hmmmm
BRISBANE could head into next season with a bolstered forward pack after it emerged the club was interested in signing New Zealand international Jason Cayless.
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Cayless, who has returned to Australia after a highly successful four-year stint in England with St Helens, is expected to fly to Queensland this week to start talks with officials and undergo a medical examination.
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Brisbane football manager Peter Nolan confirmed the club had made an approach to Cayless's manager David Riolo with a view to signing the 29-year-old, who played with Parramatta and the Sydney Roosters before leaving the NRL.
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"I'm yet to hear back from his manager," Nolan said.
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"I am hoping Jason will be able to have a look around our facilities during the week ahead. We have still got some room under the cap.
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"Front row is a position that we haven't deviated from all year - if we can strengthen it we will."
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Although the Broncos have lost boom frontrower Dave Taylor to South Sydney, they still have Nick Kenny, Ashton Sims and Joel Clinton under contract for next season. Kenny, in particular, emerged as a quality forward this season and was rewarded for his form with selection in the Kangaroos train-on squad.
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Cayless, however, would add depth and experience to the Broncos. The New Zealand international has also attracted interest from the Wests Tigers and Penrith.
**The Tigers, who have already spoken to Cayless, are expected to announce the capture of Melbourne prop Jeff Lima in the coming days and are in talks with dual international Lote Tuqiri, who is weighing up whether to return to the NRL or play rugby union overseas, most likely in France.**
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Although he missed most of this season through injury, Cayless has played a decade at the highest level in both England and Australia. He won a premiership with the Roosters in 2002 and captured every prize on offer in England with St Helens.
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However, his time in the Super League came to an disappointing end this season thanks to a shoulder injury, which restricted him to a handful of games and ultimately a reconstruction. "We'll get our medical staff to have a look at him," Nolan said. "If he is fit and healthy, he will be able to do a job for us."
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The Broncos are also expected to complete the re-signing of captain Darren Lockyer for a further two seasons as early as this week. Lockyer has agreed in principle to the new deal, but is yet to put pen to paper.
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Meanwhile, Melbourne assistant coach Michael Maguire could be on his way to Wigan after the English club announced it had parted ways with coach Brian Noble.
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Maguire has been linked with the job for months, although recent reports suggested he may have lost out to the club's academy coach Shaun Wane.
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Maguire's fellow assistant at the Storm, Stephen Kearney, had also been linked with the post and held talks with Wigan chairman Ian Lenegan.
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However, Kearney has subsequently ruled out leaving the Storm before his contract as New Zealand coach finishes at the end of 2010.
Looking good regarding Lima and Lote here…
Plus... not sure how the article can be titled "Brisbane Broncos set to add Jason Cayless to pack" when the Bronco's haven't even heard back from Cayless' manager... VERY misleading... I still reckon he's ours...
