Neil Henry and Jarryd Hayne have had a falling out on the Gold Coast, but the lack of interest from rival clubs in the cross-code star means they are likely to be stuck with each other.
While there will inevitably be denials from both parties, Hayne and Henry don't get along. One of our sources went so far as to suggest the pair haven't spoken for weeks as the May deadline for Hayne to trigger his $1.2 million option approaches.
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Sharks fall to late Titans fightback
Jarryd Hayne returned and was influential for the Titans as they completed an unlikely comeback to continue the Sharks' poor home record this season.
When this column broke the news that Hayne had been fined for his attitude to training, he hit out at "loose lips" and, by way of explanation, tweeted: "Was meant to be cap sess [captain's session]. Captain said was ok 4me 2get treatment in syd! Coach found out and fined me. Media will milk it!!!!"
Hayne's relationship with Henry was already rocky before that and it didn't improve after he threw the coach under the bus after seeking treatment in Sydney from massage therapist Anthony Carbone.
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Hayne is a big personality and has been afforded special treatment at previous clubs, but that's not how Henry operates. The coach doesn't play favourites and the friction between them was palpable when he walked out on a press conference when probed about the issue six weeks ago. There are some at the club hoping Hayne doesn't stay put.
Hayne hasn't lived up to his price tag since returning from the NFL, although injuries have conspired against him. The former Eels fullback was in high demand when he finished up with the San Francisco 49ers, but it's hard to imagine any NRL club matching the dollars he can earn on the holiday strip.
Even though he doesn't want to be coached by Henry, Hayne will probably end up taking up the option because of the lack of other prospects. It means, at least for the short term, they will be stuck with each other.
The irony is Henry is under pressure himself and needs Hayne to fire to secure his own future.
Rugby won't touch Simona
Rugby authorities have blocked Tim Simona from continuing his career overseas.
The disgraced former Wests Tigers centre had been attempting to drum up interest from the 15-man game after being deregistered for betting against his own team. However, rugby officials have put the kibosh on him switching codes.
Tedesco doesn't need the cash
Any suggestions James Tedesco is leaving Wests Tigers for the money are way off the mark.
If Tedesco was a mercenary he would have taken the Tigers offer, which is the biggest they have tabled to any player. The NSW fullback was always going to be well remunerated, regardless of where he ended up, but playing in a winning side was a much bigger factor in his decision than the coin on offer.
Your correspondent visited the family home last year in Menangle, set on about 250 acres. The land is a development goldmine and at some stage will be sold off for squillions. Tedesco will be well looked after financially, which is why he didn't accept the Tigers offer.
Tedesco took massive unders to stay when he was last off contract after initially signing with Canberra. This time the Tigers don't have Robbie Farah to change his mind.
Country boy: James Tedesco at home on his family's farm at Menangle in 2016. Photo: Kirk Gilmour
Sign of the times
With the player market in meltdown, the NRL wrote to all clubs reminding them to uphold the sanctity of the 10-day cooling off period and announcement protocols.
Brisbane are furious that Cronulla announced Jack Bird's departure to Red Hill, as etiquette dictates that the club signing a player gets first crack at trumpeting the announcement. Rules also forbid any public comments regarding signings until the 10-business-day cooling off period has elapsed.
The NRL's new salary cap auditor, Richard Gardham, sent an email to club powerbrokers during the week to remind them of their obligations.
"As a matter of courtesy, the club signing a player – rather than the club releasing the player – should make the announcement that they have secured his services," Gardham wrote.
Milford still in the mix
We wrote several weeks ago that Anthony Milford wasn't a done deal at Brisbane. We've since heard his agent has offered the off-contract playmaker to rival clubs.
The Broncos are still favourites to retain him, where he would strike up an unlikely halves pairing with Jack Bird, but don't be surprised to see Sydney teams come into the mix. The cashed-up Tigers are now on the lookout for a fullback and a five-eighth – and Milford can play both positions.
The Broncos, meanwhile, are keen to bring Gold Coast halfback Ash Taylor back to the club when he becomes a free agent. Watch this space.
Family clubs
Melbourne's future premiership aspirations have effectively been thwarted by family matters.
Cooper Cronk is leaving the club for love, moving to Sydney to be closer to fiancee Tara Rushton. Now, his preferred replacement, Kieran Foran, will knock the Storm back because family arrangements surrounding time with his children means he needs to live in Sydney.
It's our understanding Foran was keen to start over in Melbourne, but his family situation will almost certainly result in a shift to Canterbury.
Foran is only three games into his comeback, but already has done enough to convince Kiwi selectors he is ready for a return for the upcoming Test against the Kangaroos.
Knight moves
Hopefully Newcastle have more luck with their latest recruitment target. We hear the Knights are keen on Warriors prop Albert Vete.
Hail centurion
Tim Lafai will notch 100 NRL games on Anzac Day, a milestone the St George Illawarra centre admits he often thought would be beyond him.
"Reaching 100 games is very special to me and my family, and for the team to be playing consistent footy and enjoying each week makes it that little bit more rewarding," Lafai said.
"In the early stages of my career I wouldn't have expected to be here. I didn't play a lot of junior reps and when I arrived at the Bulldogs I was playing park footy for East Campbelltown. To reflect from my debut right through to this coming game, I have been very fortunate and am humbled by the opportunities I have had."
Lafai did a stint in reserve grade last year, but has bounced back to become one of the form three-quarters of the competition.
"This was one of the first pre-seasons I have completed in a long time and I gained a lot of confidence from that," he said. "Hopefully that is reflected in the way I am playing footy."
Century stand: Dragons star Tim Lafai. Photo: Adam McLean
Warrior wants out
Tuimoala Lolohea has been eyeing a shift across the Tasman since the Warriors dropped him to reserve grade. The New Zealand international can't get an NRL start at a club sitting outside the top eight and isn't happy about it.
Some of the teams interested in his services during the off-season, such as the Eels and Dragons, have dropped off after signing Mitchell Moses and Ben Hunt respectively. However, there is still demand for the 22-year-old, who has no intention of seeing out the final 18 months of his contract with the Vulcans. We hear Canberra have made inquiries about his availability.
From the vault
Where to boys? Jonathan Docking ensures Cronulla teammates Andrew Ettingshausen and Mark McGaw arrive in style as they celebrate their State of Origin call-ups for the 1987 series. We are reliably informed that the foot in the photograph belongs to David Boyle.
League's a funny old game
"Missed it by that much" … South Sydney back-rower Angus Crichton channelled his inner Maxwell Smart and used his shoe phone to receive a message from Souths coach Michael Maguire. We can't wait until next week for the "cone of silence".
Good thinking 99: Angus Crichton channels his inner Maxwell Smart. Photo: Channel Nine
The headline you don't want to see
"James Graham photographed having coffee with Wests Tigers players"
Last week it was Aaron Woods snapped having lattes with players from his future club, Canterbury, just days before their big clash. With the Tigers in need of a replacement prop – and skipper – could a swap be on the cards?
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