The Canberra Raiders' halfback hunt has hit another roadblock with the Gold Coast Titans refusing to release Jamal Fogarty.
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Fogarty signed a one-year contract extension just last month to keep him at Robina until the end of 2023, but could find himself slipping behind 20-year-old halfback Toby Sexton in the playmaking pecking order.
Hence the 27-year-old was keen to explore his options.
The Raiders were still trying to replace George Williams, who returned to England this year due to homesickness.
Canberra have also discussed New Zealand Warriors half Chanel Harris-Tavita, but could face similar problems to Fogarty with the 22-year-old contracted to the Warriors until the end of 2022.
He's free to sign with the Raiders from November 1, but that would only be for 2023 and beyond. with the Raiders needing a halfback for next year.
While the Raiders have considered offering the uncontracted Ash Taylor a one-year deal, he's also been linked with the Warriors - which could potentially shake a Warriors half free given they've got Harris-Tavita, Shaun Johnson, Kodi Nikorima and Sean O'Sullivan on their books.
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Nikorima's rumoured to be keen on a return to an Australian club - although the Warriors will be based in Brisbane next season.
Statistically, not much separates Fogarty and Nikorima, who both had far superior seasons compared with Harris-Tavita.
Both Nikorima and Fogarty had 24 try involvements and were similar defensively, and while Nikorima created more line breaks (17 to 12), Fogarty had a stronger kicking game (6463 kick metres to 3021) and more forced dropouts (12 to 8).
One-year-Raider Ryan James has officially joined the Brisbane Broncos, signing a one-year deal on Thursday, ending his time in lime green after just 12 games.
Meanwhile, Raiders assistant coach Brett White planned to remain with the Green Machine after being linked to a shift to the Wests Tigers.
White's in contract negotiations with Canberra and hasn't spoken to any other clubs.
He was reportedly on Wests' radar to join Michael Maguire's coaching team.
Maguire managed to hold onto his job with the Tigers, but his assistants have been cleaned out opening up some opportunities.
Former Raiders coach Tim Sheens will return to the club he guided to the premiership in 2005 as the director of coaching.
White's been on Canberra's coaching staff since 2015.
He's been on holidays in Queensland following the NRL season, with a lack of phone coverage slowing down talks.
"Currently going through that at the moment [contract talks with the Raiders] so that's an ongoing process," he said.
"But I certainly haven't spoken to any other clubs."