Surprisingly, a Sharks utility player has been linked with a move to a rival club.
He could be able to find a new home in 2024.
Following the conclusion of the finals series, the NRL transfer market is expected to heat up once more, with a number of players looking to sign new contracts or find new homes.
One of those in the latter camp is reportedly Cronulla Sharks utility Connor Tracey, who wishes to leave the Shire.
According to News Corp’s Brent Read, Tracey has requested a release from the Sharks “a few times” and that St George Illawarra Dragons incoming coach Shane Flanagan is very interested in the utility.
Tracey has been played almost everywhere in the Sharks’ backline and appears to be a solid choice for a team like the Dragons.
The fact that he has struggled to get consistent playing time, making only ten games in 2023, appears to be prompting his request for a release from the Sharks. He trails Ronaldo Mutlialo and Sione Katoa on the wing, Siosifa Talakai and Jesse Ramien in the centres, and Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes in the Sharks’ centres.
He finished 2023 at fullback and found good form, but he’ll be back behind William Kennedy in 2024.
Given that he has a year left on his Sharks contract, the club is reported to be digging in their heels, although Tracey is practically certain to be somewhere in 2025.
“He’s a guy that we’ve been following for a while.. there are some clubs circling him,” Read was quoted as saying by Triple M.
“St. George Illawarra, and Shane Flanagan is one of them, if not the biggest.” Tracey has now been granted allowed to speak with other teams about 2025, given he has a year left on his contract.
“He’s asked for a release from the Sharks a few times now, but Cronulla has dug in their heels and said, ‘no you aren’t going to go, we are going to keep you next year,’ but he’s now got permission to speak to rival clubs for 2025.”
“I’d be surprised if he wasn’t at the Dragons.”
“I believe the other reason Cronulla is hesitant to let him go is that they have him at the right price.” They’re not paying him much. If he were to test the open market, he’d get a nice raise.”
Tracey, who made his NRL debut in 2019 with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, has appeared in 66 games.
