NEGOTIATIONS between Cronulla Sharks and fullback Brett Kearney are at a stalemate, with the injured star likely to play a few seasons in the English Super League.
The emergence of youngster Nathan Stapleton at fullback has made his case more difficult, especially as the slightly-built Kearney has played less than 50 first grade games since coming from Souths, four seasons ago.
Additionally, the club is hopeful of extending the contracts of both Stapleton and exciting outside back, Blake Ferguson, past 2010.
With Kearney on the field for the majority of last season (he played 20 games), the Sharks went through to the NRL preliminary final.
But he went down injured early this season and has not played since undergoing ankle surgery.
Kearney was recently made an offer for 2010, but began negotiating with other clubs, including English club Wigan, soon after.
The Sharks yesterday released a list showing they are close to finalising their squad for 2010, with little room to move in further negotiations under the NRL salary cap.
All players in Saturday night's unchanged team to play Melbourne, except Mitch Brown, Terrence Seu Seu and Jack Afamasaga, are contracted for next season or beyond, including injured Test forward Paul Gallen.
New first graders signed for two years are Paul Aiton, Dean Collis, Adam Cuthbertson, John Morris and Broderick Wright and youngsters Nathan Gardiner, Albert Kelly, Siosaia Vave and Rodney Moefaauo.
Sharks off contract, still negotiating or to be released include: Kearney, outside backs David Simmons (Penrith) and Mitch Brown (Wests Tigers), hookers Corey Hughes (retiring) and Terence Seu Seu, injured props Ben Ross and Jacob Selmes, Blake Green, Misi Taulapapa, Bryan Norrie, Ian Donnelly, Jack Afamasaga, Ryan Verlinden and Atelea Vea (Storm).
The Sharks also announced their under 20s players (Toyota Cup) signed past this season, minus those ineligible for under 20s in 2010.
Signed are: Chad Townsend, Joe Rokoqo, Haydn Peacock, Mikos Tepania, Callum Tatahua, Stewart Mills, Jason McGrady, Blake Williamson, Jake Anlezark, Brody Ollard, Cameron Dunstan, Liam Wesley, Daniel Perkins, Ahmed Ellaz, Ricky Leutele, Fraser Allcock, Adam Goode, Ellih Bailey, Tyler Jarden.
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