Josh Curran

FIVE potential landing spots for Josh Curran

Where could the star forward go?

Published by
Dan Nichols

Another day, another player linked away from their current club.

This week it was Warriors forward Josh Curran, who has reportedly been told he can look around for 2024 and beyond.

The thinking looks to be the Warriors need to free up cap space to upgrade and extend their exciting talent across the park. The cost of success, unfortunately.

Losing Curran would be a bitter pill to swallow for Warriors fans, but the thinking behind it is solid enough.

Curran would have no shortage of suitors. However, if a 2024 move were to eventuate, most clubs would need time to make the moves required to fit him in.

Below are five like destinations for the versatile 24-year-old forward:

Cronulla Sharks

The Sharks need to be the first side to contact Josh Curran's agent.

They are in desperate need of a middle forward to help their pack combat the elite middles across the competition.

Curran can play either on the edge or in the middle, and slotting into either position would improve the Sharks right away.

With Matt Moylan linked with a move overseas and Connor Tracey supposedly pushing for a move elsewhere, suddenly cap space looks to be available.

If the Warriors want to move Curran on for 2024, the Sutherland Shire presents the perfect destination.

This is a club desperate for a young 13 to boss the middle. A club that is one or two players shy of a genuine run at the top four. A club with the likely cap space available, pending the aforementioned moves.

Curran was born and raised in Sydney, representing the Eels juniors sides and then the Roosters on his NRL debut. Cronulla isn't far from either former home.

Dale Finucane is surely set for a reduced role in the front row in 2024. Curran and McInnes could share the lock role perfectly.

Craig Fitzgibbon has re-signed the majority of his young talent to long-term deals. He obviously wants to build something for the long haul.

Adding a 24-year-old at the peak of his powers, in a spot the side are screaming to fill, makes all the sense in the world.

St George Illawarra Dragons

The Dragons are a side who would welcome Curran into the fold, today, with open arms.

I'm willing to double down on my previous statements that the Dragons have the most average roster in the competition.

They need new blood and they need it ASAP.

Curran walks into the side. At lock or in the second row. Move de Belin into the front row. No questions asked.

Shane Flanagan built a Cronulla side from almost scratch, and I have no doubt he can do it again on the other side of Tom Uglys bridge.

He will need to pepper his squad with young, dynamic signings. Josh Curran is the poster child for exactly what he's looking for.

Ok, there are probably bigger needs right now, but the Red V need to act quickly and take every opportunity.

I have no idea of their cap situation for 2024, but I would be shocked if they didn't have room to move for reinforcements.

The Dragons will be linked with every off-contract first grader, but they need to make smart decisions.

Starting talks with Josh Curran would be a smart decision.

Wests Tigers

The Tigers recruited exceptionally well for 2023. Apisai Koroisau, Isaiah Papali'i, David Klemmer and John Bateman added four genuine stars.

Unfortunately, the club is still a long way off Finals footy, after a horror run that saw them finish 17th.

Simply put, they recruited well but they need to continue to bring in players to improve their side.

I would argue their needs extend across the backline but with rumours of moving Alex Twal on, there seems to a need to refresh up front also.

Adding Curran to the aforementioned Klemmer, Papali'i, Bateman as well as Utoikamanu rounds out a fearsome forward pack.

After finally moving on from Luke Brooks, there seems to be a new era in Tiger Town.

Curran isn't going to solve their big issues but he gives another player for Benji Marshall to help lay a platform for his young, creative stars.

Canberra Raiders

Ricky Stuart recently confirmed that club legends Jordan Rapana and Elliot Whitehead would retire at the end of the 2023 season.

With Jack Wighton also exiting the club for Redfern, the Raiders suddenly have spots to fill and the cap space to fill them.

I'm not sure the Raiders could make room for 2024, but if the Warriors are willing to wait until 2025, you have to believe the Raiders will lead the race.

Curran is a ready-made replacement for Whitehead. A much younger replacement also.

The Raiders feel stagnant. They're good. They're a Finals team. That seems about it. New blood is needed in the capital.

If Canberra needs to make an early move to secure his services for 2024, I'm sure they'll at least look at that move.

If the move is for 2025 though, the Raiders would be my front runners.

The Dolphins

The Phins are another side I can see be huge players here if the move is for 2025.

Kenny Bromwich is 32 and Felise Kaufusi will be 32 by round three in the 2024 season. The Dolphins need to lock in a longer-term option in the second row.

Connelly Lemuelu and Josh Curran can be the Dolphins' second row for the next five years, plus!

The move probably wouldn't make sense for 2024, although I'm sure Bennett could make it happen if it locked in the club's long-term future.

2025 though, the Dolphins would join the Raiders as the most likely destination.

Published by
Dan Nichols