It’s been revealed the Cowboys refused an opportunity to retain Reece Robson and match the Roosters’ mammoth contract to recruit the gun hooker.
According to Code Sports, North Queensland powerbrokers were only willing to table a three-year extension, not the four-year $3 million contract Robson signed with the Tricolours.
The Cowboys reportedly didn’t want to lose rising star Xavier Kerrisk, whose path to first grade could have been blocked with Robson in the No.9 jersey long term.
Kerrisk was one of six players elevated from the club’s academy to a full time deal, signing a train and replacement contract for the 2025 season.
He has been touted as one of Queensland’s best up-and-coming hookers, having come through St Patrick’s College’s rugby league system.
Teammate Jaxon Purdue was developed in their programs, while Daly Cherry-Evans is another notable alumni of the Mackay-based school.
reported $650,000 per-season.
However, the Tigers could be forced to stump up around half of his salary per-season to secure his departure, which expires at the end of the 2026 season.
Meanwhile, Galvin also has two years remaining on his contract at the merger club, and Tigers bosses are desperate to negotiate a new deal.
That is in a bid to ensure the rising star doesn’t hit the open market come November 1 next year, being one of the hottest emerging players in rugby league.
The 19-year-old was arguably the Tigers’ best last season, with a suspension denying him the chance to win the Dally M Rookie of the Year award.
In 2025, Galvin could take his football to a new level and he will partner superstar recruit Jarome Luai who arrives at the club fresh off winning four premierships.
As it stands, Luai has the ability to leave the Tigers following the 2026 season, despite signing what was initially reported as a five-year deal.
Interestingly, it has since emerged gun fullback Jahream Bula could also follow him out the door at the same time, with options in his contract being revealed.
According to Code Sports, two other NRL clubs have requested Smith’s management keep them in the loop regarding any developments with the Roosters.
It’s unlikely another club wants to take on Smith’s hefty contract next season given his injury will keep him out for much of 2025, so Smith is set to play out his current deal rather than angle for an early release.
With Robson leaving the Cowboys, North Queensland has been raised as a potential destination for Smith, but the hooker has poured cold water on that.
“There’s a few clubs we’ve spoken to and Cowboys wasn’t one of them,” Smith said on The Bye Round podcast last month, before the Roosters signed Robson.
“I don’t think that option’s really come up.
“I still want to be at the Roosters, still want to be around Sydney, still want to be on The Bye Round podcast, don’t want to be in Townsville in this blistering heat.”
GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 22: Brandon Smith of the Roosters with the ball during the round 16 NRL match between Sydney Roosters and Canterbury Bulldogs at Industree Group Stadium, on June 22, 2024, in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)
GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 22: Brandon Smith of the Roosters with the ball during the round 16 NRL match between Sydney Roosters and Canterbury Bulldogs at Industree Group Stadium, on June 22, 2024, in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)
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BRONCOS HALF GIVEN PERMISSION TO LEAVE
The Broncos have reportedly tapped playmaker Jock Madden on the shoulder following the club’s signing of Ben Hunt.
Something had to give with Hunt signing a two-year deal worth $1.2 million and Madden is the first domino to fall as per Code Sports.
Madden played in 10 games last season as injury cover for Adam Reynolds. In the games he started in the halves for the Broncos, they went 4-6.
Madden is under contact for two more years, but the Broncos have reportedly asked other clubs in the NRL and Super League if they’d be interested in the 24-year-old.
It’s unclear which teams, if any, have shown interest in Madden at this stage.
Madden is one of six halves in Brisbane’s current top 30 list for 2025.
Hunt and Reynolds is expected to start the season at six and seven respectively while incumbent five-eighth Ezra Mam is likely to cop a huge ban because of an off-field incident.
The Broncos also have Josh Rogers and the promising Coby Black.