Canberra will hold firm on the final year of homesick George Williams's contract, only willing to release the Englishman if a deal is struck in their favour.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Williams told Raiders officials several weeks ago he is battling homesickness, having been unable to return home over Christmas due to COVID-19.
The halfback's situation is complicated further by the fact he is expecting his first child later this year, with his partner also from England.
The 26-year-old is contracted until the end of 2022 but there are rumblings in England he could return home earlier
Warrington have emerged as potential suitors, while Wigan coach Adrian Lam is also interested in having him back after releasing him to play in the NRL.
AAP has been told that as things stand, the Raiders will entertain the thought of losing him for 2022 but only if a high-quality player is offered up in return.
Regardless, Williams's future adds to an already convoluted halves player market.
Adam Reynolds could make a decision in coming day on his future, with Brisbane and Cronulla having both shown heavy interest.
The 30-year-old is now all but resigned to leaving South Sydney, while a longer deal at the Broncos could be enough to push him over the border.
Both the Sharks and Broncos are in desperate need of a big-name recruit, with the two clubs struggling not only on the field but also off it.
Cronulla have Shaun Johnson and Matt Moylan off contract, with the former a potential option for Brisbane if they miss out on Reynolds.
Mitch Moses has until the end of this week to activate an option in his favour to stay at Parramatta as part of his current deal with the club.
But even if he does not activate that caluse, the Eels remain favourites to snare his signature on a longer, extended deal.
Williams's future is one of just several issues for the Raiders.
The club have now lost five games in a row, while the aggregate score of 93-6 against after halftime is a worrying trend.
With an ageing roster, they have three times blown a 16-0 lead.
But prop Josh Papalii was adamant it had nothing to do with fitness issues under the new rules.
"We trained all pre-season for that. I don't think it's an excuse for us," Papalii said.
"We're handing the ball over on early tackles which is going to take a toll on defending six tackles.
"Being called for six again is always going to take energy out of the boys when we are trying to defend."
Australian Associated Press
