Perth Bears have shifted their attention to out-of-favour Canberra prop Corey Horsburgh after they were unable to reach a deal with Parramatta veteran Junior Paulo.
The Bears had scoffed at the $900,000 asking price for Paulo and their counteroffer was not enough to secure a deal. Talks had been ongoing for weeks, but it now seems unlikely Paulo will join the Bears next season.
Instead, Paulo is likely to stay at Parramatta where he still has a one-year offer on the table – the Eels are yet to rule out a second season but won’t commit to a deal for 2028 just yet.
The Eels would also want Paulo, who turns 33 in November, to remain at the club once he retires.
Perth are believed to be keen to secure Horsburgh with Bears coach Mal Meninga flying to Canberra to meet with the one-time Queensland forward on Tuesday afternoon.
Replies
Yep good. Gives us some experience that is needed, but also not blocking the paths of Ryda and Koina who are coming through.
I think the important thing for me is Paulo remaining at the club when he retires. He is a real leader amongst Polynesian boys so will be great for those younger Polynesian juniors
Mal's junket never ends LOL.
Free trip to Canberra to meet with Corey. Imagine the conversation between these 2.
This is a great deal for Junior. His immediate future post hanging up the boots is secured.
Horsburgh and Big Mal in a convo......one syllables will be the order of the day in that one!
Yeah keep it safe with paulo