NRL forward Jack Murchie set for Super League switch on long-term deal – reports
Jack Murchie (right) celebrates with Zac Cini after scoring a try during the NRL Pre-Season Challenge Round 2 match between the Newcastle Knights and the Parramatta Eels. Photo by AAP Image/Dan Himbrecht.
Parramatta Eels back-rower Jack Murchie is set to make the switch to Super League next season on a three-year deal, according to reports.
Examiner Live originally reported that Huddersfield Giants had shown interest in the forward, who still has one year remaining on his current contract.
The Australia under-23s representative has made just five appearances in the current NRL campaign with Huddersfield boss Ian Watson well underway with next year’s recruitment plans.
The Daily Telegraph now reports that the John Smith’s Stadium outfit have signed their target on a three-year contract from next season after being granted a release from his final 12 months with the Eels.
Murchie, 26, made his professional debut with Canberra Raiders in 2018 before enjoying his most successful stint to date with New Zealand Warriors, making 37 appearances across three seasons.
He will join a whole host of players to make the switch from Down Under for 2024, including Leeds signing Lachlan Miller, Warrington recruit Lachlan Fitzgibbon and incoming Hull duo Herman Ese’ese and Jayden Okunbor.
Murchie has played a total 45 games in the NRL, scoring seven tries.
Huddersfield Giants set for squad revamp
Huddersfield look set to add Hull pair Adam Swift and Andre Savelio to their squad for 2024, with the Black & Whites already confirming their departures at the end of the season.
Love Rugby League previously revealed that Huddersfield were interested in back-rower Savelio, with Watson confirming his interest days later. He is now expected to link up with the side at the expiry of his current contact.
The Giants also appear to have won the race for in-demand half-back Adam Clune, expected to replace Catalans-bound Theo Fages.
Clune, 28, was also a target for both Hull and Leeds, who look to replace Jake Clifford, Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer respectively for 2024.
Examiner Live reports that the Newcastle Knights playmaker is set to join Huddersfield, having recently made his first appearance of the season in the NRL.
Clune is low down on the pecking order under Adam O’Brien with Jackson Hastings partnering Tyson Gamble in the halves at the Knights.
A late bloomer to the professional game, he made his debut in 2020 with St George Illawarra Dragons. He has made 45 NRL appearances to date, scoring four tries.
Veteran Jermaine McGillvary looks set to leave Huddersfield at the end of the year if he is to continue his playing career, while Jack Ashworth is also set for an exit.
2022 Lance Todd Trophy winner Chris McQueen remains off-contract and fellow forward Owen Trout looks to have played his final game for the club following his season-ending knee injury in May.
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