I'd Love To Be A Dragon

Illawarra Mercury

Tuesday May 6, 2008

By TIM BARROW

UNWANTED Cronulla halfback Brett Kimmorley yesterday put a move to St George Illawarra firmly on the agenda, declaring he would love to play under incoming coach Wayne Bennett next season.

Kimmorley told the Illawarra Mercury he has come to terms with being on the outer at the Sharks and is on a personal quest to catch the eye of other clubs and coaches, with Bennett at the top of his list.

It emerged Kimmorley was no longer wanted at the Sharks after being linked to a mid-season switch with St George Illawarra prop Jason Ryles.

Kimmorley will remain at the Sharks for the rest of the season, but is a potential target for the Bulldogs and Dragons next season, as well as English Super League clubs.

But Kimmorley, who was in talks to join Bennett at Brisbane last season, said he liked the prospect of playing under the six-time premiership winning coach.

"Definitely," he said.

"With the new coach there, well I nearly went to Brisbane last year, so hopefully he'll have some interest in me.

"I'll leave it with my manager and see what comes of it, but it is certainly an option I'd like to keep open."

It is believed Bennett, who will replace Nathan Brown next year, and the Dragons' board have devised a hit-list of NRL players the club could build a premiership campaign around next season.

Among the names are Kimmorley and former red and whites star Trent Barrett, who is in the process of gaining a release from Wigan to return to the NRL next season.

The 31-year-old said he was not in any rush to finalise a contract with another club.

"It'll be my last (NRL contract) so I want to make sure I get it right," Kimmorley said.

"I just want to worry about footy at the moment and keep playing well."

Barrett has already been touted as a replacement for Kimmorley at the Sharks next year, while the Dragons and Raiders have also shown interest in the 30-year-old.

Barrett's manager, Wayne Beavis, met with Canberra officials last week, but yesterday stressed Barrett was also in no rush to finalise his future.

"He's got the rest of the season," Beavis said.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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