Canterbury have emerged as the dark horse in the race for the signature of Daly Cherry-Evans in a development that clouds the future of grand final halfback Trent Hodkinson.
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The player market has ground to a halt as clubs wait for Manly's superstar halves pairing of Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran to determine their futures. The Bulldogs have been one of Foran's suitors, but Fairfax Media has been told they are turning their attention to the Queensland and Australian halfback. Canterbury coach Des Hasler has a strong relationship with Cherry-Evans, who shifted to Brookvale after being identified as a major talent during his time in the Queensland Cup. Since making his NRL debut under Hasler in 2011, "DCE" has developed into one of rugby league's biggest stars and, along with Foran, the biggest name on the open market.
With Parramatta firming as Foran's likely destination, the "Family Club" are exploring the prospect of adding Cherry-Evans to a star-studded line-up. They already have an established pivot in fellow Blues representative Josh Reynolds, who is contracted to Canterbury long term. The Bulldogs are also in negotiations with Hodkinson, whose stocks have also risen following a season in which he led his club to a grand final and NSW to a State of Origin title, the first Blues series win in nine attempts.
However, his future will almost certainly be put on hold until Manly's halves decide their fate, as it's understood Hasler has asked to have a final crack at Cherry-Evans before he commits anywhere.
The decisions of the Manly stars, who can command seven-figure-per-season price tags, will have huge ramifications for a number of clubs. While South Sydney have retained their premiership-winning halves pairing of Adam Reynolds and Luke Keary, there are still plenty of playmakers on the open market. Hodkinson, Aidan Sezer, James Maloney, Chris Sandow, Kurt Gidley, Michael Morgan and Jeff Robson headline the list of talent still without a home for 2016.
The Eels, Roosters and Warriors are among Foran's suitors, while the Gold Coast and Cronulla are among those clambering for Cherry-Evans' services.
Maloney was one of the hottest players in 2013, earning a Blues jersey and piloting the Roosters to a premiership. However, the Roosters have put those negotiations on hold until the other cards fall. Gold Coast playmaker Sezer is keen to return to Sydney and the Roosters, through his manager, have been approached about the prospect of shifting to Bondi Junction.
He could be an option should Maloney depart, but the Tri-colours also have high hopes for youngster Jackson Hastings, the son of club legend Kevin "Horrie" Hastings. The 19-year-old has the potential to be a long-term five-eighth but could also fill a utility role similar to the one played by Daniel Mortimer in recent seasons. Hastings, who is contracted until the end of 2016, is an option to start the year at hooker in the absence of the injured Jake Friend.
The Roosters are also close to retaining Jared Waerea-Hargreaves after the Kiwi prop signalled his intention to finish his career at Bondi Junction.
