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Out of favour Bulldog Krisnan Inu could make a mid-season switch to Melbourne in an attempt to resurrect his career.
Inu is languishing in the NSW Cup, unable to unseat Josh Morris or Tim Lafai for a spot in the centres or Corey Thompson and Mitch Brown on the wing.
The former Parramatta and Warriors utility was briefly considered as a replacement fullback for Ben Barba but coach Des Hasler instead opted for Sam Perrett.
The Storm, who will have at least four players out during the State of Origin period, are looking to bolster their depth. Inu and former Wests Tigers superstar Benji Marshall are players they have targeted, although the latter appears likely to resurrect his NRL career with Cronulla.
It is understood that Inu, who grew up and played with Waratahs star Israel Folau, is also toying with the prospect of switching to rugby.
Inu is one of four internationals – with Sam Kasiano, Greg Eastwood and Reni Maitua – who have been relegated to feeder club status this year. The Bulldogs have been unhappy with Inu's form and fitness and it is understood they would be prepared to pay out a portion of his contract to get him off their books.
At his best, Inu is one of the most exciting players in the game. He made his Kiwi debut in the Anzac Test after just one first grade appearance for Parramatta and went on to play for his country on four other occasions. Inu, dubbed the ''smiling assasin'' because of his habit of grinning before kicking goals, was rated by some judges a more talented junior prospect than Westfields High peers Jarryd Hayne and Folau.
After being released by the Warriors in mid-2012, he regained his mojo at the Bulldogs, scoring two tries and earning man-of-the-match honours in his blue and white debut.
However, the 27-year-old has struggled to consistently reproduce that form and his start to the season was hampered by a broken jaw that sidelined him for the opening rounds. He returned in NSW Cup but has not been able to regain his first-grade position.
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy is hopeful he can turn Inu's form around if he can pick him up at a bargain price. Players have until the June 30 transfer window to switch clubs.
"For me the 'XXX' factor is Inu. He is such a talented player," Bellamy wrote in The Australian in his 2011 grand final preview column.
"Inu is one of the most instinctive players I've seen. You never know what he's going to come up with. He can pop an off-load from anywhere and has great footwork."
The Storm have made no secret of their desire to also accommodate Marshall. However, the former Kiwis captain's off-field earnings are likely to be higher in Sydney and he is tipped to join the Sharks.
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...krisnan-inu-20140426-zqzzf.html#ixzz302qsy7KE
Inu is languishing in the NSW Cup, unable to unseat Josh Morris or Tim Lafai for a spot in the centres or Corey Thompson and Mitch Brown on the wing.
The former Parramatta and Warriors utility was briefly considered as a replacement fullback for Ben Barba but coach Des Hasler instead opted for Sam Perrett.
The Storm, who will have at least four players out during the State of Origin period, are looking to bolster their depth. Inu and former Wests Tigers superstar Benji Marshall are players they have targeted, although the latter appears likely to resurrect his NRL career with Cronulla.
It is understood that Inu, who grew up and played with Waratahs star Israel Folau, is also toying with the prospect of switching to rugby.
Inu is one of four internationals – with Sam Kasiano, Greg Eastwood and Reni Maitua – who have been relegated to feeder club status this year. The Bulldogs have been unhappy with Inu's form and fitness and it is understood they would be prepared to pay out a portion of his contract to get him off their books.
At his best, Inu is one of the most exciting players in the game. He made his Kiwi debut in the Anzac Test after just one first grade appearance for Parramatta and went on to play for his country on four other occasions. Inu, dubbed the ''smiling assasin'' because of his habit of grinning before kicking goals, was rated by some judges a more talented junior prospect than Westfields High peers Jarryd Hayne and Folau.
After being released by the Warriors in mid-2012, he regained his mojo at the Bulldogs, scoring two tries and earning man-of-the-match honours in his blue and white debut.
However, the 27-year-old has struggled to consistently reproduce that form and his start to the season was hampered by a broken jaw that sidelined him for the opening rounds. He returned in NSW Cup but has not been able to regain his first-grade position.
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy is hopeful he can turn Inu's form around if he can pick him up at a bargain price. Players have until the June 30 transfer window to switch clubs.
"For me the 'XXX' factor is Inu. He is such a talented player," Bellamy wrote in The Australian in his 2011 grand final preview column.
"Inu is one of the most instinctive players I've seen. You never know what he's going to come up with. He can pop an off-load from anywhere and has great footwork."
The Storm have made no secret of their desire to also accommodate Marshall. However, the former Kiwis captain's off-field earnings are likely to be higher in Sydney and he is tipped to join the Sharks.
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...krisnan-inu-20140426-zqzzf.html#ixzz302qsy7KE
