The Canberra Raiders could be close to landing a replacement for the departing John Bateman, while also solving their middle forward injury crisis in the process.
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Canterbury forward Corey Harawira-Naera's reportedly told the Bulldogs he wants an immediate release from the club that sacked him for having sex with a school girl during the pre-season.
Harawira-Naera held talks with the Bulldogs on Friday, with the NRL club trying to convince him to stay after he successfully appealed his deregistration.
The 25-year-old was given a 10-match suspension and $15,000 fine instead, with the second-rower available for selection this week.
But he was disappointed with the way the Bulldogs handled his sacking for an incident that occurred ahead of their pre-season trial in Port Macquarie in February.
Potentially helping the Raiders' cause of landing the New Zealand international were the rumours the Bulldogs might not have the salary cap space this season to keep Harawira-Naera and Jayden Okunbor - who also had his punishment reduced for his role in the same scandal - despite have a much talked about $3 million war chest for 2021.
Given they'd sacked the duo, there was talk Canterbury had already allocated some or all of those funds elsewhere.
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The Raiders are not only looking to replace Bateman, who will return to Wigan in the Engish Super League next season, but they also have to solve an ever-growing injury crisis.
Bateman (shoulder), Josh Hodgson (knee), Sia Soliola (face), Corey Horsburgh (foot), Emre Guler (ankle), Bailey Simonsson (shoulder), Curtis Scott (arm infection) and Michael Oldfield (hamstring) could all be unavailable when the Raiders host South Sydney at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.
Harawira-Naera's suspension ends this week, meaning he could potentially be available in lime green to face the Rabbitohs.
There were concerns inside the Raiders camp the Bulldogs will drag out discussions with Harawira-Naera until after the August 3 transfer deadline has passed, which would mean he couldn't join the Green Machine until next season.
Raiders lock Joe Tapine said Harawira-Naera would be an excellent addition to their squad.
Harawira-Naera can not only play in the second row, but he could also play through the middle where the majority of there current injuries.
The pair played together for the Kiwis against Great Britain last year.
"Definitely, he's a great player. I know Corey personally and he's a good dude as well," Tapine said.
"With [Bateman] leaving there's that vacant spot so it's pretty good that the club is having a look around and seeing the options."
NRL ROUND 11
Saturday: Canberra Raiders v South Sydney Rabbitohs at Canberra Stadium, 7.35pm.
David Polkinghorne
Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email: david.polkinghorne@canberratimes.com.au
Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email: david.polkinghorne@canberratimes.com.au
