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The Canterbury Bulldogs continue to make big moves around their salary cap as they free money for one of the biggest signing blitzes in club history.
Canterbury forward Luke Thompson has been shopped to Melbourne Storm.
While desperately hoping prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona will agree to be vaccinationed, club officials considered an approach from a third party representing Thompson.
After consideration, Melbourne felt the money being asked for Thompson was excessive and rejected the offer.
It showed that Melbourne may be forced to start searching for a replacement should Asofa-Solomona continue his anti-vaccination stance.
The proposition was made in mid-November and was for a two-year deal.
Luke Thompson was shopped to the Storm, who are preparing for life after Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
Privately, Melbourne hope the giant forward may have at least one jab before Christmas, meaning he could return late to pre-season training.
Being unvaccinated in Victoria means Asofa-Solomona cannot even train with the team. He was due back to training last Tuesday.
Asofa-Solomona has told Melbourne officials he does not want to leave the club but also knows he cannot stay by refusing a Covid jab.
The Bulldogs want to retain Thompson but are aware his departure — despite having another two years to run on his current contract — would free up considerable space in the club’s tight salary cap.
Thompson was shopped to Wests Tigers earlier this year.
There has been speculation that Thompson and Bulldogs teammate Nick Cotric could sign with Wests Tigers — allowing Canterbury to have a crack at Parramatta and NSW prop Junior Paulo.
Junior Paulo is on Canterbury’s radar (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Paulo comes off contract at the Eels after next season.
Canterbury would be required to tip in a considerable amount for Thompson to be signed by a rival club.
Melbourne had an interest in Thompson but the transfer finances didn’t stack up. There doesn’t appear to be any chance of talks between both parties reigniting.
The Storm, worried about losing their biggest forward, continue to discuss how to deal with Asofa-Solomona’s anti-vax stance.
The club is becoming increasingly concerned over Asofa-Solomona’s future as each week of the off-season passes.
Melbourne is aware the situation must come to a head over the next month. Asofa-Solomona has been told of the consequences of refusing to be vaccinated.
Even if Melbourne is forced to offload Asofa-Solomona, it remains unclear exactly which club would want to sign an unvaccinated player.
Canterbury continues to move around its salary cap as the club undertakes one of the biggest recruitment drives in its history.
Canterbury forward Luke Thompson has been shopped to Melbourne Storm.
While desperately hoping prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona will agree to be vaccinationed, club officials considered an approach from a third party representing Thompson.
After consideration, Melbourne felt the money being asked for Thompson was excessive and rejected the offer.
It showed that Melbourne may be forced to start searching for a replacement should Asofa-Solomona continue his anti-vaccination stance.
The proposition was made in mid-November and was for a two-year deal.
Luke Thompson was shopped to the Storm, who are preparing for life after Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
Privately, Melbourne hope the giant forward may have at least one jab before Christmas, meaning he could return late to pre-season training.
Being unvaccinated in Victoria means Asofa-Solomona cannot even train with the team. He was due back to training last Tuesday.
Asofa-Solomona has told Melbourne officials he does not want to leave the club but also knows he cannot stay by refusing a Covid jab.
The Bulldogs want to retain Thompson but are aware his departure — despite having another two years to run on his current contract — would free up considerable space in the club’s tight salary cap.
Thompson was shopped to Wests Tigers earlier this year.
There has been speculation that Thompson and Bulldogs teammate Nick Cotric could sign with Wests Tigers — allowing Canterbury to have a crack at Parramatta and NSW prop Junior Paulo.
Junior Paulo is on Canterbury’s radar (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Paulo comes off contract at the Eels after next season.
Canterbury would be required to tip in a considerable amount for Thompson to be signed by a rival club.
Melbourne had an interest in Thompson but the transfer finances didn’t stack up. There doesn’t appear to be any chance of talks between both parties reigniting.
The Storm, worried about losing their biggest forward, continue to discuss how to deal with Asofa-Solomona’s anti-vax stance.
The club is becoming increasingly concerned over Asofa-Solomona’s future as each week of the off-season passes.
Melbourne is aware the situation must come to a head over the next month. Asofa-Solomona has been told of the consequences of refusing to be vaccinated.
Even if Melbourne is forced to offload Asofa-Solomona, it remains unclear exactly which club would want to sign an unvaccinated player.
Canterbury continues to move around its salary cap as the club undertakes one of the biggest recruitment drives in its history.
