The NZ Warriors are reportedly locked in a two-horse race for the services of star Manly hooker Api Koroisau.
According to Fox Sports, Korisau has whittled his options down to the Auckland-based franchise and the Canterbury Bulldogs.
The 26-year-old is contracted to the Sea Eagles until the end of 2021, but the club has given him permission to negotiate elsewhere, making his departure at the end of the season a near certainty.
The remainder of the Fjian international's deal is said to be worth about $NZ1 million, and only the Warriors and Bulldogs seem willing to pay that price.
The Warriors have been stung by injury at the hooker position this year, losing injury-plagued Nate Roache to a season-ending ACL tear and promising Karl Lawton restricted by a shoulder issue.
They've also been forced to play half Adam Keighran and utility Jazz Tevaga at the position.
Veteran Issac Luke's form has been erratic and is serving a one-year contract. His departure would free up cap space to acquire the likes of Koroisau.
The emergence of young Manly hooker Manase Fainu has pushed Korisau back to second option in the No.9 jersey. Offloading Korisau's contract could help ease some salary-cup pressure, and allow them to re-sign the likes of the Trbojevic brothers and Dylan Walker.
Canterbury are said to be lessing willing to pay full price for Koroisau, but they do have the trump card of being Sydney-based.
Either way, Manly would likely be required to pay a percentage of Koroisau's salary.
Fans will have the opportunity to get a first-hand glimpse of their potential new hooker when he joins Manly at Mt Smart Stadium to take on the Warriors on Friday.
Newshub.
Join us for live updates of Warriors v Sea Eagles from 8pm Friday
