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Wests Tigers have emerged as the shock new favourites to sign former Wallaby outside back Lote Tuqiri.
The Daily Telegraph reported Tuqiri and Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens held further talks on Thursday after opening discussions earlier in the week.
The move indicates Tuqiri is now ready to make a return to the NRL.
Sources close to the Tigers claim Tuqiri is keen on signing with the club although he has also attracted strong interest from French rugby union clubs.
Tuqiri was sacked by the Australian Rugby Union last month -- losing a $2 million contact -- and has commenced legal proceedings against the ARU for unfair dismissal. The case is set to return to court next month.
A former Brisbane Broncos, Queensland and Kangaroos winger, Tuqiri could not expect an NRL deal worth any more than $200,000 a season.
But he has told friends he wants to play in the NRL again.
"I know Tim has spoken to Lote on the phone earlier this week," Wests Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys said. "They were looking to hook up.
"We were looking to start (discussions) this week but it may take a little while. We have to find out whether Lote is interested in playing in the NRL.
"If there is interest from both sides, maybe we can sit down and sort something out that both sides would be comfortable with."
Tuqiri plays club rugby with Wests Harbour, who share the same training ground as the Tigers, Concord Oval.
"I have said before we would definitely be interested if there was interest from both parties," Humphreys said.
"I think it is important for Lote to do what he wants to do because he has been through a bit lately.
"He has taken time out to spend with his family."
The Daily Telegraph reported Tuqiri and Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens held further talks on Thursday after opening discussions earlier in the week.
The move indicates Tuqiri is now ready to make a return to the NRL.
Sources close to the Tigers claim Tuqiri is keen on signing with the club although he has also attracted strong interest from French rugby union clubs.
Tuqiri was sacked by the Australian Rugby Union last month -- losing a $2 million contact -- and has commenced legal proceedings against the ARU for unfair dismissal. The case is set to return to court next month.
A former Brisbane Broncos, Queensland and Kangaroos winger, Tuqiri could not expect an NRL deal worth any more than $200,000 a season.
But he has told friends he wants to play in the NRL again.
"I know Tim has spoken to Lote on the phone earlier this week," Wests Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys said. "They were looking to hook up.
"We were looking to start (discussions) this week but it may take a little while. We have to find out whether Lote is interested in playing in the NRL.
"If there is interest from both sides, maybe we can sit down and sort something out that both sides would be comfortable with."
Tuqiri plays club rugby with Wests Harbour, who share the same training ground as the Tigers, Concord Oval.
"I have said before we would definitely be interested if there was interest from both parties," Humphreys said.
"I think it is important for Lote to do what he wants to do because he has been through a bit lately.
"He has taken time out to spend with his family."
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