Michael Carayannis' NRL player movement wrap

The November 1 deadline has arrived and The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis joined SEN 1170 Breakfast to deliver all the latest mail on some of the biggest stars in the NRL.

Terrell May

Reports emerged on Thursday that the Sydney Roosters had given the 25-year-old permission to negotiate a deal with rival clubs despite being contracted until 2026.

“Word started getting around because clubs had been (contacted) by May’s management to say that he was no longer wanted at the Sydney Roosters,” Carayannis said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“Off the back of that, calls were flying everywhere from clubs to journalists, journalists to clubs and they were trying to get to the bottom of what had actually transpired.

“The Roosters have lost Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and (you have to ask) if something has unfolded.

“Clubs wanted to know what had actually happened before they started getting into a bidding war.

“There will be four, five and even six clubs who will be in for him. That was the gauge I was getting.

“He is so easily sellable based on on-field performances.

“The Bulldogs and the Tigers are definitely in play.

“The Roosters have made a decision based on getting a better balance for their salary cap.

“That’s the official line and whether or not there’s more to it, we don’t know yet. It seems like a strange decision on paper.

“Straight away, the theory goes towards whether the Roosters make a play for Ben Hunt?”

Xavier Willison

“I think he stays put (at the Broncos),” Carayannis continued.

“I’m willing to put my money on it.”

Adam Doueihi

Despite being contracted to the Wests Tigers, a potential move to the St George Illawarra Dragons has gained significant momentum especially after the Dragons and halfback Ben Hunt parted ways.

“It’s not a done deal yet,” Carayannis said on Doueihi’s rumoured move to the Dragons.

“With everything that has happened with Hunt, the Dragons will take a moment now just to scour the open market.

“The name’s that have been linked are Lachlan Ilias and Doueihi. Those are the names that are at the top of the list for 2025.

“For 2026 and beyond, Daniel Atkinson from the Cronulla Sharks is at the top of the list for the Dragons.”

Ben Hunt

“There are at least four clubs linked to him,” Carayannis said.

“You have the Bulldogs, Roosters, Dolphins and Broncos who are a bit of a smokey.

“There is uncertainty around Ezra Mam and when we get some clarity on that situation, the Broncos could then be in line to make a play for Hunt.

“He’s currently in New Zealand for the Pacific Championship. Once that’s done, Ben Hunt will sit down with clubs.”

Clint Gutherson

“He will be a Dragon,” Carayannis said.

“They just need to iron out the details, especially around that third season (of the contract) and what he’s worth in that third year. That’s the sticking point.

“The Dragons are prepared to stump up full freight for next season. Don’t forget he has 12 months left on his deal with Parramatta and the Eels won't contribute a dollar.”

Ryan Papenhuyzen

“The Melbourne Storm are surprised that this hasn’t been done yet,” Carayannis said.

“They were confident about getting it done before November 1.

“At this stage, the only other club in the market for Papenhuyzen would be the Bulldogs.”

John Bateman

“This is a messy, messy situation between Bateman and the Tigers,” Carayannis added.

“The Tigers don’t want John Bateman to return and Bateman doesn’t particularly want to return to the club.

“He’s got to be back at pre-season training just before Christmas.

“Bateman has that link with Manly but the Sea Eagles have to move a player to accommodate him and they haven’t been able to do that.

“It’s a delicate situation because neither party wants to be aligned with each other next season.”

Josh Addo-Carr

Addo-Carr has been sacked by the Bulldogs effective immediately following the positive roadside drug test in September and the lack of transparency during the investigation.

“He was on $550k for next season. Will he command the same amount?,” SEN’s Andrew Voss asked.

“Nope,” Carayannis replied.

“His original asking price (to rival clubs) was $500k for three years a few weeks ago but no club came at that.

“He will have to settle for a two-year deal worth (a lot less).

“The Dragons are certainly keen for the right price but they need to shuffle a few things before it gets done.”