The Obstruction Rule

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Latest Sydney Roosters News

Ferguson meets with Knights

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The Blake Ferguson hype train might be leaving the station.

According to the Newcastle Herald, Ferguson today visited Newcastle to meet with Knights coach Nathan Brown, building speculation that they’re set to make the Roosters winger an offer.

The report indicates that while no official offer has yet been made, Ferguson’s former Roosters teammates at the Knights have been urging club officials to recruit the former Origin star.

Ferguson has played 180 first grade games for the Roosters, Raiders and Sharks, 7 Origins for New South Wales, and 7 Tests for Australia.

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Roosters linked to Woods, Ferguson to Knights

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According to a media report, rival clubs are targeting Bulldogs forward Aaron Woods – and they don’t mean by calling him a stat-padding ninny-muggins (though they probably do that, too).

No, rather they mean by targeting him for recruitment, and the clubs in question are the Sharks and the Roosters.

The Sharks have been open about their interest in Woods for some time now, but according to The Daily Telegraph, their talks with the Bulldogs have stalled – creating an opportunity for the Roosters to sneak in and try to nab him.

The report suggests that the Sharks remain the favourites, however the Roosters are clearly intent on adding another middle forward, having previously inquired about the availability of Sea Eagles forward Martin Taupau.

If you’re wondering how they might fit one in, it may be at the expense of utility back Blake Ferguson, who the same report links to a possible move to the Knights.

For what it’s worth, Roosters coach Trent Robinson denied the reports, saying they have “no interest at all“.

Woods has played 158 first grade games for the Bulldogs and Tigers, 14 Origins for New South Wales, and 15 Tests for Australia.

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Rumours Taupau could be a cap casualty, Roosters possibly keen

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In an interesting little piece of scuttlebutt tonight, Fox Sports reporter James Hooper has relayed rumours that Sea Eagles forward Martin Taupau could potentially be released from his contract early to relieve salary cap pressure, with the Roosters named as a potential destination.

Appearing on NRL 360, Hooper made clear that Taupau is still wanted by head coach Trent Barrett, however “if another club comes in and offers him massive dollars… I don’t think it’s out of the realms of possibility.”

To be fair, if Manly are able to get out from under Taupau’s contract, they should probably agree to the release before he changes his mind. Their tight salary cap situation is well known, with the club completely without adequate depth and unable to replenish it due to large, pre-existing deals with players like Taupau.

That said, this is nothing more than rumour at this stage, and should probably be taken with a grain of salt.

Taupau has played 117 first grade games for the Sea Eagles, Tigers and Bulldogs; 20 Tests for New Zealand, and 1 for Samoa.

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Sharks join race for Pangai Jr

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The race for boom Broncos forward Tevita Pangai Jr is heating up, with the Sharks now joining the hunt for the Tongan international.

According to Nathan Ryan on Fox Sports, the Sharks have joined the Knights and Roosters as potential suitors for Pangai if he decides to leave the Broncos.

Like the Knights – who have veteran forwards Jacob Lillyman and Chris Heighington off contract and over 30 – the Sharks have several forwards off contract at season’s end, including veteran Paul Gallen.

The report tips Pangai Jr to ultimately stay in Brisbane, however it’s worth noting that multiple bidders are likely to push his price up, and Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has resisted overpaying for forwards in the past (Petero Civoniceva springs immediately to mind).

Pangai has played 35 first grade games for the Broncos, and 3 Tests for Tonga.

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Roosters retain Mitchell

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Their opening match mightn’t have gone to plan, but the Roosters have moved quickly to give their fans something to cheer about; re-signing a trio of youngsters, highlighted by future star Latrell Mitchell.

Mitchell, centre Joseph Manu and lock forward Nat Butcher have all signed extensions that will keep them in the Eastern Suburbs until the end of 2020.

Mitchell has played 48 first grade games for the Roosters, while Manu has played 20.

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