Bold three-team swap deal that could’ve moved Galvin AND Brown — Hoops
NRL Round 8 Buzz: Mega Trade Falls Flat, Broncos Cap Juggle, and Late Mail Shifts
By James Hooper | April 23, 2025
Ambitious Three-Club Trade Shut Down Early
A daring three-way player swap involving the Wests Tigers, Newcastle Knights, and Parramatta Eels has been scrapped before it could gather steam. The planned trade included:
Kai Pearce-Paul moving from the Knights to the Tigers
Dylan Brown shifting from the Eels to Newcastle
Lachlan Galvin heading from the Tigers to Parramatta
However, Pearce-Paul’s agent, Sam Ayoub, quickly dismissed the idea, reaffirming the player’s loyalty to Newcastle. Simultaneously, Tigers CEO Shane Richardson insisted Galvin is locked in until 2027 and won’t be leaving. Although Parramatta has made their interest in Galvin clear, they’ll have to wait until November 1 to make a formal move. The Knights remain keen on Brown, but salary cap flexibility remains a hurdle.
Cobbo’s Fullback Audition Adds Cap Pressure on Broncos
With Reece Walsh out, Selwyn Cobbo has a golden chance to shine at fullback — and raise his market value in the process. Off-contract at season’s end, Cobbo made a huge impact in his only fullback start in 2024, notching 14 tackle breaks against Manly. If he replicates that form, the Broncos may struggle to keep him while balancing major deals for stars like Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, and Adam Reynolds, who is also eyeing a deal extension. Coach Michael Maguire acknowledged Cobbo’s potential but warned that re-signing him might spark a competitive bidding war.
Bulldogs’ Unheralded Front Row to Face Stern Test
Max King and Josh Curran, the Bulldogs’ underrated prop pairing, are set to face their toughest matchup yet against the Broncos’ powerhouse duo of Haas and Carrigan. After dominating the Rabbitohs in Round 7, they’ve played a key role in Canterbury’s unbeaten 6-0 start. A win this week would firmly plant the Bulldogs in premiership conversations. Analysts have praised their grit, noting Curran’s seamless move to the middle and King’s steady form.
Sea Eagles Snag Fogarty to Succeed Cherry-Evans
Manly has locked in Jamal Fogarty on a three-year deal as their long-term halfback, poised to take over from Daly Cherry-Evans upon retirement. Fogarty is expected to partner well with strike edge forward Haumole Olakau’atu. Meanwhile, the Raiders are looking ahead, with a promising crop including Ethan Strange, Kaeo Weekes, and Matty Nicholson. Unfortunately, young playmaker Ethan Sanders remains sidelined with a fractured eye socket.
Round 8 Late Mail: Updates and Strategy Notes
Broncos vs Bulldogs: Jordan Riki is out due to an infection; Brendan Piakura steps in, and Tyson Smoothy joins the bench. Coach Maguire hinted at a potential role shift for Ben Hunt, possibly moving him to hooker during the match.
Spotlight on Cobbo: His fullback trial begins — and it could reshape Brisbane’s roster plans.
Panthers Tweaks: Dylan Edwards resumes fullback duties, while promising rookie Blaize Talagi partners Nathan Cleary in the halves.
Thursday Night Highlights
The Bulldogs look to preserve their unbeaten run as they visit Suncorp Stadium to take on the Broncos, who are testing new combinations. Over in Christchurch, the Knights face the Warriors without Pearce-Paul, testing the depth of their restructured spine.