Canberra captain Terry Campese has almost certainly played his last game in lime green as British Super League club Salford emerges as his likely destination for next year.
Campese's five-year deal with the Raiders, signed when he was at the peak of his powers, expires at the end of next year. However, there has been constant speculation about his future at Canberra, further fuelled by his absence when the squad reconvened for pre-season training last month.
Campese, 30, does not figure in coach Ricky Stuart's long-term plans and he was granted an extra month off pre-season at the request of his management. The former NSW playmaker has used the downtime to explore his options, and Salford have emerged as his probable destination.
"I can confirm that I have spoken to Salford, amongst other clubs, about Terry Campese and possibilities for next year," Campese's manager Jim Banaghan said.
"I will be sitting down with Terry on Monday to go through a number of offers we have received."
Campese has previously been linked with Super League clubs Hull FC and Hull Kingston Rovers, but deals failed to eventuate.
He made his NRL debut a decade ago but injuries have limited him to just 139 games for the Raiders. During that time, he has represented NSW and he played for Australia at the 2008 World Cup.
But serious injuries threatened to prematurely end his career and he appears resigned to finishing it in England.
Campese has served the Raiders well, and his exit strategy poses a dilemma for officials. The Raiders have already signed replacements in Tigers utility Blake Austin and prodigal son Sam Williams, meaning Campese will have to start next season in the NSW Cup if he stays put. It would be an undignified way for the one-club man to finish an illustrious career.
The Raiders would have to pay some of Campese's freight to get him off the books and send him to the Reds, where he would compete with Rangi Chase and former Raiders playmaker Michael Dobson for a halves spot.
That would also force Stuart to find a replacement skipper for a new-look team, which will be without Anthony Milford, Brett White, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Reece Robinson, Matt Allwood and Lagi Setu.
