Melbourne is vowing to hold on to its biggest names next season, but NSW prop Brett White and several of his teammates have been given permission by the Storm to explore options with rival clubs.
The Australian understands an email was sent to White's management recently informing him it would be in his "best interests" to test the market, even though the forensic investigation into the club's breaches of the salary cap is yet to be completed by accounting firm Deloitte.
Storm football manager Frank Ponissi confirmed White was one of several players to have received permission to gauge interest from rival clubs, although it is believed that right has not been granted to the club's "big four" -- Cameron Smith, Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater.
"A lot of player managers have asked us where their players stand," Ponissi said. "I am unable to answer that question for them.
"They're saying to me that they're getting clubs ring them about players. The player that you mentioned (White) is one with quite a bit of interest."
Deloitte is expected to complete its investigation next week and it has been speculated the Storm is as much as $1.2 million over the cap for next season.
Given it will do all in its power to retain its marquee stars, it is likely to mean the departure of the next tier of players, including White. Canberra and Newcastle are among the clubs to have expressed an interest in speaking to the Blues hardman.
"I have had half a dozen clubs ring up and make inquiries about him," White's manager Steve Gillis said. "I have told Melbourne that. All they have said is if you take it further keep us informed."
While White could be on his way out of Melbourne, St George Illawarra has taken another step towards re-signing Mark Gasnier by having a proposed contract approved by the NRL.
Barring any late mishaps, Gasnier will be back at Dragons training next week, and make his debut against Penrith next weekend. His return to St George Illawarra is likely to squeeze Queensland forward Neville Costigan out of the club, almost certainly to Newcastle.
The Knights' signing of Costigan follows confirmation North Queensland prop Antonio Kaufusi had secured an early release from the Cowboys and would link with the club for the remainder of the season.
Former Souths big man Manase Manuokafoa has also been granted a release by North Queensland coach Neil Henry, who is understood to be keen to use the new-found space on his roster to draft in talented, though troubled, Tigers pivot Arana Taumata.
Kaufusi has joined Newcastle and gives the Knights some much needed depth in the front row after the off-season departures of Chris Houston and Danny Wicks and the long-term injury to Evarn Tuimavave.
Replies
the storm will offload other players such as white, finch, lowrie, blair and keep their high profile players....
melb has good juniours coming through and will put them in their side on little cash and keep ther "BIG 4"
Thats my opinion anyway, so guys dont get 2 wet over thinking cronk is coming here
Would love him to be an Eel but that is unlikely in my opinion. I think he'll still be a Storm player next year.
If any of the top 4 leave it will be Inglis to the Bronco's.
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