He is off-contract at the end of 2012, and will command some interest on the open market, with the Parramatta Eels just one club that are targeting Roosters forward, Jarad Waerea-Hargreaves for season 2013.

In a sure-fire sign that the interest is there, JWH’s manager Mike Newton, confirmed that the Eels have an intent to sign the Kiwi second-rower.

”There was interest expressed late last year but I haven’t pursued it further at this point in time,” Newton said.

With the Eels expected to release a few forwards, as well as have some players retiring, there will be money for the club to spend on a new forward to replace departing players.

Whilst the Roosters club themselves are desperate to retain JWH, the constant rumours of former Bulldog Sonny Bill Williams joining the club, mean that the Roosters will potentially, need to offload players to accommodate SBW in the team.

Despite the Eels interest however, Newton said that the Roosters would get first crack on JWH when his contract runs out.

”He loves the joint, loves the Roosters,” Newton said.

”Hopefully we’ll be in a position to sit down with Nick [Politis] over the next few weeks. I consider Jared to be a blue-chip player, he’s a 23-year-old international.

”He’s very young, he’s marketable, he’s very well spoken.

”But up until there is a gauge or framework of where the salary cap will be, I would hasten to say we’re unlikely to make a decision until that time.”

By ricky

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