The Lurker - NRL Rumour File - Friday
Sharks considering options over relocation
The Sharks are considering their legal options over suggestions they will be relocated to Queensland. A board meeting on Thursday night discussed the immediate damage caused to player recruitment, finding new sponsors and selling membership. "How are we supposed to sign any players long term with all this speculation," said one board member. "How are we supposed to get new sponsors?" The board heard from chief executive Steve Noyce that the club had achieved record years for gates, sponsorship, merchandise sales and TV ratings despite the ASADA drama. The chances of the Sharks being shifted from their Cronulla home base are remote - even though senior NRL officials would love to see less teams in Sydney and more in regional areas.
Ferguson to Roosters unlikely
The Roosters have been freely linked with Blake Ferguson - but have yet to make any contact with the former Raiders bad boy's manager. Leading player manager Sam Ayoub hasn't heard a peep out of the Roosters - mainly because they don't have the money to make Ferguson an offer under the salary cap. The Roosters' plan was to offload under-performing centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall, who signed a huge contract when he was in top form three years ago, to Cronulla. But the Sharks have dropped out of the race for SKD and are leading the chase to sign Ferguson. Unless the Roosters can find a club to sign Kenny-Dowall, they won't be in a position to make Ferguson a competitive offer.