Chris Heighington is expected to announce that he has signed with Parramatta this week after Penrith and Sharks ruled out chasing his signature due to salary cap restrictions. The Panthers and Sharks were both expecting larger than granted caps in 2013 and it was believed Penrith had agreed to terms secretly during the 2012 regular season.
The English test forward will now either remain a Tiger or sign with Eels. With the departure of Gareth Ellis and a rift with rumoured rift with Adam Blair, it is unlikely Heighington will stay with the Tigers and sources claim that the Tigers lack of finals football will be the key factor. It is widely tipped that Braith Anasta will play lock at the Tigers in 2013, with Tom Moltzen at half and James Tudesco at fullback.
Parramatta have plenty of room under their salary cap with Nathan Hindmarsh retiring, Justin Poore moving to the Raiders, Justin Horo to the Storm and Ben Smith’s downgraded contract due to injury concerns, whereby Heighington will sign a three year deal believed to be worth $300,000 a season and expected to perform as a senior member of a talented, albeit young Paramatta Eels squad.
The announcement is expected Wednesday as the eels Board have scheduled a press release, but have not entitled their intention, as is usually the case when a schedule is formed so far in advance.
