The Dragons have expressed interest in Farah, who is languishing in reserve grade after his much-publicised spat with Wests Tigers coach Jason Taylor. Farah is on $950,000 for next season and the Tigers are desperate to get him off their books, with the other joint-venture outfit emerging as his most likely destination.

It is understood the Tigers could be prepared to subsidise Farah's wage to the tune of up to $600,000 if it entices another club to pick him up.

The Red V is struggling to attract marquee talent, with Parramatta playmaker Corey Norman poised to reject their rich offer to extend his stay at the Eels. The Dragons have also missed out on Rabbitoh Luke Keary and Cowboy Lachlan Coote, while Newcastle's Trent Hodkinson is also likely to stay put.

With few options available on the open market, the Dragons will need to consider keeping Marshall, who is off contract at the end of the season. The veteran half played strongly on Friday night but was unable to orchestrate a boilover against Canterbury.

Marshall and Farah spent more than a decade together at the Tigers, sharing the highs and lows that included an inaugural premiership and Marshall's premature departure.

While they are no longer at the same club, they are still close. When the veteran No.9 was dumped to reserve grade last weekend, Marshall was one of the former Tigers teammates sitting on the Leichhardt Oval hill in support. It is understood the pair still speak regularly and would welcome the prospect of being reunited at the other joint-venture club.

The Dragons have been negotiating with the management of current hooker Mitch Rein for most of the year. However, the sticking point is Rein's asking price, with the off-contract rake required to take a significant pay cut to remain a one-club man.

Dragons powerbrokers feel that, if they are to retain their current halves pairing of Marshall and skipper Gareth Widdop, that a change will be required to the spine to spark their spluttering attack.

If the Tigers are prepared to cover a large percentage of Farah's wage, the Red V may be able to pick him up at a similar price to what Rein is demanding.

Farah was scheduled to run out again in reserve grade against Mounties at Campbelltown on Saturday, but pulled out with a calf injury. It is increasingly unlikely the 32-year-old will be recalled to the top grade this year as the stand-off with Taylor continues.

While Farah is entitled to see out the remaining year of his contract, the prospect of playing an entire season in reserve grade, should Taylor remain in charge, is an unappealing one.

Cronulla have emerged as a potential destination following Michael Ennis' shock retirement announcement, although the club is well stocked for hookers after poaching Manaia Cherrington from the Tigers for next year.

The Dragons first expressed interest in Farah last August when he was first threatened with the prospect of languishing in the NSW Cup. There is a renewed interest from both parties now that Taylor has made good on the threat.

Tigers officials considered sanctioning Farah for his post-game criticism of Taylor last weekend. While powerbrokers will likely ask him to be more circumspect, they figure a penalty will only further inflame tensions.

The Tigers have little salary cap room for next season but are hoping to extend the stay of former Kiwi international Elijah Taylor.

"I'm really hoping to stay," Taylor said. "I've learned a lot, made some good friendships.

"I'm used to the place now, used to the players, used to the coach. Hopefully we can sort something out.

"It's moving in the right direction."