Four NRL names linked to Super League
A quartet of players have reportedly been shopped to England.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 23: Dean Hawkins of Souths kicks the ball during the NRL trial match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Penrith Panthers at Redfern Oval on February 23, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
Four NRL players are understood to be on offer to
Super League clubs ahead of next season.
Rabbitohs duo
Taane Milne and
Dean Hawkins, Bulldog
Jackson Topine, and Shark
Kayal Iro are all understood to have been shopped to the English league as manager Tyran Smith sources interest for his quartet of clients.
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According to
Rugby League Live, all four players could be of interest as they weigh up their future, with Milne seen as the name most likely to demand interest.
The 27-year-old has long competed for a starting centres role in the NRL, having plied his trade with the Dragons, Warriors and currently Souths.
Across 41 appearances, Milne has recorded 14 tries, five of which have come from 10 appearances for the Bunnies this year.
The Fiji international could venture abroad to secure a more relied-upon role in rugby league, with Milne having to compete with star outside backs in Caleb Graham,
Alex Johnston,
Jaxson Paulo and
Josh Mansour.
His teammate in Hawkins is also listed as a potential buy for
Super League sides, offering a role as a scoring halfback to any keen suitor.
Hawkins made his NRL debut last season against Brisbane and played just two more games for South Sydney in 2021. He is yet to feature in
Jason Demetriou's side this year.
Topine has also been limited in his experience at the top level, having played just eight games for Canterbury since his debut against Souths last year.
The Auckland-born second-rower has plenty of upside at just 20 years of age, and has been named as a replacement option in two matches this season.
Iro, the son of former
Super League journeyman Kevin Iro, is yet to feature at senior level for Cronulla, having joined them following prior stints with New Zealand's and Newcastle's development squads.
The 22-year-old has represented the Cook Islands on the international stage, having amassed two caps in 2019.