**Penrith Panthers target Wests Tigers stars Chris Heighington and Beau Ryan
Josh Massoud and James Phelps
From: The Daily Telegraph
June 24, 2011 12:00AM**
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THEY had to pull out all the stops to keep Penrith's claws off coach Tim Sheens just two months ago.
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Now Wests Tigers officials are bracing for another cat-fight, with the Panthers targeting star duo Chris Heighington and Beau Ryan for a shock switch to the foot of the mountains next year.
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The pair are both managed by veteran agent Wayne Beavis, who denied he'd been involved in any discussions with Penrith when we contacted him this week.
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But we keep hearing the Panthers are particularly keen on Heighington, who is contracted at Concord for another two years.
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Second-row is a priority recruitment area for the Panthers, who are preparing for life after Trent Waterhouse.
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Beavis did reveal he'd had some chats earlier this year about Heighington's future role at the Tigers, who have placed a huge buying emphasis on youth and the recruitment of superstar Storm back-rower Adam Blair.
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Tigers boss Stephen Humphreys confirmed the discussions, but denied there was any green light given for Heighington and Ryan to negotiate elsewhere - as was the case with Andrew Fifita, Bryce Gibbs, Tim Moltzen, Wade McKinnon and Liam Fulton.
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"I've heard nothing about Penrith being interested in either of them," Humphreys said.
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What is known is the close relationship that Beavis enjoys with new Panthers supremo Phil Gould.
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The pair worked together to get ex-Rabbitoh Junio Vai Vai a mid-season lifeline, and don't be surprised if the hard word is put on Heighington and Ryan to follow suit.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/penrith-panthers-target-wests-tigers-stars-chris-heighington-and-beau-ryan/story-e6frexnr-1226081017592