SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 03: Connor Tracey of the Sharks celebrates scoring a try with team mates during the round four NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the North Queensland Cowboys at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, on April 03, 2021, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
There are five possible destinations for Connor Tracey.
Where might the utility end up if he leaves the Sharks?
We are firmly in the silly season of the NRL as the days till November 1st pass by.
As clubs prepare for 2024 and beyond, we will witness a number of players affiliated with apparently random clubs over the coming weeks.
Connor Tracey, a utility player for the Cronulla Sharks, is one player who has recently made headlines and who appears to be available.
The half-winger-turned-centre-turned-fullback’s contract expires in 2025, although rumors claim he wants to leave the team before then.
Given Tracey’s advanced age and the work he has already accomplished for the Sharks, I don’t see the organization getting in their way.
The Sharks should not obstruct Tracey since they have players like Kade Dykes, Sam Stonestreet, and Kayal Iro on their roster and need to start thinking about the future.
There’s no way I can see Tracey prolonging his stay in the Shire with an eye toward a regular First Grade place.
Here are Connor Tracey’s five most likely destinations:
1. Parramatta Eels
The Eels have been open about their desire to find an outside back. more precisely, a center they can trust.
Connor Tracey and Kayal Iro, who were teammates, were mentioned in discussions with them for a significant portion of the 2023 season.
Although I have the utmost regard for the new center Morgan Harper, Tracey appears to be a far stronger alternative.
Tracey is in the best shape of her career and equally comfortable playing either center or on the wing.
Although the discussions regarding Iro have not stopped, given that the Eels are in “win now” mindset, Tracey now seems to be the wiser choice.
He clearly wants Tracey to see the Eels every week as she enters the area.
The Eels will certainly be interested in his services come November 1st, but they would undoubtedly prefer to have him on board for the 2024 campaign.
The Sharks appear to be holding out for a potential trade, so for them to initially demand an Eels forward as compensation.
I believed Tracey to Parramatta was going to happen two months ago. There’s no reason for me to think it’s not happening right now.
Unless, of course, they think Harper is their man, anticipate the Eels participating in the conversations. I still don’t.
2. St George Illawarra Dragons
The Dragons are undergoing a thorough and quick rebuild. Every player in the market will be connected to them, and Tracey is no exception.
Discussions are I concur that switching Zac Lomax to fullback should be a top priority, as Shane Flanagan is eager to do.
The type of player the Red V should be pursuing right now is Connor Tracey.
He is a gifted athlete with a big heart, a spotless outside of the playing field, and won’t cost a fortune to sign.
Additionally, if Lomax switches to the custodian position, he enters the Dragons side from either the center or the wing.
In the worst-case scenario, Tracey can even fill in as a stopgap option in the halves if Kyle Flanagan’s signing doesn’t pan out as planned.
Simply said, the moment the Dragons receive authorization, they must call Tracey’s agency.
3. Melbourne Storm
The Storm requires a recharge, as I mentioned last week. Instead of a rebuild, critical positions might use some fresh vigor.
The center Connor Tracey is wearing purple. That definitely meets the criteria.
I have no doubt that Craig Bellamy could boost Tracey’s skill set to the highest level because he has made a career out of getting the most out of players.
Although Justin Olam is a fantastic attacking threat, he was just moved to the QLD Cup and struggled defensively in the Finals.
Reimis Smith doesn’t seem to be the solution he once was, while Marion Seve appears to alternate between First Grade and reserves.
Very likely, Connor Tracey will suit up for the Storm in Round One in 2023 or 2024.
Tracey just screams player in the mold of Craig Bellamy. If Ryan Papenhuyzen returns in the early rounds of next season, I could truly see him and Nick Meaney creating a lethal pairing out on one side.
Bellamy has built fearsome abilities out of respectable first graders. Just think of what he could do with Tracey by his side.
4. Canberra Raiders
The Raiders feel like they need a makeover, much like the clubs above them.
This season, Ricky Stuart never really settled on a starting back five. While Jordan Rapana is a fullback/winger/who knows, Xavier Savage is completely lost.
Sebastian Kris is suspended, but after a shaky stint at fullback, he appears to have been moved to the wing. Even second row?
Future superstar Matt Timoko will play one center position in the upcoming season. That is indisputable.
The other locations, who knows!?
If only there was a cool-headed player who might be available and could play whatever part was required of him…
For many weeks, Tracey has been connected to the national center. He embodies Ricky Stuart in every way. Call it the Canberra way.
Ricky Stuart should center his mini refresh on him since he is the ideal player to start with.
a player you watch play on the field but have never heard of off it. After the Green Machine’s recent seasons, it would be a pleasant change.
This is a move that was being considered about a month ago, and I would be surprised if it wasn’t brought up again as soon as the holidays are over.
5. North Queensland Cowboys
What’s this? The Cowboys also require an upgrade! I bet you weren’t expecting that, don’t you?
While Peta Hiku is his route to England, Viliami Vailea has been contracted to play in Townsville the following season.
Upon his return from suspension, Valentine Holmes, who along with the Cowboy Shave had to endure a spell, will feel like a fresh recruit.
Nevertheless, despite the fact that the wing and center positions have some genuine potential, I don’t see anything that would prevent me from putting Tracey’s name in lights.
Although Kyle Feldt has been a fantastic player for the Cowboys, it appears that his playing days are behind him. Sadly, this is what his repeated replacement roles in roles reveal.
Despite having a lot of potential, Zac Laybutt hasn’t quite settled into the second center position.
Although Murray Tualagi has exceptional talent, he seems more comfortable on the wing. Semi Valemei, who amassed a ton of tries on the wings, will likely team up with Tualagi.
In this conversation, the words “probably” and “potentially” are used frequently.
If Connor Tracey relocates to the far north, he will unquestionably start at center in round one.
