Talented Bulldogs forward Nick Kouparitsas has been one of the victims of their strong recruiting drive for 2009. The rising forward was a stand-out last year, even as the Bulldogs struggled to win games.
But with so many representative forwards added to the squad, Kouparitsas has found himself languishing in the Canterbury feeder team.
And it was only natural that opposing clubs would coming knocking for the rising-star as he remained without a start in the NRL.
It seems the Roosters almost managed to sign the forward in what would have been a smart acquisition for the Bondi club.
The Roosters called a press conference today, ready to announce they had done a deal with Kouparitsas, getting him on the books immediately for 2009 and possibly having him play as soon as this weekend.
But only hours after announcing the Kouparitsas deal on their website, the Roosters had to pull the pin on the conference when the deal fell through at the last minute.
It is understood the deal was shattered when the Bulldogs and Kouparitsas couldn’t agree to a transfer fee or release fee.
Kouparitsas, who remains stuck in the Bulldogs’ NSW Cup side, could have lined up for the Roosters against Parramatta on Friday night.
But unless there are some dramatic changes, Kouparitsas will remain anchored to the Bulldogs feeder side.
With personnel a problem for the Roosters as it stands, given the club has blocked Willie Mason and Nate Myles from playing after ignoring the club’s alcohol policy.