Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur says it’s “looking unlikely” Cronulla Sharks fullback Michael Gordon will join the club in 2016, but remained hopeful of signing the former State of Origin star.
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Gordon, who comes off contract at the Sharks at the end of the season, reportedly agreed to join the Eels last week but pulled out of the deal last minute.
According to AAP, Arthur has given Gordon until June 30 to make his decision and remained hopeful the 31-year-old would join the Eels.
“It’s looking unlikely,” Arthur is quoted as saying by AAP.
“It is disappointing. I’d like to see Mick remain in the game for another 12 months. And that’s what we’ve got to offer him – a contract past this year.
“We need to look at trying to strengthen our roster at the moment, so I’d find it unlikely that there’d be something there for him next year if we can’t do something now.”
It’s been an action-packed week for the Eels with forward Kenny Edwards reportedly facing a nine-month ban by the NRL after he allegedly took a drug test on behalf of teammate Kaysa Pritchard.
It is believed the test was not undertaken by Australian anti-doping body ASADA and any punishment would be handed down by the NRL instead.
The NRL Integrity Unit has been following the case and will reportedly slap Edwards with a back-dated nine-month ban.
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