Dragons are trying to lure Dylan Napa from the Roosters

[Darkone]

James Hooper
The Daily Telegraph
January 30, 2015 12:00AM


ST GEORGE Illawarra Dragons have identified Sydney Roosters firebrand Dylan Napa as a priority target and are currently attempting to lure the future State of Origin forward away from the Tricolours.

Contracted with the Roosters until the end of this season, Napa, South Sydney’s English international Tom Burgess and New Zealand Warriors prop Ben Matulino are the most in-demand prop forwards on the NRL’s open market.

The Dragons aren’t the only club to have registered a major interest in Napa, with the Gold Coast Titans also in the race, trying to persuade the rookie forward to return home to Queensland.

Still at the Dragons, the New Zealand Warriors’ bid to poach Trent Merrin away from the Red V has been amped up, with the NSW Origin forward flying to Auckland to tour the club’s facilities last weekend.

When we spoke to Merrin a fortnight ago, the Dragons forward was hopeful of having his future decided before the Red V season kicks off against Melbourne at Jubilee Oval on March 9.

[milanja]

If he keeps giving away penalties for shoulder charging, then he can go.

[fletch]

POS/Canavan have a right royal mess on their hands at the moment with so many off contract stars to try and keep together.

will be interesting who out of JWH/Maloney/SKD/Napa/RTS/Tupou/Fergo is still around in 2016

in terms of order of priority I would have JWH/Napa/RTS as first in line

[John Corey]

POS/Canavan have a right royal mess on their hands at the moment with so many off contract stars to try and keep together.

will be interesting who out of JWH/Maloney/SKD/Napa/RTS/Tupou/Fergo is still around in 2016

in terms of order of priority I would have JWH/Napa/RTS as first in line

I think a lot depends on how Fergo goes Fletch. Let's be honest, if he grows up and plays to his potential, I think value wise to the team he could be up there with JWH.

[Bigchook]

I think skd and tupou are both gone. And as much as they've done a great job for us, they need to be recycled for the sake of the team. We have great young outside backs coming through. At the moment if we were to lose one big name player that we want to keep it could very well be rts.

[Tommy Smith]

I didn't know RTS was off contact at the end of 2015. In fact I'm pretty sure he's not.

And no way will Napa go to that basket case of a club the Dragqueens. From playing under Robbo to Mary? I don't think so.

The Titans are a different story if they come in with a silly offer around 500k.

[roostersrule2]

I didn't know RTS was off contact at the end of 2015. In fact I'm pretty sure he's not.

And no way will Napa go to that basket case of a club the Dragqueens. From playing under Robbo to Mary? I don't think so.

The Titans are a different story if they come in with a silly offer around 500k.

Indeed, I thought that he was off contract at the end of 2016? If he Isn't then JWH, RTS, Fergo and Napa should be the first re-signed. Hopefully there is enough cap space for either Toops or SKD.

[Guest]

JWH 4 years then Maloney 3 years then RTS 3 years. if fergo goes well toups and skd can go. indifferent about napa if we get merrin. would prefer napa though

not sure why everyone is flicking maloney he is all class and a great goal kicker

[Roostarz]

The RTS contract situation was brought up weeks ago and the Roosters confirmed his contracts ends this year.

[roostersrule2]

JWH 4 years then Maloney 3 years then RTS 3 years. if fergo goes well toups and skd can go. indifferent about napa if we get merrin. would prefer napa though

not sure why everyone is flicking maloney he is all class and a great goal kicker

Because Hastings is coming through the grades and will command a lot less cash and is much younger. Maloney is 28/29 he could sign a 3 year contract at a lesser club and be on decent coin.

If we want to retain the bulk of our players he and SKD are the first to go.

[rwbfl]

I think of all the players off contract this season, keeping JWH and RTS should be the main priorities as they would be the hardest players to replace. JWH is one of the leading front rowers in the competition whilst not many others have the footwork and strike power of RTS.

If the dragons offer Napa a decent deal then imo we shouldn't stand in his way. We have the likes of Evans, Liu and Kennedy ready to rotate with Moa and JWH so losing Napa wouldn't be an overly big deal.

[Darkone]

Napalm is a nutter
If we lose him there is no one who creates distraction the way he does while the pack gets the business done

If Evans or Meehan stand up
well then good bye Nap's

[Thirteen]

Willis can take his spot.

[Guest]

Willis can take his spot.

Let's hope Willis stays in league 13 he's a special talent.

[bondi paul]

time for mr.napalm to step up this year and add variety to his game and increase his speed.going into his 3rd season now in top grade and needs to be more than one dimensional.