The Cronulla Sharks have told highly paid stars Shaun Johnson, Josh Dugan and Aaron Woods that their services are not required next year, freeing up $2 million of salary cap space.New coach Craig Fitzgibbon broke the news to the three former internationals in the last 24 hours, giving them early notice to have ample time to find new clubs for next season.
There is strong mail that the Canberra Raiders are ready to pounce on Johnson as a replacement for recently departed half-back George Williams.
The Daily Telegraph understands the Sharks may consider early releases if Woods, 30, Johnson, 30 or Dugan, 31, can find new clubs over the next few weeks.
The players spoke to their team mates at training on Thursday afternoon to inform them of the developments.
The Sharks are building an impressive roster for next season with the signings of highly regarded Melbourne Storm utility Nicho Hynes and St George-Illawarra utility forward Cameron McInnes.