The Mole: Roosters gun on R360 shopping list as Payne Haas setback rocks rebel competition
Talented Roosters centre Billy Smith is the next player set to appear on the R360 shopping list.
With Zac Lomax already as good as signed and the likes of Ryan Papenhuyzen and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck set to follow, the rebel rugby competition is casting its net wider.
And sources have told Wide World of Sports that Smith, a classy outside back who has overcome a series of terrible knee injuries, is the next player they will chase. The rebel code appears set for a major blow, however, with News Corp reporting that Broncos colossus Payne Haas is close to turning his back on the proposed competition.
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Haas has reportedly told a representative teammate he is concerned about R360’s financial viability – a point NRL boss Peter V’landys has been pushing in recent days.
Meanwhile, the 26-year-old Smith is signed with the Roosters until the end of 2027 – but Lomax has already shown that contracts – and the threat of a 10-year ban by the NRL – mean little when R360 starts throwing around the cash.
Daniel Tupou of the Roosters celebrates scoring a try with Billy Smith. Getty
His loss would be a blow to the Roosters, who have already been hit hard by rugby union in recent times. Star centres Joey Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii have defected to the 15-man code, Mark Nawaqanitawase is switching at the end of next season and in-form back-rower Angus Crichton has also been linked to union, having played the game in his school days.
No official approach has been made to Smith yet – but watch this space.
Lomax exit opens path for powerhouse star
While Lomax’s defection is a blow to the NRL, it’s proving a blessing to the Eels.
Coach Jason Ryles is believed to be happy to let the star winger leave, using his money elsewhere, with Souths and Kangaroos forward Keaon Koloamatangi believed to be his main target.
Lomax also wasn’t a popular member of the group, having left a contract early for the second time in as many years after his stormy relationship with the Dragons.
Lomax is a class performer on the field – but the Eels have plenty of good, younger players ready to fill his spot at a fraction of his wage.
Manly secure ‘bargain buy’
Manly may have come up with a bargain buy in former Dragons junior Jackson Shereb.
A 23-year-old edge back-rower, Shereb parted ways with the Dragons at the start of this year and had a standout season in the Queensland Cup under coach Rohan Smith at Norths Devils.
Shereb helped the Devils go all the way to the grand final and could force his way into the Sea Eagles’ NRL squad at some stage of the new season.
Big and strong, he has the ability to break the line and the kid from Mudgee will be one to watch.
Kalyn Ponga of the Knights. Getty
Viral Ponga picture causing ‘anger’ across the ditch
There’s been considerable anger across the ditch over the photo of Knights star Kalyn Ponga talking to Warriors recruitment boss Andrew McFadden.
The photo – as you would expect – went viral last week – despite denials from all involved that the Warriors were talking to Ponga.
The Warriors insist that the pair were simply at the same event, a charity lunch hosted by former Warriors star Sione Faumuina.
Now the hunt is on for who leaked the photo, hijacking an event that Faumuina had put a lot of time and energy into.
Organisers believe they know who took the pic and leaked it on social media – and it’s safe to say he won’t be invited to any league functions again.
