By Adrian Proszenko
July 15, 2020 — 5.00pm
Corey Harawira-Naera could resume his NRL career at St George Illawarra as part of a player swap that would result in Tim Lafai immediately shifting to Canterbury.
The development comes as the Dragons refuse to release Jason Saab this season, with the winger’s fate likely to be decided by the club's board at the end of the year.
Harawira-Naera is eligible for a first-grade return as soon as next week after his sacking, and that of Bulldogs teammate Jayden Okunbor, was overturned by the NRL’s appeals committee.
The Kiwi international wanted to speak to Canterbury officials before deciding whether to stay put, although reports suggest he resents the club’s handling of the Port Macquarie incident that threatened his career.
Canberra, Wests Tigers and the Warriors are also keen on Harawira-Naera’s services, with the Raiders desperate to add him to an injury-affected roster. However, the proposed player swap with the Dragons provides a ready-made solution if he wants a fresh start.
Lafai and Harawira-Naera are on similar salaries, meaning neither would be out of pocket and there would be minimal effect on either club’s salary cap for this year. The Red V also has the cap space to accommodate him next season as they contemplate the long-term make-up of their pack.
The Bulldogs are hopeful Lafai will soon be able to join them regardless given they released Morgan Harper early to join Manly.
July 15, 2020 — 5.00pm
Corey Harawira-Naera could resume his NRL career at St George Illawarra as part of a player swap that would result in Tim Lafai immediately shifting to Canterbury.
The development comes as the Dragons refuse to release Jason Saab this season, with the winger’s fate likely to be decided by the club's board at the end of the year.
Harawira-Naera is eligible for a first-grade return as soon as next week after his sacking, and that of Bulldogs teammate Jayden Okunbor, was overturned by the NRL’s appeals committee.
The Kiwi international wanted to speak to Canterbury officials before deciding whether to stay put, although reports suggest he resents the club’s handling of the Port Macquarie incident that threatened his career.
Canberra, Wests Tigers and the Warriors are also keen on Harawira-Naera’s services, with the Raiders desperate to add him to an injury-affected roster. However, the proposed player swap with the Dragons provides a ready-made solution if he wants a fresh start.
Lafai and Harawira-Naera are on similar salaries, meaning neither would be out of pocket and there would be minimal effect on either club’s salary cap for this year. The Red V also has the cap space to accommodate him next season as they contemplate the long-term make-up of their pack.
The Bulldogs are hopeful Lafai will soon be able to join them regardless given they released Morgan Harper early to join Manly.
