CORY Paterson has become the first casualty of the Wayne Bennett era at Newcastle as speculation intensified the Knights were clearing the decks for St George Illawarra fullback Darius Boyd.
Paterson is contracted at the Knights until the end of next year, but has been told he will not be re-signed after that and is therefore free to explore other opportunities in both the NRL and the English Super League.
Roosters forward Nate Myles, also linked to the Knights, is expected to announce a deal with Gold Coast later this week.
Paterson, who has been in the Knights system since he was 16 after moving to Newcastle from Perth, was dejected at being told he was free to look elsewhere.
"The news disappoints but hopefully, we can sort a few things out in the next few weeks, whether that be here or elsewhere," Paterson told sportsnewsfirst.com.au.
Bennett announced last month he would be joining the Knights at the end of the season and there has been plenty of speculation that Boyd will follow his coach.
The Australian has been told the Knights were poised to offer Boyd $500,000 a season, but he has also been linked to a return to Brisbane to be closer to his family.
Myles was also reported to have received a big offer from the Nathan Tinkler-owned Knights, but sources said yesterday he would join the Titans. Myles was at Skilled Park last night to watch the Titans-Manly game with Gold Coast CEO Michael Searle.
The Knights have already made a major play in the market with Cronulla prop Kade Snowden signing a four-year deal worth a reported $1.6 million.
Paterson's departure could also have ramifications for former Newcastle captain Danny Buderus, who could return home from England for one last hurrah next year at the Knights.
If that happens, incumbent hooker Isaac De Gois could be forced out and has been linked to his former club, Cronulla.
Meanwhile, the Sharks have re-signed injured five-eighth Albert Kelly to a three-year deal that will keep him at the club until the end of 2014.
"I'm over the moon to get the deal done," Kelly said. "It's a massive weight off my shoulders."
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