Smart Negotiating Behind Raiders Recruit

Matty Nicholson had a sensational debut for the Raiders against the Broncos, bagging two tries. So why did his former English club Warrington let him go? Because of some smart negotiating from Nicholson and his UK manager. The club knew Nicholson was something special when they saw him playing for Wigan as a teenager - and made a lucrative offer to sign him. But Nicholson only agreed if the contract included a buy-out clause, which the 21-year-old activated after three seasons at Warrington. Canberra have had great success with English imports over the years and look to have found another special one in Nicholson, who has already played two Tests for England.

Burgess Sign PNG Star

Much travelled Dragons forward Dan Russell has been signed by Sam Burgess' English club Warrington. The Wolves has swooped on Russell, who has played eight NRL games for the Dragons as well as ten Tests for Papua New Guinea. Warrington see the 28-year-old as the ideal replacement for Matty Nicholson, who has signed with the Canberra Raiders for 2025. Russell has done the rounds, playing with Souths Logan Magpies, Mackay Cutters and Brisbane Tigers as well as being part of the Cowboys roster. He spent the past two seasons at the Dragons but was not offered a contract for 2025, opening the door for Warrington to swoop.