NRL market watch: Sam Verrills to join Gold Coast Titans, Wade Graham eyeing one-year deal

The Roosters have confirmed Sam Verrills will depart the club at the conclusion of the 2022 NRL season.
As revealed last month, Verrills will be leaving the Roosters to take up a two-year opportunity with the Gold Coast Titans.
The talented hooker’s exit relates to the arrival of Melbourne Storm star Brandon Smith moving to Bondi next year.
“The Sydney Roosters has been such a big part of my life, and I’ll always be grateful to Robbo, the players and all the staff at the Club for everything they have done for me, and for the memories and lifelong friendships I’ve made along the way,” said Verrills.
“While it’s good to have my future sorted, my only focus right now is on continuing to work hard and play my role for the Roosters for the rest of the season,” he added.
“Sam has great vision and is a real threat from that hooker position,” Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook said.
“He’s learnt his craft under Origin hooker Jake Friend and has been able to really shine in that number nine jersey for the Roosters in recent seasons.
“We’ve got great experience joining our spine next year with the arrival of Kieran Foran and our key positions will be further bolstered with Sam’s arrival.
“When you add those two players to our mix of exciting young players who have come through our pathway programs here on the Coast like AJ Brimson, Jayden Campbell and Toby Sexton, we’re really confident with the squad we are building for next year and beyond.”
The Titans have struggled for a consistent No.9, with Erin Clark lacking creativity out of dummy half and emerging hooker Aaron Booth suffering a serious knee injury in last week’s loss to Melbourne.
Verrills has played 43 top-grade games for the Roosters since making his NRL debut in 2019.
SHARKS SKIPPER CLOSING IN ON NEW DEAL
Wade Graham is edging closer to securing a remarkable 16th season in the NRL, while also revealing his ambition to enter the coaching hot seat.
With the in-form Sharks chasing a top-two finish, the experienced Graham has been content to allow his future to take a back seat to the club’s finals push.
However, the 31-year-old has confirmed that behind the scenes he has been in talks with the Sharks to secure a new one-year deal.
“I’ve had some discussions with the club and I’m certainly comfortable with where things are heading,’’ Graham said.
“It’s not at the forefront of my priority list, there’s a great opportunity ahead of us as a club and that’s my priority.
“I’m comfortable with a one-year contract and you never know, if I get to this time next year and I’m still feeling good, you never know.
“But definitely at this stage I’m looking at one year (only).’’
Forced to endure almost 12 months on the sideline due to head knocks and an ankle injury in February this year, Graham is slowly getting back to his former self.
He has led the Sharks to a 7-1 record over the past two months, with Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon using the skilful backrower as a lock-forward during matches.
Graham was superb last weekend against the Dragons, producing three tackle busts, a try, one line break and a high work-rate of 35 tackles in the Sharks’ win.
Having made his first grade debut as a baby-faced 17-year-old with Penrith in 2008, Graham said he is passionate about helping the club’s plethora of young stars develop into the NRL.
He added that included the option of transitioning into coaching, once his time is up in the NRL.
The off-contract Sharks captain is enrolled in the same coaching accreditation course being undertaken by future Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall.
“Footy is all I’ve ever known as a six year-old,’’ the 270-game first-grade player said.
“I started playing first grade at 17, straight out of high school, so I came into a fulltime job straight away.
“So moving forward, I’d definitely like to stay involved. It’s what I’ve dedicated my whole life to. Coaching is definitely an option. I’m doing my accreditation with Benji Marshall.
“He’s already got a job, I’ll have to hit him up to try to be one of his assistants. I’d love to be able to give the game something back after it’s given me so much for so many years.’’
The Sharks travel to Tamworth on Saturday to tackle the Wests Tigers.
“We’ve worked extremely hard all year and now we have to make the most of this opportunity and come home strong because top four is a big advantage,’’ Graham said.
Kobe Hetherington’s rugby league rise is set to continue, with the son of the gun in line for a $200,000-a-year pay rise.
After considering quitting rugby league to become a miner three years ago, Hetherington’s current deal could be doubled as the Broncos look to lock down the tough-as-teak forward before he becomes a free agent on November 1. News Corp can reveal the Broncos have begun contract talks with Hetherington and hope to re-sign him on a new two-year deal.
Now on a bargain basement contract after being plucked from Brisbane’s third-tier competition, Hetherington, 23, could attract offers in excess of $300,000 a year should he decide to test his value on the open market.
It’s understood that at least one Sydney club intends to make a serious play for Hetherington should the Broncos fail to extend his deal.
Hetherington is keen to stay loyal to the club that gave him his NRL shot.
Like his father Jason, who played eight State of Origin matches for Queensland and won a premiership with the Bulldogs, Kobe is an uncompromising defender who hits like a cement truck.
“He is going well and he will only get better,” father Jason said.
“He is still growing, believe it or not, so he will get bigger too. I am really happy with his progression and the way he is handling it all.”
While he still calls himself a Bulldog, Jason said he would be happy to see his son stay in Brisbane and play for Broncos.
“He was given an opportunity at the Broncos and he grabbed it,” Jason said.
“I am happy for him regardless of what club he is playing for. At the end of the day, the decision as to where he plays will be up to him.”

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