NRL 2022: new signings, salary cap 2023, Matt Burton, Bulldogs, Brian To’o, Panthers, Nathan Brown, Eels, Blake Ferguson, retirement

The NRL and RLPA are close to striking a deal that will see a salary cap figure put in place for next season and trigger a series of signings. Blake Ferguson's release could suggest his rugby league career is over.

Calls for Origin eligibility changes. Matt Burton, Bulldogs, Brian To’o, Panthers, Nathan Brown, Eels, Blake Ferguson, retirement.

Blake Ferguson is back in Australia after being released from his contract with UK club Leigh Leopards. The 32-year-old played for Leigh this year, scoring 21 tries in 17 games. He played 249 NRL games for four clubs, represented New South Wales and Australia, was named Dally M Winger of the Year in 2016 and won a premiership with the Roosters in 2018. Ferguson was sacked from NEC Green Rockets in Japan after he was jailed for alleged cocaine possession and assault.

A salary cap figure is set to be finalised this week. It will trigger a pre-Christmas rush of player signings. Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and Damien Cook will extend their contracts. World Cup stars Matt Burton and Brian To’o will sign for Penrith. Nathan Brown will join the Wests Tigers. Marty Taupau could also be on the move. The Daily Telegraph”s Phil Rothfield is optimistic about the situation. He believes it is important for the game.