The Penrith Panthers could be parting ways with prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard next year, with the Parramatta Eels hatching a plan to lure the international to the club.
NRL.com understands the Eels and Panthers have been in discussions about a potential release from the final five years of Campbell-Gillard's deal at Penrith.
While Campbell-Gillard hasn’t asked for a release from the Panthers, NRL.com understands Penrith have had a discussion in the past month with the former Kangaroos forward about his future.
Campbell-Gillard is on a deal worth more than $4 million over the next five years, a lot of money for a prop who they are currently using off the bench.
It’s understood the Panthers would be willing to chip in a portion of Campbell-Gillard’s contract if he was to attract interest from a rival club, however the length of the term could prove a stumbling block.
The Eels, who are also in discussions with Melbourne forward Christian Welch, are trying to bolster their front-row stocks.
The Panthers haven’t granted Campbell-Gillard formal permission to negotiate with rival clubs, however that could change over the next 48 hours.
Campbell-Gillard represented Australia on five occasions during the 2017 World Cup, going on to make his NSW State of Origin debut for NSW in 2018.
However, since breaking his jaw against the Roosters midway through last year, he has struggled to recapture his best form.
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary dropped him to the Canterbury Cup earlier in the year, and he has spent the past seven games coming off the bench since earning a recall to the NRL side.
Each club has been contacted by NRL.com on the matter but neither has made an official statement.
Replies
I live in Greece where there are similar atmosphere's but trust me people..we don't need this shit in RL.
Fans have been burnt, stewards have lost fingers with flares/ fire crackers going off.
I go one better i run naked across the ground of how first home game
Oh FFS. Do we take that risk ?
Api K, Semi, RCG, Welch and Capewell!! Fark, that'd be nice.
This Parramatta war chest that we speak of should give us a nice premiership window Mick and why not get Radradra back in blue and gold. We'd have a second forward pack in our backline with Semi, Sivo, Fergo, Waqa.
Yes well Dr Wong I still think Jarryd Hayne is as good as we was in 2009 lol
😂😂😂😂😂😂
Anything over 450 for RCG is madness and no way Penrith will pay over 50% of the contract
Absolute bull shit. The blokes worth what hes worth. Up until his jaw was broken he was the best prop in the comp with Klemmer Once he gets his confidence bcak fully, he ll be the same.
Furthermore with three quality props including Welch they could be played in a rotation situation where a different duo start each week. Not only would this keep them fresh but other packs wouldnt know what was comi g from one week to the next.