St George Illawarra officials have confirmed that Parramatta prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard will not be wearing the Red V in 2025.
Campbell-Gillard kicked the final goal during the Eels’ final-round win over the Wests Tigers last Friday night, which suggested that an exit from the club was imminent.
The front-rower himself revealed after the game: “I am still contracted for next year. If it is my last game, then I have enjoyed my time, and I’ve loved every minute of it. I wouldn’t change it for the world … we will see what happens in the next few weeks.”
The Dragons were widely seen as the front-runners for Campbell-Gillard – and a club in need of a powerful front-rower – but coach Shane Flanagan confirmed to this masthead late on Monday that he would not be joining the club and “we move on”.
Campbell-Gillard is earning around $750,000 for next year in the blue and gold but was told by the club that he was free to explore his options.
There were reports on Monday night that Brisbane had entered the race for Campbell-Gillard to partner Payne Haas up front. The club was also linked to experienced Storm premiership winner Christian Welch over the weekend.
North Queensland met with Campbell-Gillard a couple of weeks ago but could only offer him a two-year deal. Campbell-Gillard’s management has informed clubs that the 31-year-old is chasing a three-year deal.
Canterbury have the money and need for a front-rower, and were linked with Campbell-Gillard about six weeks ago. Club supremo Phil Gould worked with Campbell-Gillard at Penrith. The Dogs chased hard for Stefano Utoikmanau before he joined the Storm.
The Dolphins are another club in need of a big-name prop following the retirement of Jesse Bromwich, while the Wests Tigers missed out on signing Corey Horsburgh – the fiery forward re-committed to the Raiders – but confirmed they are not interested in the man known as ‘RCG’.
On the same day the Dragons became aware of Campbell-Gillard’s intentions, utility Jack Bird was granted a release to officially sign with the Tigers on a two-year deal.
Roosters legend takes on new role
Michael Chammas
The Sydney Roosters have appointed three-time premiership-winning player Mitchell Aubusson as the club’s director of rugby league.
Aubusson, the second most capped Roosters player of all time behind Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, with 306 games to his name, was recently elevated to the senior role to oversee the club’s NRL, NRLW and junior systems.
The role, which is similar to Phil Gould’s at Canterbury, has been created to provide the club with a rugby league figurehead to be the link between chairman Nick Politis and NRL coach Trent Robinson.
With so many key players leaving the club at season’s end, Aubusson will oversee recruitment and retention and work with senior figures on the Roosters’ rebuilding mission.
“First of all there aren’t too many better people than Mitchell Aubusson – he’s a role model in every aspect,” Politis said.
“I can’t remember him ever getting into any trouble, on or off the field. Of course, he will gain some valuable experience in the role, but he understands the game so well and has a great feel for what makes a good player.
