylan Brown, with three clubs reportedly interested in tabling him long-term contracts.
According to Code Sports, Brown’s management have been sitting down with rival clubs with the possibility of a 10-year deal for the Kiwi playmaker being discussed.
The 24-year-old has reportedly been seeking a deal worth around $1.2 million per-season, which could mean bids could be in excess of $11 million.
The three clubs reportedly interested have requested to News Corp they remain anonymous.
However, the Knights have previously been identified as a suitor, hoping to partner Brown with superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga.
Brown’s current Eels contract runs through to the end of 2031, but a host of clauses allow him to exit the club early.
He has until Round 10 of this season to trigger his player option for 2026, meaning the representative star is hoping to decide on his future early in the 2025 season.
Parramatta powerbrokers are hoping that Brown remains at the club, but were unwilling to negotiate a new contract to retain his services.
Therefore, should he sign with a rival club, the five-eighth could be set to sign one of the richest deals in NRL history.
Brown’s management also previously have orchestrated bumper multi-year contracts for superstars Jason Taumalolo and Daly Cherry-Evans.
WARRIORS’ HAZELTON PURSUIT
The Warriors have reportedly jumped the Dragons as the favourites to sign Sharks prop Thomas Hazelton after he flew to New Zealand for a meeting with Andrew Webster and the club.
The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield revealed on Sky Sports radio that Hazelton is a good chance of moving to the Warriors in 2026 after his Sharks deal comes to an end in November.
“Newcastle was first cab off the rank, then the Dolphins had a whack, then St George Illawarra met with him and I thought they were the favourites,” Rothfield said on The Big Sports Breakfast.
“Then over the weekend he jumps on an international plane and flies over to New Zealand for a meeting with the Warriors.
“There is a few people there that think they might be the favourites to pick him up.”
However, Rothfield stressed the Sharks are still confident they can retain Hazelton, but he would have to accept less money than on offer elsewhere.
“I caught up with Craig Fitzgibbon last week and the Sharks chairman and they are still confident of keeping him,” Rothfield said.
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“But if he is to stay in the Shire, he is going to have to accept less money than what he can get from these other franchises.
“Is that the right thing for him to do? He is 26 years of age. He hasn’t peaked yet as a front row forward and Ithink he is at a stage now where the financial side of things is important.
“He will have a family and have to buy a house and all this sort of stuff. It will be an interesting one to watch play out over the next couple of weeks.”
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Blues coach Laurie Daley believes Hazelton is one of the most improved players in the competition.
“He just keeps improving out of sight Tom Hazelton,” Daley said.
“He does and I’m not saying he is an Origin forward, but at one stage last year he was in the discussion,” Rothfield replied.
“And he can find the try line and if you did have some injuries in the front row I don’t think he would be out of place coming off the bench at any level of the game.”
