NRL set for transfer deadline scramble

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NRL: Knights flyer Nathan Ross looked like he could have a spot in the Australian Olympic side with his impressive high jump, hand stand style crash over.

Up to a dozen high-profile NRL players are yet to secure a contract for season 2017.

UP to a dozen of the NRL’s most recognisable names remain without a contract for 2017 and beyond as the June 30 transfer deadline looms closer.

While the likes of Luke Keary (Rabbitohs to Roosters), James Segeyaro (Penrith to Leeds) and Joe Burgess (Roosters to Rabbitohs) have all confirmed mid-season singings this week, a cast of other players remain in the dark.

Players such as Luke Lewis, Tony Williams, Chris Heighington, Robbie Rochow, Benji Marshall and Mitch Rein will all look to finalise their futures in the coming months.

The Sunday Telegraph understands Lewis will re-sign with the Sharks for one season, but only if he drops his asking price.

Up to a dozen high-profile NRL players are yet to secure a contract for season 2017.

Up to a dozen high-profile NRL players are yet to secure a contract for season 2017.Source:The Daily Telegraph

Heighington is favoured to finish his career in the English Super League with Wakefield and other clubs circling for his signature.

It’s understood Sharks skipper Paul Gallen will receive a one-year extension, however the club won’t start any formal negotiations until after Origin.

Move west to Penrith and the men in black are currently assembling one of the strongest young teams in the NRL.

On the back of emerging talents like Bryce Cartwright, Nathan Cleary and Matt Moylan, the club recently confirmed the signing of experienced North Queensland and Blues prop James Tamou on a four-year deal.

Tamou’s arrival means the Panthers will have to juggle its salary cap.

Up to a dozen high-profile NRL players are yet to secure a contract for season 2017.

Up to a dozen high-profile NRL players are yet to secure a contract for season 2017.Source:The Daily Telegraph

While the club secured the services of representative winger Josh Mansour on a two-year deal prior to Friday’s win over South Sydney, a number of other players are likely to be forced out.

It is understood veteran half Jamie Soward is considering retirement, while the Panthers are currently working through the prospect of a payout for the former premiership-winning playmaker.

Soward has one year remaining on his contract at the foot of the mountains and has previously stated he won’t stand in the way of the club’s cast of young stars.

Jamie Soward is considering retirement.

Jamie Soward is considering retirement.Source:Getty Images

It may be busy times at Penrith, but their rivals Parramatta are currently hamstrung due to the salary cap scandal.

The Eels are still awaiting the final penalty from the NRL, expected to be this week, to know their position under the cap for next season and beyond.

This has restricted Parramatta from making official moves in the market, especially with off-contract playmaker Corey Norman.

To further complicate matters, Norman is awaiting his day in court over alleged drug possession charges.

The Eels have placed a verbal offer to off-contract Newcastle back-rower Robbie Rochow.

Rochow, who returned from a fractured arm against St George Illawarra on Saturday, has also received interest from Cronulla.

The Dragons have their fair share of off-contract players to finalise, headed by Marshall and Rein.

The Eels' Corey Norman is set to secure his playing future. pic Mark Evans

The Eels’ Corey Norman is set to secure his playing future. pic Mark EvansSource:News Corp Australia

It’s understood Marshall remains hopeful of signing a one-year extension at the Red V, which could become reality after Keary decided to join the Roosters.

Rein also looks set to re-sign with the Dragons, but only if he lessens his asking price.

All NRL clubs have until the start of the pre-season, this November, to finalise deals for their players.

Players off contract

Players off contractSource:The Daily Telegraph

Players off contract

Players off contractSource:The Daily Telegraph

Players off contract

Players off contractSource:The Daily Telegraph

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