Does anyone have access to the Dylan Walker to be released article on the DT?
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
Dean Ritchie
NRL season 2016: South Sydney prepared to let Dylan Walker leave now if he can find another club
SOUTH Sydney will allow Test centre Dylan Walker to walk away from Redfern immediately if he can find another club for next season.
The Daily Telegraph understands several clubs - including Manly, Penrith and St George Illawarra - have held internal discussions about signing Walker.
The main stumbling block will be whether clubs have enough money under their salary cap for next season to secure him.
One source close to Walker said: “There are clubs waiting for the signal to start negotiating with Walker. Souths will let him go for next for next season should the right club offer the right money.”
A new deal could be reached before Christmas, perhaps even by early next week.
Souths are looking to ease salary cap concerns after this week announcing Sam Burgess’ return to Redfern.
The Walker situation is developing and manoeuvring daily. Walker has been spotted out and about enjoying Sydney’s social scene but there is no doubt he is a player of immense ability.
The Daily Telegraph attempted to contact all three clubs thought to be interested in Walker - without luck.
Dragons coach Paul McGregor and new Manly coach Trent Barrett did not return calls, while Panthers group CEO Warren Wilson is overseas.
Walker has one year remaining on his current South Sydney deal.
The Daily Telegraph revealed Walker’s plight at Souths late last month.
There has also been speculation forwards Chris McQueen and Tim Grant may be forced out of Redfern. McQueen has been linked to Gold Coast.
Walker’s position is also under scrutiny following the prescription drug scandal. Souths continue to investigate last month’s drug drama which saw Walker and teammate Aaron Gray taken to hospital with an overdose.
The Rabbitohs are being thorough with their investigation into the drugs drama. The club wants to ensure the matter is handled responsibly without a repeat of the messy situation at Cronulla with Todd Carney.
Barrett is a known admirer of Walker and the Sea Eagles continue to look for a five-eighth to replace Parramatta-bound Kieran Foran. Manly’s tight salary cap may have eased somewhat after hooker Matt Ballin signed with Wests Tigers.
South Sydney chief executive John Lee was unavailable for comment.
Just last week though Lee said: “It is important with your roster that you keep it fresh and you keep if fluid. If ultimately that will mean there is some movement well that is no different to how it has been the last few months, players have come and players have gone and in the fullness of time that will happen with every club.”
