7th Tackle: Could Moses part the Nth Qld seas?

With Josh Reynolds gone, attention will now turn other Bulldogs players in the departure lounge at Belmore.

The most surprising name that’s been tossed up is halves partner Moses Mbye, who has three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract.

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Speculation that Mbye could be released to accommodate Kieran Foran and Aaron Woods is being closely monitored in North Queensland.

Notwithstanding fierce debate over his best position, Mbye wants to continue his career at the scrum base.

And influential figures at the Cowboys feel he’d do a strong job outside Johnathan Thurston next season.

That would push reluctant playmaker Michael Morgan back to his original No.1 jersey, leaving the future of current fullback Lachlan Coote uncertain.

Coote is also in the first year of a long-term contract. However, he does have a tempestuous relationship with coach Paul Green.

The pair are similar personalities – strong-willed and free-speaking – and have clashed in the past.

Mbye spoke to Bulldogs figures last week about his future and was re-assured there’s no move needed at present.

But he’s smart enough to know contracts don’t mean what they once did – and publicly admitted as much last week.

The Cowboys certainly won’t take Mbye at full freight given their salary cap situation; Canterbury would have to contribute a pay-out.

Mbye is on a clever deal at the Dogs that automatically re-adjusts to the rising cap.