The Rabbitohs have reportedly lured promising utility Jamie Humphreys from the Sea Eagles in what is one of incoming coach Wayne Bennett’s first moves.
Following the news that Dolphins back rower Euan Aitken is set to follow Bennett to the Bunnies, and Souths letting star hooker Damien Cook walk to link up with the Dragons from next season, the Rabbitohs have an eye to the future with the pick up of Humphreys.
The 22-year-old, who can play halfback and hooker, is Manly’s reigning Jersey Flegg player of the year and even though he’s enjoyed a strong season in NSW Cup, the Sea Eagles are willing to let him sign with a rival club according to WWOS.
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The reports of Humphreys’ signing with Souths come on the tail of Manly’s puzzling decision to leave the youngster out of their first grade side last weekend in the clash against, ironically, the Rabbitohs.
With Daly Cherry-Evans in Origin camp, Manly elected to play Luke Brooks and outside back Tommy Talau in the halves.
Humphreys meanwhile, starred in NSW Cup for Blacktown Workers in the No. 7 jersey, scoring 18 points, setting up two tries and running for 100 metres.
BULLDOGS MEET WITH COWBOYS HALF
The Bulldogs have reportedly met with veteran halfback Chad Townsend to discuss a deal for the 2025 season.
In the final year of a three-year deal with North Queensland, the premiership-winning playmaker is exploring his options for next season and beyond.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Townsend met with Bulldogs general manager of football Phil Gould and coach Cameron Ciraldo to discuss a potential deal.
Braith believes in Souths finals charge | 00:54
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However, the SMH reports that the Bulldogs will elect to stay the course for now with what they have.
Toby Sexton has been more than solid since coming into the starting side for Drew Hutchison, forming a strong partnership with in-form five-eighth Matt Burton.
The Dogs also have talented teen Mitch Woods waiting in the wings. Woods was one of the best afield in the Blues’ under 19 State of Origin win last Thursday night.
Townsend has also met with Super League side Catalans Dragons, who are in the midst of a recruiting spree, having reportedly lured Raiders pair Nick Cotric and Elliott Whitehead to the club for next season.
“Having someone like Chad in your club provides another level of guidance and footy IQ to the team,” Townsend’s agent Chris Orr said.
“Chad is playing some real quality football this season and achieving PBs at training, which is why he has attracted attention from multiple NRL and Super League clubs.”
Townsend isn’t the only player the Bulldogs have reportedly met with in recent weeks, with out-of-favour Roosters back rower Sitili Tupouniua sitting down with Ciraldo.
Tupouniua meets with Dogs coach Ciraldo | 00:37