Kirisome Auva'a is poised to make a shock NRL return at Parramatta next season.
Auva'a's career was at the crossroads after he recorded a second strike under the NRL's illicit drug policy at South Sydney this year. The premiership-winning centre did not return a positive test for an illicit or hazardous substance, but the offence still carried a 12-match ban. The Rabbitohs had the option of fining Auva'a and keeping him on their books but, still smarting from the Dylan Walker and Aaron Gray drugs scandal, chose to tear up his contract. Auva'a was the second player punted by South Sydney in July, with the club also sacking Paul Carter for missing training. The Roosters are expected to announce the signing of Carter this week.
Several NRL clubs in need of a centre have expressed interest in Auva'a's services. St George Illawarra are looking to bolster their backline, while Wests Tigers also sounded out the Samoan international before turning their attention towards recruiting former Bulldogs, Titans and Panthers centre Jamal Idris.
However, Auva'a is poised to accept a lifeline from the Eels in a move that will resurrect a roller-coaster career. The 24-year-old has already been sidelined for domestic violence offences after he pleaded guilty to two charges of recklessly causing serious injury and criminal damage over an incident in Melbourne in 2014. He managed to win a premiership with South Sydney before the NRL imposed a nine-month suspension.
The Eels and Auva'a have been working closely with the NRL and its integrity unit to ensure that he undergoes all of the rehabilitation and training courses required to ensure he becomes a registered player again. The club declined to comment on Tuesday.
Auva'a, who flirted with the prospect of becoming a bodybuilder after he was unable to earn a contract extension at Melbourne, is the latest in a long list of signings and re-signings at the blue and golds.
In recent months, the club has re-signed coach Brad Arthur, playmaker Corey Norman, hooker Isaac De Gois, utility Brad Takairangi and forwards Danny Wicks and Kenny Edwards, while Ken Thornett medallist Manu Ma'u is also expected to extend his stay. Parramatta has also signed a number of players from rival clubs including Titans utility Josh Hoffman, Manly prop Siosaia Vave, Rabbitoh Nathan Brown and Panther George Jennings.
The Eels remain on the lookout for a marquee playmaker and are among the few clubs with the salary cap funds available to make it happen.
