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NRL 2021: Toby Rudolf contract, Canterbury Bulldogs target Cronulla Sharks star
The cashed-up Bulldogs are making a big play to lure one of Cronulla’s best forwards to Belmore next season.
Welcome to NRL coaching, Fitzy.
Incoming Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has been confronted with his second migraine in two days after a cashed-up Canterbury target Cronulla’s star forward Tony Rudolf.
It comes after revelations halfback Chad Townsend is set to quit the Sharks for a rich three-year deal at North Queensland worth a cool $2m.
Rudolf, 25, off-contract at Cronulla after this season, has logged some amazing statistics in 2021, including running for an average of 125 metres a game and completing 31 tackles each round. He is playing an average of 69 minutes every match.
Canterbury is desperately chasing a middle forward and have identified Rudolf as a player that could fill a concerning void.
Toby Rudolf has been linked with the Bulldogs. Picture: Shane Myers/NRL Photos
Rudolf’s manager Sam Ayoub did not want to comment on Canterbury’s approach other than to say: “We have had an inquiry about his availability”.
It is understood Cronulla is aware of Canterbury’s interest.
The Sharks have also expressed a strong desire to retain Rudolf, labelling him a “priority”.
While he is focused on the Roosters this year, Fitzgibbon is known to be a huge fan of Rudolf. Sharks management is expected to meet with Rudolf shortly.
Canterbury has not lodged a formal offer for Rudolf or stepped up discussions just yet. Storm hooker Brandon Smith is another on the Bulldogs hit list.
The Bulldogs will have a roster cleanout after this season, freeing up some big money for the club to be heavily active on the player market.
Rudolf is one of 15 players coming off-contract at Cronulla after this season. Others include Matt Moylan, Shaun Johnson, Josh Dugan, Aaron Woods, William Kennedy and Connor Tracey.
Last year the New Zealand Warriors made an unsuccessful bid for Rudolf, who signed a one-year extension at Cronulla in September.
Toby Rudolf has been impressive for the Sharks this season. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
With Townsend seemingly on his way out, there is continuing speculation that South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds may end up at Cronulla.
But Reynolds’ manager, Steve Gillis, insists neither he nor Reynolds have had any contact with Fitzgibbon. While not wanting to comment publicly, Gold Coast and Wests Tigers have ruled out chasing Reynolds.
“We will continue to work through the process. Adam is in no hurry,” Gillis said.
“He is playing extremely well and is contributing on a weekly basis on and off the field. His focus is playing well for Souths each week – the rest will sort itself out.”
Rudolf is a Souths junior who played for North Sydney before shifting to Queensland to represent the Redcliffe Dolphins.
The cashed-up Bulldogs are making a big play to lure one of Cronulla’s best forwards to Belmore next season.
Welcome to NRL coaching, Fitzy.
Incoming Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has been confronted with his second migraine in two days after a cashed-up Canterbury target Cronulla’s star forward Tony Rudolf.
It comes after revelations halfback Chad Townsend is set to quit the Sharks for a rich three-year deal at North Queensland worth a cool $2m.
Rudolf, 25, off-contract at Cronulla after this season, has logged some amazing statistics in 2021, including running for an average of 125 metres a game and completing 31 tackles each round. He is playing an average of 69 minutes every match.
Canterbury is desperately chasing a middle forward and have identified Rudolf as a player that could fill a concerning void.
Toby Rudolf has been linked with the Bulldogs. Picture: Shane Myers/NRL Photos
Rudolf’s manager Sam Ayoub did not want to comment on Canterbury’s approach other than to say: “We have had an inquiry about his availability”.
It is understood Cronulla is aware of Canterbury’s interest.
The Sharks have also expressed a strong desire to retain Rudolf, labelling him a “priority”.
While he is focused on the Roosters this year, Fitzgibbon is known to be a huge fan of Rudolf. Sharks management is expected to meet with Rudolf shortly.
Canterbury has not lodged a formal offer for Rudolf or stepped up discussions just yet. Storm hooker Brandon Smith is another on the Bulldogs hit list.
The Bulldogs will have a roster cleanout after this season, freeing up some big money for the club to be heavily active on the player market.
Rudolf is one of 15 players coming off-contract at Cronulla after this season. Others include Matt Moylan, Shaun Johnson, Josh Dugan, Aaron Woods, William Kennedy and Connor Tracey.
Last year the New Zealand Warriors made an unsuccessful bid for Rudolf, who signed a one-year extension at Cronulla in September.
Toby Rudolf has been impressive for the Sharks this season. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
With Townsend seemingly on his way out, there is continuing speculation that South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds may end up at Cronulla.
But Reynolds’ manager, Steve Gillis, insists neither he nor Reynolds have had any contact with Fitzgibbon. While not wanting to comment publicly, Gold Coast and Wests Tigers have ruled out chasing Reynolds.
“We will continue to work through the process. Adam is in no hurry,” Gillis said.
“He is playing extremely well and is contributing on a weekly basis on and off the field. His focus is playing well for Souths each week – the rest will sort itself out.”
Rudolf is a Souths junior who played for North Sydney before shifting to Queensland to represent the Redcliffe Dolphins.
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