Veteran prop set to go as Ryles’ Parra clean-out continues
Former Test forward Reagan Campbell-Gillard looks set to be the first big name to hit the road in new coach Jason Ryles’ clean-out at Parramatta.
The veteran prop has been told he is free to leave despite having another year left on his contract.
North Queensland are reportedly at the ready to add RCG onto their roster next season although the clubs may have to negotiate a deal over whether the Cowboys pay the full $750,000 remaining on the contract due to their own tight salary cap situation.
The Cowboys have released Valentine Holmes to sign with the Dragons and will also have Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Dolphins), Chad Townsend (Roosters) and veteran hooker Jake Granville off the books next year but they have several young stars they have upgraded to keep at the club.
Fijian international Maika Sivo and former Origin forward Ryan Matterson have also been told they are free to leave the Eels early while winger Bailey Simonsson has been re-signed for three more years as part of Ryles’ early roster overhaul.
The former Storm assistant coach is looking to strike back at Penrith after the premiers poached the club’s hottest young talent in Blaize Talagi.
Parra are in the market for Panthers rising star Isaiah Iongi, who broke into first grade this year and is considered an NRL fullback of the future.
He played in Round 22 win over Newcastle when Dylan Edwards and Daine Laurie were sidelined with injury but his path to the No.1 jersey would be much easier at Parramatta with questions over whether captain Clint Gutherson will stay in the role long term.
Only two players in Parramatta’s roster are locked in beyond the end of this season, in the form of Mitch Moses and Junior Paulo.
Others including five-eighth Dylan Brown have contracts for longer, but have options in their favour that they must decider whether to take up.