From the DT:
Cronulla has lodged a contract extension for centre Jesse Ramien but rival clubs, and possibly one rugby league legend, are preparing to circle.
Sharks management have been in talks with Ramien’s manager, Warwick Wright, with an offer spanning two or three years having been formally tabled.
The Daily Telegraph has been told Wests Tigers and possibly the Dolphins have an interest in Ramien.
When contacted for confirmation, Wests Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe only said: “We don’t talk about player recruitment speculation.
“Our focus right now is preparing the squad as best we can for the 2023 season.”
One well-placed source claimed Wests Tigers coach-in-waiting, Benji Marshall, is a big fan of Ramien, who comes off contract at Cronulla after next season.
Wests Tigers, according to one rival NRL coach, would be chasing a quality centre although the club recently retained Brent Naden.
Cronulla officials aren’t remotely surprised Ramien has attracted interest from other NRL clubs.
The Sharks haven’t been told about any interest for Ramien from Wests Tigers.
Rival clubs will have to find something special to extract Ramien from the Shire.
The Sharks want to retain Ramien and the player has indicated a desire to re-sign.
Talks have been prolonged due to the NRL’s inability to settle upon an ongoing salary cap.
Cronulla management fear the only way Ramien, 25, would leave was through a massive offer from a rival club.
One source close to Cronulla claimed talks with Ramien - who lives in the Shire - had been “positive.”
The Sharks feel Ramien wants to be part of a Cronulla club growing rapidly under head coach Craig Fitzgibbon.
Cronulla has already re-signed Siosifa Talakai and Ronaldo Mulitalo and are now wanting to lock down Ramien and Sione Katoa.
“Jesse is a good centre off contract so he will certainly have some interest,” said one NRL coach.
Wright is also the manager of Rabbitohs champion Latrell Mitchell, who signed a new long-term deal with South Sydney this week.
Given he is off contract after next season, Ramien is free to receive offers from rival clubs.