Frightening 35-year curse facing Rabbitohs recruit

When St Helens faced up against Hull KR in the Super League on Saturday (AEST), there were plenty of former NRL stars to watch. Peta Hiku, Tyrone May, Konrad Hurrell, Moses Mbye, Sione Mata'utia, Waqa Blake, Curtis Sironen - take your pick. But it was the man in the No.7 jersey for St Helens, Lewis Dodd, who came with the most interest. Dodd ran on to the field knowing his future had been signed, sealed and delivered with the Rabbitohs announcing a three-year deal not long after the game was completed. It wasn't the most inspiring match from the halfback, whose third kick was charged down before Hull scored off the next set through May. The try assist went to opposite number Mikey Lewis with a pinpoint kick. St Helens went on to lose 40-20 in an uncharacteristic performance and as such went from first to third on the ladder. How Dodd fits into the Rabbitohs side will be interesting. He's a left-footed kicker, just like Cody Walker. There's no chance he'll partner right-footed kicker Lachlan Ilias, with the former's management requesting permission to negotiate with rivals immediately after reports emerged about the pursuit of Dodd. With Dodd previously playing under Dolphins assistant Kristian Woolf at St Helens, there were suggestions Wayne Bennett was involved in the deal ahead of his possible return to South Sydney.

'Classy' star snubs 'desperate' NRL clubs

Star English halfback Lewis Dodd is set to snub interest from at least four NRL clubs to remain with his Super League club St Helens. Several Aussie clubs are desperate to snare 22-year-old Dodd, rated the best young playmaker in the Super League. Dodd has left the door ajar for a move Down Under but sources close to the classy No.7 say he is likely to sign a long-term deal to remain with St Helens. Dodd wrote himself into Saints folklore in the 2023 World Club Challenge, kicking the match-winning field goal in golden point against Penrith. He also played in the Saints' 2021 Super League grand final victory over Catalans Dragons while still a teenager. There is a shortage of halfbacks who can take the game by the throat in the NRL, thus the interest in Dodd, and his decision is a major blow to the clubs after his signature.

Battlers join three-club race to sign 'brilliant' young gun

Three NRL clubs are set to fight out a battle to sign boom English superstar Jack Welsby.Welsby, who became England's youngest ever Test captain at 22 in the current series against Tonga, is on the radar of the Tigers, Dragons and an out-of-Sydney club.Welsby starred in St Helens' upset win over Penrith in the World Club Challenge earlier this year.The brilliant fullback is the hottest name in English league at the moment and under contract to St Helens.But the Saints may be willing to allow Welsby to test himself in the NRL if they get a hefty transfer fee for his services.The Tigers already have a superb fullback in Jahream Bula but Welsby can play virtually anywhere in the backline.The Dragons also have a talented fullback in Tyrell Sloan, although he has had his ups and downs over the past couple of years.Welsby already has three Super League premiership wins to his name and may be tempted to step up to the NRL.Welsby has won a fan in former Test halfback Cooper Cronk, who said when he was in Australia earlier this year, "I think he has that ability to predict where the ball is going to be. There was a line break through the middle (in a trial against the Dragons) where he knew the play was coming back this way and he hit the accelerator."The guy has been unbelievable in Super League and had a really good World Cup."He has that rare ability as a fullback to create tries through his passing game but also bob up for the offloads as well. He is very impressive."

Super League clubs eyeing young Shark

Super League is also looking at Kayal Iro, son of former Kiwi international Kevin Iro.Iro has been among the most promising young centres in the NRL but in two seasons at Cronulla, the 23-year-old has managed just one NRL game.Iro can't break into the strong Sharks backline and several rival clubs are looking to sign him.But the biggest interest comes from the UK, where his dad was a household name.Kevin, who had brief stints with Manly and the Hunter Mariners, played his best football in Super League, playing over 100 games for Wigan, Leeds and also having a stint at St Helens.Castleford is believed to be leading the hunt for the strongly built centre, who can also play wing and fullback.

NRL clubs circling England's rising Test star

The Titans are leading the race to sign highly-rated new England cap Matty Lees.A powerhouse middle forward from St Helens, Lees has been knocking on the door of Test selection for some time, with only injuries halting his progress to the international stage.Several NRL clubs have made inquiries about Lees, who has already played for England Knights and won a Challenge Cup and Super League grand final.The 24-year-old was brought into the top grade by Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook, who was then in charge at St Helens.That will doubtless give the Titans the edge in the battle for his services, but several other clubs are also in the hunt.