The Lurker - NRL Rumour File - Friday

Lurker. Jayson Bukuya
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Shark returning to familiar waters 
The Sharks are set to make a surprise signing in coming days - Fijian international and Warriors back-rower Jayson Bukuya is close to returning to the club.

The hard-running Bukuya left the Sharks 12 months ago to take up a big-money deal from the Warriors and played some good football under Andrew McFadden during 2014.

But the homesick bug has bitten Bukuya and he has been in talks with Sharks officials about the possibility of a return to his roots in recent weeks.

His return adds grunt to a pack that already contains plenty of fire power in the likes of Paul Gallen, Andrew Fifita, Wade Graham and Anthony Tupou.

Big and strong, Bukuya will be an excellent weapon off the bench for the Sharks.

MORE:  The Lurker - NRL Rumour File - Monday  | The Lurker - NRL Rumour File - Wednesday Ask The Lurker - Thursday

Fullback for sale
Plenty of clubs are chasing fullbacks - and the talented Lachlan Coote could be a surprise contender for a new club.

Cowboy Coote, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Auckland Nines last February, has also had an attack of homesickness.

The talented fullback left Penrith at the start of 2014 to head north and had a nightmare season - missing the entire year.



To make his plight worse, then halfback Michael Morgan slotted into his fullback role and proved one of the most improved players of 2014.

His emergence means the Cowboys may release Coote if the likes of the Bulldogs or Raiders come calling.

Merrin on the move
Questions are being asked about the future of former Blues State of Origin forward Trent Merrin as the Dragons continue their end-of-season fire sale.

The mail I am getting is that Merrin is likely to remain at the Dragons for 2015 - but then has a juicy contract with the Roosters awaiting him for 2016.

That could change as clubs scramble to fit into their salary caps, but Merrin wants a change and the Roosters will be ready to accommodate him in a year’s time. 

No ordinary Joe
I can tell you South Sydney bosses were none too happy when they learned the Sea Eagles had got under their guard to snare Joe Kelly as CEO. Kelly has been an unsung hero of the Rabbitohs' off-field success and is regarded as one of the sharpest financial minds in the game.

The Bunnies didn't see his departure coming. There were a couple of other names thrown up as CEO contenders but the Penn family only had eyes for Kelly.

A real fright night
Can you believe what Bryce Gibbs has done to Beau Ryan here ? Truly outrageous.
 
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