Former NRL star seeking shock comeback; Sharks veteran open to code switch: Transfer Whispers
Sharks centre Josh Dugan is open to exploring a switch to the 15-man game as he fights for his future.
Meanwhile a former Souths and Eels star wants to return to the NRL.
Read on for all the latest NRL Transfer Whispers.
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CODE SWITCH AN OPTION FOR SHARKS STAR IN LIMBO
Sharks centre Josh Dugan’s future is still uncertain and he admits he would consider a switch to rugby union if the right offer came along.
Off-contract at the end of the 2021 season, Dugan has found himself in and out of the Sharks side this season as he competes with Jesse Ramien, Will Chambers and Connor Tracey for a starting centre spot.
Ramien is signed until the end of 2023, while Tracey who can also cover wing and fullback as well as the halves, has inked a three-year extension that ties him to the club until 2024.
That leaves 31-year-old Dugan on the outer at the club with incoming coach Craig Fitzgibbon looking to create a more balanced roster and still needing to replace Chad Townsend who has signed with the Cowboys.
Ramien is out injured for a month giving Dugan precious game time to try and press his claims for a new deal in the NRL or in the rival code.
“I just wanted the chance to bounce back and I’ve got it now,” Dugan told Sporting News.
“I’ve just got to go back to what I was doing before the Bulldogs (game), before that I thought I was playing some good footy.
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NRL: Trent Robinson tells the NRL 360 panel that it will take a while to figure out the most effect tackling technique moving forward.
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“I’ve got to turn up and get back into some rhythm and some form (and) hopefully let my footy do the talking.”
With the Sharks no guarantee to re-sign him, Dugan’s preference is to stay in Australia as he looks for a new deal from an NRL rival or a rugby union team.
“I’d love to stay in Australia, I’ve said it before, after the last pre-season I felt like I can still give a little bit,” Dugan said.
“I’m definitely looking to continue playing. I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it, where it is, but I’d love to stick in Australia.
“I nearly went there (rugby union) a few years ago before I signed with Cronulla, it’s always been an option.
“I grew up playing rugby before I played league. It’s an option, obviously, it’d be one of the last options. But as a player, you’ve got to look after yourself and your family and get what you can while you can.”
Dugan has scored 79 tries in 214 games for the Raiders, Dragons and Sharks since his debut in 2009 and has represented the Blues in 12 Origins and the kangaroos in 12 Tests.
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Chris Sandow has not played in the NRL since 2015 but is eyeing a comeback.Source:AAP
FORMER NRL STAR IN SEARCH OF SHOCK NRL COMEBACK
Former South Sydney and Parramatta star Chris Sandow has put his hand up for a shock return to the NRL.
The Daily Telegraph reported the 32-year-old would jump at the chance to return to the NRL for a bargain price of $150,000 a season.
Sandow has not been seen in the NRL since 2015, but he still believes he has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
“I’ve still got something to offer and I’ve still got something to prove to myself,” Sandow told The Daily Telegraph.
“I just want that opportunity. A chance, that’s all I want. No club would regret it, no chance.
“There are things you just don’t lose – skill and knowledge. I could offer those to a lot of young guys who are a bit lost.”
NRL: Trent Robinson tells the NRL 360 panel that it will take a while to figure out the most effect tackling technique moving forward….
NRL: Trent Robinson tells the NRL 360 panel that it will take a while to figure out the most effect tackling technique moving forward.
Sandow played 159 NRL games for the Rabbitohs and the Eels since his debut in 2008, before a two-year stint at Warrington in the Super League that ended in 2016.
Since his professional rugby league days Sandow has lived in Moranbah and works in coal production.
Sandow believes modern rugby league has become too predictable and thinks he has the flair and skill to be able to bring new fans to the game.
“I want to play unstructured footy because it’s too structured now,” Sandow said.
“Once I do a full pre-season then it’s game over, I can let my footy do the talking.
“I found a lot of people don’t really watch the NRL these days because I’ve not played for many years.
“Once I’m happy – and you’ve seen me play — I play the best footy out there, I guess.”
Originally published asExiled star seeking shock NRL comeback; Sharks veteran open to code switch: Transfer Whispers
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