NRL Mega Swap Deal Shut Down Before It Could Start
A proposed blockbuster three-club player swap involving Kai Pearce-Paul to Wests Tigers, Dylan Brown to Newcastle, and Lachlan Galvin to Parramatta has already been quashed—before talks could even gain traction.
Pearce-Paul’s agent, Sam Ayoub, quickly dismissed the idea, making it clear the Knights forward is staying put for now. Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson also reaffirmed that 19-year-old Galvin is under contract until the end of 2027 and won’t be leaving.
“There’s plenty of interest in Kai, but he’s contracted to the Knights and there’s no plan for an early release,” Ayoub said. “We’re not here to fix other clubs’ problems.”
The rumoured swap first circulated on radio over the weekend, sparking conversation as Galvin’s future became a hot topic.
Pearce-Paul is off contract at season’s end and is attracting attention from multiple clubs, including the Tigers. Meanwhile, Eels coach Jason Ryles confirmed their interest in Galvin—though formal talks with other teams can’t begin until November 1.
The Knights are still weighing up a move for Brown, but any deal would depend on salary cap space.
Broncos Facing Cap Pressure With Cobbo Fullback Switch
Brisbane are facing a salary cap dilemma as Selwyn Cobbo gears up to play fullback in place of the injured Reece Walsh.
Cobbo, who is off contract and eager to make the fullback role his own, has a golden opportunity to impress over the next six weeks. His only previous outing as Brisbane’s No.1 was a standout display with 14 tackle busts in a win over Manly.
With star players like Walsh, Ezra Mam, Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas, Kotoni Staggs, and Ben Hunt already on big deals, the Broncos’ cap is stretched.
Add to that the uncertainty over veteran halfback Adam Reynolds’ future—the club wants him to stay—and it’s a complex situation.
If Cobbo excels at fullback, rival clubs may circle with big offers.
Bulldogs’ Front Row Duo Making Major Impact
The Bulldogs’ forward pairing of Max King and Josh Curran are proving to be unsung heroes this season.
Despite flying under the radar, both impressed in round seven against a weakened Souths pack. Curran’s switch from back row to front row paid off, while King continues to shine as one of the most underrated props in the NRL.
They’ll face a major test this week against Brisbane’s powerhouse duo Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan.
After upsetting Cronulla in round four, the Bulldogs have started the season with a 6-0 record. Beating the Broncos would extend that to 7-0 and crank up the hype at Belmore.
Manly Land Fogarty in Major Recruitment Win
The Sea Eagles have pulled off a big signing coup by luring Jamal Fogarty from Canberra to replace Daly Cherry-Evans from next season.
Manly sealed the deal with a three-year offer and the promise of pairing Fogarty with Haumole Olakau’atu on the right edge.
While it’s a blow for the Raiders, they’re in the middle of nurturing a strong crop of emerging players like Ethan Strange, Kaeo Weekes, Matty Nicholson, Chevy Stewart, and Ethan Sanders.
Sanders, however, is currently sidelined with a fractured eye socket suffered in the NSW Cup.
