Nathan Brown would swap Parramatta for Manly in exchange for Morgan Harper in a potential deal being considered by the clubs.
The Eels have given Brown, a former NSW forward in the last year of his contract, permission to explore his options. Harper is in the same situation at the Sea Eagles, prompting their managers and clubs to explore trade options.
A potential sticking point is the discrepancy in wages. Brown’s salary is about double that of Harper’s. Manly are also well stocked with back-rowers, given Haumole Olakau’atu, Karl Lawton, Ben Trbojevic, Samuela Fainu, Ethan Bullemor and Kelma Tuilagi all provide depth in the position.
However, there remains interest in making a deal if the price is right.
Brown was dropped from first grade last year but fought back to earn a spot in coach Brad Arthur’s team for the grand final. The Italy international continues to train with the blue and golds despite suffering a hamstring strain during the summer.
Harper was a staple in the Manly three-quarter line during Des Hasler’s second stint on the Northern Beaches, but will have plenty of competition for selection for this season’s opening clash with Canterbury.
Regardless of whether Harper arrives, the Eels are keen to retain Maika Sivo. The club has offered a contract extension to the Fijian winger and hopes to finalise a deal, most likely for two years, before the season proper starts.
Sivo is considered one of the most destructive finishers in the game after scoring 67 tries in 83 NRL appearances. There has been interest from rivals, but the 29-year-old’s preference is to stay put.
The signature of most significance for Parramatta, that of star halfback Mitchell Moses, has still not been secured. Moses, who had indicated a desire to complete a deal before round one, is considering a lucrative offer to return to Wests Tigers.
The Lebanon international said the biggest factor in his decision would be where he believes he is most likely to win a premiership.
Replies
Harper is HOPELESS. It'a a no from me.
Its not really about Harper. Its about releasing Nathan Brown to save his $650K " dwindling every week as we make salary payments" to offset and up our offer to Keep Mitch Moses.
Correct
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And yes harper is a dud
Happy to use Brown in a player swap but not for a dud like Morgan Harper.
We already have an average winger in Simonsson so we don't need another.
Harper? What a joke. Blood a kid. Didn't Talakai run over Harper like 3-4 times to score last year?
It's a salary dump for us. We get about 250k off the books
I thought the same. He got hooked at half time it was that bad!
Harper lol. I remember he was absolutely destroyed defensively in recent games. Against Talakai, he was taken off a half time for letting in so many tries. The vush coach is dreaming.
FUCK NO!
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