The Sharks are leading the way to sign one of the game's most promising backrower's in Marata Niukore.
Currently at the Eels, Niukore - who is 188cm and weighs 102kg - is considered by the Cronulla recruitment staff as the man to fill the void of Luke Lewis, when he retires, possibly as early as the end of this year.
A former Junior Kiwi, Niukore is ready for the NRL but is stuck behind a plethora of big name backrowers at the Eels including Manu Ma'u, Tepai Moeroa, Brad Takairangi, Kenny Edwards, Tony Williams and Beau Scott.
I'd personally be gutted if he left, he is a gun prospect and deserves a chance at first grade this year!
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I honestly believe Marata and Ray Stone are the 2 best young players we have in our squad at the moment who haven't debuted. Both deserve a crack this year, id be gutted if Marata goes to the Sharks. Hope Parra can hold onto him
me
Cannot agree Chief; Marata is a better defender imo - Faingaa has a bit to learn.
We’re about to lose a bunch of second rowers so we better not let him go. Scott, Williams (wouldn’t re-sign him), Gower, Edwards out of favour. That leaves Moeroa, Ma’u (aging), Taka (who knows) and Stone coming through.
Couldn't agree anymore mate, with the likes of Scott and Gower on their last legs i'd defiantly be looking at Nikuore and Stone to take over once they move on. Even Tony Williams he has a lot to prove, unless he can get back to the form he showed at Manly he go jog on also.