The Storm have reportedly landed their replacement for back rower Eliesa Katoa, signing Knights enforcer Jack Hetherington.
According to Code Sports, Hetherington’s move will be announced in the coming days with Melbourne powerbrokers utilising their salary cap relief.
The Storm were granted $600,000 in relief after Katoa was ruled out for the entire 2026 season, having suffered three nasty head knocks while playing for Tonga.
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He was hospitalised and required emergency brain surgery before returning to Melbourne, where the call was made to stand him down for next season.
Hetherington, meanwhile, has previously played for the Warriors, Bulldogs and Panthers but was without a contract leading into the 2026 season.
While Hetherington isn’t a like-for-like replacement for Katoa, he could be crucial in plugging a hole on the left edge under Craig Bellamy.
Craig Bellamy has landed his Eliesa Katoa replacement.Source: Getty Images
The Storm coach also has a history of improving back rowers, with the likes of Katoa and Shawn Blore emerging as elite forwards during their time in Melbourne.
Melbourne have faced significant challenges since the end of their 2025 campaign, starting with Ryan Papenhuyzen’s immediate release.
Jonah Pezet then made the decision to sign with the Eels and Broncos, while Katoa was also rubbed out after his nasty incident.
WARRIORS GUN ON THE MOVE
Warriors hooker Freddy Lussick is reportedly set to join the Panthers ahead of the 2026 season.
According to News Corp, the 25-year-old has been granted an immediate release, with his current contract running until the end of the 2026 season.
It remains to be seen how long Lussick has signed with Penrith for, however he provides hooker back-up for Mitch Kenny after the departure of Luke Sommerton, who joined the Titans after he was deemed surplus to requirements.
Lussick is the latest Warrior to make the move to play under Ivan Cleary, with the likes of Kalani Going, Toby Crosby, Tom Ale and Patrick Moimoi all joining the club.
The Panthers also have up-and-coming No.9 Billy Scott on their books.
Freddy Lussick is on the move.Source: Supplied
BLACK’S SHOCK RELEASE MOVE
Young gun Coby Black is reportedly pushing for an early release from his Broncos contract, desperate to begin his time in the nation’s capital in 2026.
That is according to Code Sports, who are reporting the 19-year-old’s management are reportedly set to make attemps to negotiate a formal release.
Black recently signed a two-year deal with the Raiders, which was due to begin in 2027 once his current Brisbane contract expires.
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart reportedly wanted Black to spend one more year being mentored by the experienced duo of Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt before he makes the move.
However, that situation has now shifted dramatically and Black reportedly wants out, eyeing a first grade at the Raiders in 2026.
Following the departure of experienced halfback Jamal Fogarty, Ethan Sanders is the frontrunner to wear the No.7.
Meanwhile, Black was considered the long-term succesor to Adam Reynolds until Michael Maguire recruited Jonah Pezet, who signed a three-year deal starting in 2027.
Stuart believes Black has what it takes to become a succesful NRL halfback, sparking a No.7 battle between the rising Bronco and Sanders.
Coby Black sweats it out during pre season training with the Broncos at Red Hill.Source: News Corp Australia
“I see a good organising halfback in Coby,” Stuart said.
“He plays on the ruck, we have a running style of team and I see him in a very similar style to Ethan Sanders (Canberra’s other halfback option)
“They both like to own the ruck and they have runners outside them.
“As we have shown before at this club, I’m not afraid to give youth a chance and then it’s up to them.
“I’m not a coach who doesn’t have the courage to play a kid. If he shows me he is physically and mentally ready, I will pick him.
“We will give Coby Black every opportunity to succeed.”
COWBOYS STAR IN DEMAND
A seven-club race has emerged for Cowboys gun Tom Chester, who has become hot property on the open market.
The 24-year-old is off-contract at the end of 2026 and his management has shopped him to rivals, according to Code Sports.
Chester is a versatile and highly-rated player, with the ability to play at fullback, in the halves, hooker and centre — but his career has been hampered by injuries.
He has ruptured his ACL twice, while also undergoing a knee reconstruction during the 2025 pre-season.
Regardless, The Sharks, Dragons and Rabbitohs are three clubs reportedly interested in his services.
The Cowboys are reportedly yet to table an extension offer but are confident he will remain at the club and re-sign for years to come.
North Queensland officials also reportedly have pulled out of the race to sign Sharks centre Jesse Ramien, baulking at his $600,000-plus asking price.
The Cowboys can’t afford to take on his salary, with Ramien set to be squeezed out of Cronulla’s backline due to their own cap pressures.
Tom Chester is being courted by several clubs.Source: Getty Images
DRAGONS INTEREST IN DOLPHINS GUN
The Dragons are reportedly interested in Dolphins gun Jake Averillo, who has reportedly been linked with an immediate switch to the English Super League amid a logjam of outside backs.
As first reported, Love Rugby League revealed several Super League clubs are targeting Averillo for a move abroad.
The 25-year-old is off-contract in 2026, which will be his third season at the Dolphins since switching from the Bulldogs in 2024.
However, according to Zero Tackle, Shane Flanagan has an interest in Averillo’s services, although no formal discussions have taken place.
Averillo has scored 53 tries and 39 goals in 125 NRL games since his debut in 2020, including 47 games for the Dolphins over the last two seasons.
However, the arrival of Selwyn Cobbo could see Averillo struggle to get a starting spot next season.
Herbie Farnworth, Jamayne Isaako and Jack Bostock are all also vying for spots in the backline.
Averillo can also play fullback and in the halves, but those spots are filled by Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Kodi Nikorima, while George Williams is set to join the club in 2027.
Throw in the mix young guns Tevita Naufahu and LJ Nonu — and the Dolphins have a log jam of talent.
Jake Averillo could be on the move.Source: Getty Images
TITANS LAND FLYER
The Titans have signed outside back Max Feagai on a multi-year deal, with new coach Josh Hannay continuing his roster rehaul of the Gold Coast club.
Feagai played a handful of games in the Dolphins’ top grade last season but the 24-year-old will continue his career for the Titans.
Since joining the Titans, Hannay hasn’t wasted any time in making his presence felt.
In recent weeks, the Titans have successfully been able to re-sign prized free agents Jayden Campbell and Beau Fermor while also letting David Fifita walk and releasing Reagan Campbell-Gillard.
Hannay is also lobbying hard to captain Tino Fa’asaumaleaui to stay put, with the starr middle reportedly receiving interest from the Storm and Perth Bears.
With Feagai, the Titans bolster their outside back stocks. There will be an opportunity for the Gold Coast’s new addition to compete for a starting job right away given Alofiana Khan-Pereira departed for the Warriors.
“We’re really excited to welcome Max to the Titans. He brings plenty of energy and adds good depth to complement our outside backs stocks,” Hannay said via a club-issued statement.
“He has shown great potential early in his career with schoolboy honours and given his youth, his best football is still ahead of him.”
Max Feagai of the Dragons runs the ball.Source: Getty Images
GRAY’S RABBITOHS EXTENSION
The Rabbitohs have locked up young gun fullback Jye Gray with a multi-year contract extension, putting to bed speculation he could join R360.
The 21-year-old has scored 12 tries in 32 games for the Rabbitohs since his debut in 2024 and is tipped to be their full-time fullback in 2026, with Latrell Mitchell moving to the centres.
Gray, who was off-contract in 2026, had been linked with a switch to the rebel R360 rugby union competition, but has put pen to paper on a three-year extension.
“The South Sydney Rabbitohs are delighted to announce the contract extension of exciting utility back Jye Gray for the 2027, 2028 and 2029 seasons,” the club said in a statement.
Gray thanked the club for their support and looks forward to repaying their faith in the coming seasons as he bids to become a regular first grader.
“I’m really grateful to Souths for giving me the opportunity to stay at this great club,” Gray said.
“I’m determined to repay the faith they have shown in me by putting my best foot forward over the next few years to help us achieve our goals.
“I love playing for this club and its Members, and I can’t wait to get back out onto the field in the red and green.”
Rabbitohs Head of Recruitment and Retention, Mark Ellison believes Gray’s new deal is a massive win for the club.
“Jye was the best player in the NRL competition for the first half of last season and his performances all year for us were outstanding,” Ellison said.
“His performances were so good that he attracted interest in his services elsewhere, however, he sees his future is at the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and that is something very exciting for everyone associated with the club.
“He is safe under the high ball, he returns the ball with great speed, his footwork is mesmerising, and his defence is inspiring.
“He is a great character around the team, he is a player that his teammates love to play with, and his coaches love to coach.
“We could not be happier to have Jye extending with us and we are all looking forward to continuing our work with him as his performances continue to inspire everyone around him.”
Jye Gray has signed a three-year extension with Souths.Source: The Daily Telegraph
ROOSTERS STAR LINKED WITH CODE SWITCH
Roosters star Angus Crichton is reportedly set to make a huge contract call in the coming weeks, with a cross-code switch on the cards for the gun back rower.
According to the SMH, Crichton has three options to decide between — stay at the Roosters, push to feature for the Wallabies in the 2027 World Cup or play rugby in Japan.
Tricolours powerbrokers are reportedly hopeful of extending the 29-year-old who is widely regarded as one of the best edge forwards in the game.
Crichton recently featured for the Kangaroos in Australia’s Ashes whitewash, but will now sit down with his management to make a decision on his future.
He is reportedly leaning towards returning to the 15-man code, with franchises in the Japanese League One competition reportedly interested in his services.
Australian Super Rugby clubs have also reportedly reached out to Crichton’s management, having previously been linked with the Western Force.
Crichton is also a valuable asset for Japanese clubs, having not played a rugby union Test match and therefore not being classified as a ‘category C’ player.
Players in that category are those who have played Test rugby for a country other than Japan, with only three allowed on the field at once.
‘Made the right decision’ DCE | 00:48
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Crichton is no stranger to rugby union, having previously played Australian schoolboys after coming through in the 15-man code for Scots College.
The Japanese rugby season runs from December to May, meaning he could theoretically make the move once his NRL contract expires at the end of the 2026 season.
However, should he want to push for a World Cup spot with the Wallabies, his best chance could be to remain on Australian soil and feature for a Super Rugby side in 2027.
