Bulldogs star Reni Maitua has asked for permission to talk to other clubs and may seek a release from the final year of his contract.
Just 24 hours after announcing Kevin Moore as coach for the next two seasons, Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg met Maitua and his agent, Gavin Orr, to discuss rumours the former Test lock wanted out of the club.
While they are yet to grant Maitua's request, the news that he is considering his future comes as a blow to the Dogs at a time they are trying to lure players to the club next season.
Despite yesterday receiving a three-year offer to remain in Melbourne, in-form New Zealand Test prop Jeff Lima is believed to be favouring a move to the Bulldogs, while talks have also been held with Brisbane back Darius Boyd.
It is understood Maitua's restlessness is not related to Moore's appointment or the departure during the off-season of his close friend Willie Mason to the Sydney Roosters. But after six years with the Bulldogs, Maitua feels he needs a change and he has been frustrated this season after being stood down following a drinking session and then suffering a rib injury playing for the club's NSW Cup side.
If granted a release, his preference is to join a club outside Sydney and possibly in Queensland. However, no decision is expected to be made until Maitua is playing again.
Should Maitua leave it would free up more money for the Bulldogs to weigh into the player market, and they are believed to be close to snaring Lima as their first signing for 2009.
However, the Storm are keen to retain him and tabled an offer yesterday after re-signing Queensland Origin lock Dallas Johnson to a three-year deal.
Fellow Melbourne and Kiwis prop Adam Blair is believed to be the Bulldogs' next choice if they miss out on Lima, while the club has also expressed interest in Boyd's flatmate and partner on Brisbane's right flank, Steve Michaels, along with St George Illawarra centre Matt Cooper.
In other contract news, the Roosters are today expected to release veteran former Maroons prop Danny Nutley to return to Cronulla for the rest of the season. Nutley is yet to play for the Roosters this season and the club does not want to see him finish his career in the NSW Cup.
Meanwhile, Dragons coach Nathan Brown has axed halfback Jamie Soward just weeks after telling the playmaker he planned to stick with him and five-eighth Rangi Chase as the team's long-term scrumbase combination.
Ben Hornby switches to halfback for Saturday night's clash with the Dogs, with Brett Morris recalled to fullback after a four-week stint with Helensburgh in the Illawarra competition. Morris's twin Josh makes way for winger Michael Lett, while Chase Stanley returns from a shoulder injury for captain Mark Gasnier (calf) at centre. Veteran hooker Simon Woolford also returns on the bench after being rested for two weeks.
The Bulldogs will be without goal-kicking winger Hazem El Masri (hamstring) but they welcome back Matt Utai from a sternum injury in his place, while former South Coast junior Gary Warburton makes his NRL debut in place of injured utility Michael Sullivan (hand).
Elsewhere, Roosters utility Setaimata Sa is rated a 50-50 chance of playing in Sunday's match against Newcastle at Gosford after initially being ruled out for up to six weeks with a knee injury.
Boom Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce will go head-to-head with NSW Origin rival Kurt Gidley after the Knights utility was named in the No.7 jersey to replace the injured Scott Dureau.
In other news, Gold Coast five-eighth Mat Rogers will tonight seek a downgrade on his dangerous throw charge but will miss Friday night's match against Brisbane after pleading guilty. If unsuccessful he will be suspended for three matches. And South Sydney yesterday escaped with a warning over their illegal sideline huddle while coach Jason Taylor addressed the players midway through the second half of Monday night's 12-10 loss to Cronulla.
