Kurri Kurri have denied Redman a clearance to play for Maitland this season despite the once Knights and Gold Coast rake expressing his preference to switch allegiances from the Bulldogs to the Pickers prior to last month’s opening round.

Redman initially signed for the Bulldogs in the off-season after two years with Newcastle outfit Western Suburbs, including the 2017 grand final.

But since putting pen to paper the 25-year-old has barely been sighted, if at all, around Kurri Sportsground and alternatively appeared on a Pickers lower-grade team list in the competition’s weekly program.  

A recent meeting between Kurri, Maitland and Newcastle RL officials did not resolve the issue.

Kurri president Daryl Chapman said Redman’s immediate playing future was “still under discussion” but “that’s all I can tell you”.

Maitland president Frank Lawler said he was hopeful, but not convinced, Redman would eventually lace up the boots again during 2018. 

“He signed a contract with them [Kurri] late last year but he hasn’t been there, or trained, at all,” Lawler said.

“He’s good friends with [Pickers players] Adam Clydsdale, Brenton Horwood, Drew Watkins and a few of the guys so he wants to come and play with them.

“Obviously we’d love to have a player of his calibre around as well, but we’re just really in the hands of Kurri.”  

Without mutual agreement between the clubs, Redman is still under contract at Kurri.  

It is uncertain if he will play at the Bulldogs, but Lawler said Redman indicated “he’s still going to come to training with us [the Pickers] and run the water with us”.

Newcastle RL chief executive officer Matt Harris said it was a “tricky” situation for all parties and potential release “conditions” would be discussed, but “ultimately” the league aren’t in a position to “overrule” contracts between players and clubs.    

Maitland and Kurri share the top-grade competition lead after winning three of their first four matches.