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Nathan Peats’ Origin honours cuts no ice as Parramatta offer taken off the table

Nathan Peats' State of Origin promotion hasn't convinced his former club he is worth his asking price, with the Parramatta Eels taking their offer off the table. Fairfax Media can reveal the Eels have pulled out of the race for Peats' services after he baulked at the club's $500,000-a-season offer.

It is understood Peats is holding out for $600,000-a-season deal and both the Titans and Eels were well short of his desired figure. The Titans have recently reduced their offer to about $500,000, shaving close to $50,000 off the original offer they tabled for the NSW No.9.

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The fact the Eels have pulled out of the hunt won't help his cause, with Peats losing the leverage he once had over the Titans with the potential threat of returning to Parramatta.

The Titans may be able to raise their offer if Jarryd Hayne chooses against taking up an option for next year worth $1.2 million, although it is becoming increasingly likely Hayne will remain on the Gold Coast.

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In Peats' favour is the fact he now has the Origin credentials to his name, providing him with bargaining power at the table as he looks to cement a deal.

It's unclear what the Eels will do, although Connor Watson remains on the club's radar if the Roosters were to entertain the prospect of releasing him from the final year of his deal in 2018.

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NRL probes claim criminals in Raiders sheds

The NRL is looking into allegations the Canberra Raiders allowed convicted criminals inside the dressing room at ANZ Stadium during last Saturday night's game against Parramatta.

It is understood the NRL received a report that included allegations some of the people in the now infamous photo taken at the Star with Corey Norman, James Segeyaro and Canberra's Junior Paulo last year were invited inside the Raiders' inner sanctum last week.

The NRL has pored over vision from the game to determine who was sitting in the Canberra dug-out during the match but the images have proven to be inconclusive so far.

Fairfax Media has been told the NRL has asked for the list of names of those who entered the dressing room last weekend and will investigate the allegations.

Paulo, Norman and Segeyaro were last year issued warning notices by NSW Police for allegedly consorting with convicted criminals after Paulo posted a photo of the NRL trio at dinner on the same night Norman was caught in possession of drugs. When contacted on Tuesday night, Canberra officials were unaware the NRL were looking into the matter.

A spokesman for the NRL said advice had been given to the integrity unit about visitors to the Canberra dressing room last weekend but added: "There is no formal investigation but we are checking that information."

Headline makers

The Blues have compiled a team of walking headlines. There are few players in the NSW side who haven't endured their fair share of turbulence in 2017. James Tedesco and Aaron Woods had their contract negotiations played out in public, while Jack Bird also couldn't avoid the spotlight when he knocked back Cronulla and Newcastle to sign with the Broncos.

Josh Dugan was told by St George Illawarra that he wasn't a fullback and went off to sign with the Sharks, while his former Canberra teammate Blake Ferguson appears to be on the lookout for a new club following Tedesco's signature at the Roosters.

Blues Origin Player of the Year: Josh Dugan.

Mover and shaker: Josh Dugan. Photo: Getty Images

James Maloney is after more money at Cronulla with speculation over his future gaining momentum in recent weeks. Jarryd Hayne and Peats don't know if they'll be at the Gold Coast Titans next year. Strangely enough, it's Mitchell Pearce and Andrew Fifita who have managed to avoid the headlines in 2017, at least of the controversial variety.

Talking turkey time

Origin players can expect to earn six figures after this year, with plans in place to increase match payments from $30,000 to $40,000 next year. The NRL is planning to offer a 33 per cent increase, meaning players can earn a whopping $120,000 over the three-game series.

It's also understood Test match payments will increase in 2018, which could allow the likes of Cameron Smith and Boyd Cordner to earn close to $200,000 a year on representative football alone. The RLPA and NRL are planning to lock themselves in a room over a few days in early June to resolve their differences and sort out the salary cap and other big ticket items for next season. Given the gulf between the parties, it's highly unlikely a few days in a room will solve the issues that continue to surround the game.

Kiwi shuffle

The Wests Tigers are still waiting on the Warriors to sort out their recruitment plans before they release Tuimoala Lolohea. While Te Maire Martin appears to be heading back across the ditch, that is not what is holding up Lolohea's release. It is understood the Warriors want to add depth to their outside backs and are waiting on Canberra's Zac Santo before releasing Lolohea.

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 11: Tuimoala Lolohea in action during the round 14 NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the New Zealand Warriors at Hunter Stadium on June 11, 2016 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)

Release imminent: Tuimoala Lolohea. Photo: Getty Images

Blues giving back

The NSW Blues' first stop after touching down on the Gold Coast on Tuesday ahead of their Kingscliff camp was to visit the flood-ravaged town of Murwillumbah. NSW coach Laurie Daley recently visited the town and was deeply affected  by the emotional stories of the affected families, choosing the destination as an ideal place for the Blues to give back to the community.

Originally published on The Sydney Morning Herald as Nathan Peats’ Origin honours cuts no ice as Parramatta offer taken off the table.

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