Penrith and Canberra are locked in a battle to prise boom half Ethan Sanders out of Parramatta.
Sanders is regarded as one of the best young playmakers in the game and Sport Confidential understands that he has already spoken to the Panthers and Raiders as they look to add youth and quality to their playmaking ranks.
The Eels are confident they can keep Sanders, although his path to first grade is blocked by a pair of big names on lucrative long-term deals.
Dylan Brown, currently sidelined under the game’s no-fault stand down policy, recently signed a contract that could result in him staying at Parramatta until the end of 2031.
Moses also signed a multimillion-dollar extension earlier this year which could see him remain at the club until the end of 2027.
Sanders, named player of the match in the SG Ball final earlier this year, has already been likened to Cooper Cronk and rival clubs are circling with intent.
Penrith’s interest is noteworthy. The club’s current half Nathan Cleary is locked up for the long-term but his halves partner Jarome Luai has one year remaining on his contract and is likely to attract significant interest from elsewhere.
The Panthers’ cap is tight and they may not be able to match any offers. It makes sense to have a contingency plan in place and Sanders may be that man.
As for the Raiders, they are on the lookout for a half capable of filling the Jack Wighton void and forming a combination with Jamal Fogarty.
Sport Confidential understands they have also held talks about former Sydney Roosters half Lachlan Lam, but Sanders shapes as an investment in the future.
Parramatta are well aware of the interest and are doing their best to show Sanders he has a future at the club.
Replies
If he wasn't why would Manly come and get him and then fark me if he didn't get a run after 5 minutes being there.Half the flogs round here wouldn't know what talent looked like if it was staring them in the face for fark sake.
Canberra are the darlings of the NRL at the moment.
Warriors are getting raped here.
Atkins is still an incompetent dickhead
Triple M commentary were abusing the decision from Atkins, about time people brought it up. Bloke is not inept he is pleasing those in the game that want certain people to win. Ricky Stuart is a darling as he massages the media.
If they'd have broken a jaw or two then no bin
Wighton has consistently been an extremely grubby player and tends to get away with a lot.
Brilliant win by the warriors. Beat the ref and the Raiders.
Warriors are a very good team this year. Wouldn't be at all surprised if they're in the big one at the end of the year.
They look very well coached.
If Sanders is any good he will get the opportunity to force his way into first grade. If any of the three aren't happy they will simply move on. Sanders knows the form of our 6 and 7, if he thinks he has more to offer then show up. BA will tell him where he fits in the pecking order, then Sanders decides.
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