Swap Meet A Myth

Illawarra Mercury

Thursday April 24, 2008

By TIM BARROW

ST GEORGE Illawarra chief executive Peter Doust yesterday stepped in to block any deal which could have shifted Dragons prop Jason Ryles to the Sharks as early as next week.

Doust is adamant Ryles, contracted until the end of 2010, will not be released this year. However, his future beyond this season remains uncertain.

Ryles was linked to a deal which would have sent him to the Shire in a direct swap with Sharks playmaker Brett Kimmorley.

Cronulla chief executive Tony Zappia said St George Illawarra officials were to meet player agent George Mimis, who looks after the contracts of both Ryles and Kimmorley, yesterday.

But Doust denied any such plan or meeting took place.

Instead, Doust said he will meet Mimis in the coming days to discuss a number of St George Illawarra players' contracts - but the Dragons boss won't be offering the front-rower a release this season.

"I will meet with George in the near future, but it will be to discuss a number of (his) clients," he said.

"There'll be a review of our playing roster for 2009 but we're not interested in any swaps."

Mimis' SFX sports management company handles the contracts of a number of Dragons' players, including Ryles, Ben Creagh, Mark Gasnier and Matt Cooper.

It is believed Kimmorley was connected to the deal as a lure for the Dragons to solve their playmaking woes which have plagued them all season.

With Ryles linked to the Sharks, suspended Cronulla prop Ben Ross would be released to play in the English Super League.

This would allow the Sharks to free up money under the salary cap after signing Sydney Roosters player Anthony Tupou to a five-year deal worth about $2.1 million.

While Ryles has been a workhorse for the Dragons this year, it has been a hapless season for the 29-year-old.

The Dragons have managed just one win in six games, with Brown publicly lashing out at Ryles for his performance after their disappointing first round loss to the Tigers.

Ryles also had a verbal spat with a fan after the team's golden point loss to the Sharks.

But a St George Illawarra source yesterday denied Ryles was totally disillusioned under Nathan Brown following the disastrous start to the season.

It is believed incoming coach Wayne Bennett - who will join the Dragons after 20 years with Brisbane - remains interested in holding on to Ryles when he takes over next season.

Bennett holds the prop in high regard after coaching Ryles during the 2005 Tri-Nations tournament in Great Britain.

While Ryles' future beyond this season remains uncertain, Doust yesterday confirmed re-signing Cooper - who is off contract at the end of the year - was at the top of St George Illawarra's list of priorities.

"Quite honestly, our major priority is Matt Cooper," Doust said.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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