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Cowboys deny Lui NRL recruitment
By Russell Jackson
19:31 AEST Wed Oct 19 2011
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The off-season NRL player merry-go-round is in swing with North Queensland distancing themselves from throwing Wests Tigers half Robert Lui a rugby league lifeline.
Denials over interest in Lui came as Cronulla moved closer to announcing the signing of troubled star Todd Carney.
The Cowboys were thought to be interested in signing Lui, who is tipped to be released by the Tigers after his court appearance on October 27 over the alleged assault of his girlfriend.
But when contacted by AAP on Wednesday, a Cowboys spokesman said as far North Queensland were concerned, Lui was still under contract and that he wasn't on their recruiting radar.
The spokesman said the Cowboys were happy with their stocks in the halves with the likes Johnathan Thurston, Ray Thompson and Ben Jones.
The Tigers are reportedly keen to keep Tim Moltzen and play him at halfback despite the talented playmaker signing with St George Illawarra.
The Daily Telegraph reported that NRL salary cap auditor Ian Schubert would hand down a recommendation on where he thinks Moltzen should play next year.
Tigers boss Stephen Humphreys will reportedly abide by Schubert's decision but was unavailable for comment on Wednesday.
While the Cowboys denied rumours of snaring Lui, Cronulla captain Paul Gallen offered to help mentor Carney should he join him at the Sharks next season.
Carney has been tipped to sign with the Sharks by the end of the week and Gallen made it clear he'd love to have him at the club.
He was also ready to lend his off-field support to the dumped Canberra and Sydney Roosters five-eighth and 2010 Dally M Medal winner, who has a history of off-field misdemeanours, often alcohol-related.
"I think I could help him a little bit," said NSW skipper Gallen after announcing he'd signed a new two-year contract on Wednesday that will keep him at Cronulla until the end of the 2015 season.
"I've had a few issues over the years and I'm probably no angel myself.
"Obviously, things haven't gone to plan for him but I just think he deserves to play in the NRL and I'd love to see him here."
Meanwhile, Sydney Roosters parted ways with veteran prop Jason Ryles who is tipped to join either Melbourne or St George Illawarra next year.
The Canberra Raiders signed former Test utility Shaun Berrigan on a two-year deal that will likely see him end his career in the nation's capital.
The 32-year-old Berrigan, who played 19 games with grand finalists the Warriors this year, has committed to the Raiders until the end of the 2014 season.
A 14-Test veteran, Berrigan has also played 15 State of Origin matches for Queensland and was the Clive Churchill Medallist in Brisbane's premiership win over Melbourne in 2006.
Raiders coach David Furner said he was looking forward to having a player of Berrigan's experience and versatility on the team with his ability to play halfback, five-eighth and hooker.
"His playing experience come game day is going to be important as he can cover a number of positions," Furner said.
By Russell Jackson
19:31 AEST Wed Oct 19 2011
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\
The off-season NRL player merry-go-round is in swing with North Queensland distancing themselves from throwing Wests Tigers half Robert Lui a rugby league lifeline.
Denials over interest in Lui came as Cronulla moved closer to announcing the signing of troubled star Todd Carney.
The Cowboys were thought to be interested in signing Lui, who is tipped to be released by the Tigers after his court appearance on October 27 over the alleged assault of his girlfriend.
But when contacted by AAP on Wednesday, a Cowboys spokesman said as far North Queensland were concerned, Lui was still under contract and that he wasn't on their recruiting radar.
The spokesman said the Cowboys were happy with their stocks in the halves with the likes Johnathan Thurston, Ray Thompson and Ben Jones.
The Tigers are reportedly keen to keep Tim Moltzen and play him at halfback despite the talented playmaker signing with St George Illawarra.
The Daily Telegraph reported that NRL salary cap auditor Ian Schubert would hand down a recommendation on where he thinks Moltzen should play next year.
Tigers boss Stephen Humphreys will reportedly abide by Schubert's decision but was unavailable for comment on Wednesday.
While the Cowboys denied rumours of snaring Lui, Cronulla captain Paul Gallen offered to help mentor Carney should he join him at the Sharks next season.
Carney has been tipped to sign with the Sharks by the end of the week and Gallen made it clear he'd love to have him at the club.
He was also ready to lend his off-field support to the dumped Canberra and Sydney Roosters five-eighth and 2010 Dally M Medal winner, who has a history of off-field misdemeanours, often alcohol-related.
"I think I could help him a little bit," said NSW skipper Gallen after announcing he'd signed a new two-year contract on Wednesday that will keep him at Cronulla until the end of the 2015 season.
"I've had a few issues over the years and I'm probably no angel myself.
"Obviously, things haven't gone to plan for him but I just think he deserves to play in the NRL and I'd love to see him here."
Meanwhile, Sydney Roosters parted ways with veteran prop Jason Ryles who is tipped to join either Melbourne or St George Illawarra next year.
The Canberra Raiders signed former Test utility Shaun Berrigan on a two-year deal that will likely see him end his career in the nation's capital.
The 32-year-old Berrigan, who played 19 games with grand finalists the Warriors this year, has committed to the Raiders until the end of the 2014 season.
A 14-Test veteran, Berrigan has also played 15 State of Origin matches for Queensland and was the Clive Churchill Medallist in Brisbane's premiership win over Melbourne in 2006.
Raiders coach David Furner said he was looking forward to having a player of Berrigan's experience and versatility on the team with his ability to play halfback, five-eighth and hooker.
"His playing experience come game day is going to be important as he can cover a number of positions," Furner said.
