The Mole: Wests Tigers target rival club's international star for 2023 NRL season

The Sharks' Kiwi international Briton Nikora is the latest player on Wests Tigers' hit list.

Nikora, one of the premiership's best line-breaking forwards, comes off contract at the end of this season and has not been able to agree to terms for a new deal with the Sharks.

The Tigers are keen to sign the 24-year-old New Zealander, who has played four Tests for his country and also represented the Maori All-Stars.

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The Tigers are slowly but surely building a top eight side under head of football Tim Sheens and recruitment manager Warren McDonnell and also have their eye on several other players for 2023.

Sea Eagles could benefit from logjam at Tigers

One player the Tigers risk losing is former Australian Schoolboys skipper Jock Madden.

Madden played a starring, if brief, role in the upset win over the Roosters last weekend and is highly regarded by the Tigers.

But with the young playmaker's path to the top grade blocked by more experienced players like Luke Brooks, Jackson Hastings and Tyrone Peachey, rival clubs are set to come knocking.

Don't be surprised if Manly, with little playmaking depth behind veterans Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran, have a chat with Madden's management about next season.

Cleary still fuming at Eels hammering

They had plenty of players sidelined, but I'm hearing Panthers coach Ivan Cleary still wasn't happy with his team's meek 36-0 thrashing by arch rivals Parramatta in their final hit-out before their title defence begins.

One player who would have caused plenty of concern is strike forward Vilami Kikau, who is a traditionally slow starter to a new season.

Kikau's stats were alarming against the Eels - he missed nine tackles, more than any other Panther, and made just eight runs for 70 metres.

The big man may find himself doing a few 'extras' as a result over the coming week and a half before the big kickoff.

Brown switch a masterstroke

Dylan Brown had a quiet season by his standards in 2021 - but the talented Eels' number six looks set for a return to form after his dynamic display in the big win over the Panthers.

Brown found himself playing plenty of games last season on the right side of the Eels attack and he struggled with the change.

But coach Brad Arthur has moved the 21-year-old back to his preferred left side this season and Brown looked razor sharp as the Eels demolished the Panthers.

His combination on the left with lanky back-rower Shaun Lane and fullback Clint Gutherson will be a trump card for the Eels while also allowing halfback Mitchell Moses more space and freedom on the right.