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
EELS EYE WOUNDED TIGER
Charlie Staines could be on the move with the Eels considering making an immediate play for the Wests Tigers flyer.
Staines is on the comeback trail after suffering a perforated bowel in a match against the Sea Eagles in April. The serious injury has halted his first season at the Tigers.
It is unclear when Staines, who lost 5kg because of the injury, will return to the field. The Eels are in the market for a speedy outside back before the August 1 trade deadline and Staines fits the bill given his ability to cover fullback and wing.
Staines only joined the Tigers from the premiership-winning Panthers on a 12-month contract. Since he has been sidelined rookies Jahream Bula and Junior Tupou have cemented their spots and fullback and on the wing respectively.
That was a horrible injury that Staines suffered at the hands of the Manly pack in a horrible post game toilet incident , I think he'd be a great ambassador for Pride Round and spokesperson for the potential dangers of Mardi Gras celebrations.
Hahahaha'
Charlie underpants Staines
No thanks.
Geez the Tigers run out of patience with players awfully quickly
Im a fan of Shit Stains.
Staines was going very well before he got injured. People I know at Penrith reckon he's an absolute freak but probably played 1st grade too early.
Yeah AE, i reckon you are on the money, i reckon he goes good too.
You can't teach speed, but you can buy it off bikies.
He'll go
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