Each week The Courier Mail's Pete Badel reports live from Red Hill to give us the latest team news, injury updates and contract sticking points for the three Queensland NRL teams. This week he's got exclusive insight on some major news with QLD stars.
NORTH QUEENSLAND TO TARGET CAMERON MUNSTER AS WELL AS VALENTINE HOLMES
"The Cowboys, they're gone," Badel told Sporting News.
"Can you believe that their season is over? What do they do for rebuilding?
"Well, I can tell you that they are looking at a package deal, and it involves not only Valentine Holmes who has been linked with the Cowboys, but also, his Queensland Origin teammate, Cameron Munster.
"What a package deal this would be if the Coybows could pull that off. They have some work to do. I've spoken to some North Queensland sources and they're very confident that they will get Valentine Holmes for 2020, possibly earlier, depending on whether Cronulla can get Ben Barba back to the Shire.
"What I'm hearing is that Holmes is definitely keen to return to Townsville and be closer to family. His partner has a business up there that is doing well, so don't be surprised to see Valentine Holmes go back to North Queensland.
"But, there is still some work to do, some money to pay to get him.
"When it comes to Cameron Munster, he's off-contract at the end of next year, and he will go on the open market. While there is no suggestion that he is going to walk out on the Storm yet, they do have some work to do to keep him.
"He will look at the open market, he's looking at a $1M deal, so whether the Cowboys can afford Munster and Holmes under the salary cap, given that they've already spent $5M on Michael Morgan's five-year deal. remains to be seen."
JAYDN SU'A SET TO REMAIN AT RED HILL DESPITE INTEREST FROM BUNNIES
"Some news on Jaydn Su'a, good news for Broncos fans," Badel said.
"I can tell you he's not leaving Red Hill. The Rabbitohs were linked with Jaydn Su'a, there was suggestions they would make a three-year play for him at about $500,000 a season, but, I've since heard that the Rabbitohs have crunched the numbers, they've got some salary cap issues to juggle, they won't be getting Jaydn Su'A is the mail I've received.
"They were looking at him to replace Angus Crichton on that right-edge, but the Broncos have done enough.
"They've got a few players to keep here Brisbane, but, they won't be losing Jaydn Su'a, they see him as a future Origin player and there is no way they will let him go.
"I think you'll find in the coming weeks and months, there will be an extension here at Red Hill for Jaydn Su'a."
KANE ELGEY WITH ONE FOOT OUT THE DOOR AT THE GOLD COAST
"Some news on Kane Elgey, the playmaker at the Titans," Badel said.
"He's off-contract at the moment, he's been told by Garth Brennan that he will not be offered a contract at this stage, I don't think he'll be there next year.
"While the door is not completely closed, Elgey would have to take a $400,000 pay cut to stay at the Titans. That is massive coin.
"I think you'll find he'll start looking elsewhere."
