Pickers coach Luke Dorn said Clydsdale would be a quality addition to Maitland’s squad and they were definitely interested in securing his signature for 2018 if possible.

“I’ve said from the start that we are looking at signing quality players to bolster our team,” he said.

“Adam is an NRL player and we are meeting with him this week. 

“We’re hoping having his brother Luke (reserves coach) will work in our favour.”

Western Suburbs ruled themselves out of the race to sign Clydsdale leaving Maitland and South Newcastle  as the favourites to sign him.

Clydsdale walked away from a new one year deal at the Raiders a fortnight ago, effectively bringing an end to his 57-game NRL career with the hooker citing burn-out and declaring he wanted to start a new phase of his life.

He indicated he was open to all offers from local clubs but was immediately linked to Maitland with his brother Luke.

It is understood he has also been sounded out by South Newcastle coach Ben Cross.

The Lions have picked up former Knights lower-grade and Maitland hooker Joey Morris after losing one of their best players, Liam Higgins to Queensland Cup side Sunshine Coast Falcons during the off-season but could be looking to strengthen the position even further. 

“We have purposely left Adam alone for a week or two since he made his decision but we will sit down with him this week to see where he is at,” Pickers president Frank Lawler said.

“Souths have signed Joey Morris but are also interested in Adam from what we can gather so we’ll see how it plays out.”

Wests recruiting priority is former Kiwi international Frank Paul Nu’uausala, who is expected to sign soon.

Wests coach Matt Lantry admitted the club would not have the players points available to fit Clydsdale into their squad if they sign Nu’uausala as expected.

“Adam would be 200 points and we’ll only have 80 left if we get Frank Paul,”Lantry said.

Nu’uausala, the former Sydney Roosters and Canberra forward who played with Wigan in the English Super League last season is still in England but is expected to return to Australia in the New Year.

It’s understood he has already agreed to terms with the Rosellas but is seeking his entitlements from Wigan.

The Rosellas have already strengthened their forward pack with the signing of former Knights’ NSW Cup premiership-winning prop Tama Koopu. 

Dorn said the Pickers hoped to be in a position to announce all their signings before Christmas or early in the new year.

“We will have a quality squad going into 2018. We hope to finalise everyone soon.” he said.

     IMAGE