Brent Read On Heilum Luki Update Creating A Major Transfer Domino Effect For The North Queensland Cowboys?

Brent Read joined The Rush Hour with Gus, Jude & Wendell for a massive Ready’s Mail!

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The North Queensland Cowboys are on the verge of locking down young superstar Heilum Luki but his signature still has rival NRL clubs circling the waters of Townsville… but for others.

“It looks like Heilum Luki will stay,” stated Ready.

“His management have told the other clubs chasing him that, [he] wants to stay at the Cowboys, [he] wants to try sort something out there but if [he] can’t get something done, [he] might then try and explore [his options.

“But my gut feeling is that they’ve got a long-term done in North Queensland.”

Though there is a twist to story as now a young key forward’s future has come into question… Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.

“The ripple effect is this, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is the young backrower who’s also off-contract at the end of the year.

“He’s a kid everyone’s wanted.

“The Dragons and Dolphins wanted Heilum Luke but seems like they’ve turned their attention to Kulikefu.

“I believe there was a meeting this week with him and his management,

“I believe there’ll be a decision out of him reasonably soon.

“But the wildcard is Jason Taumalolo.”

Jason Taumalolo signed a mammoth 10-year, $9m deal to end in 2027 but after playing only 22 minutes in the round 1 win against the Dolphins, alarm bells have been ringing.

“I spoke to [Cowboys] head of footy on Monday,” said Ready.

“He said we’re trying to nurse him through the season,

“I said, mate, well he’s got three years left on his contract, you’re going to nurse him through the next three years?

“They basically said yes.

“But I just don’t know how they can do that?

But also Ready goes through a big update on the get-out clause for Wests Tigers young superstar Stefano Utoikamanu, Des Hasler’s long, messy court battle with former club Manly Sea Eagles & more transfer whispers as some union stars eye up rugby league.