Perth Bears are pursuing Corey Horsburgh after failing to secure Junior Paulo from Parramatta due to contract disagreements.
Perth Bears have shifted their attention to out-of-favour Canberra prop Corey Horsburgh after they were unable to reach a deal with Parramatta veteran Junior Paulo.
It is understood the Bears will now focus on a deal with Horsburgh after prolonged talks to secure Paulo on a two-year deal were unable to see the parties agreed to a deal.
The Bears had scoffed at the $900,000 asking price for Paulo and their counteroffer was not enough to secure a deal. Talks had been ongoing for weeks, but it now seems unlikely Paulo will join the Bears next season.
Instead, Paulo is likely to stay at Parramatta where he still has a one-year offer on the table - the Eels are yet to rule out a second season but won't commit to a deal for 2028 just yet.
The Eels would also want Paulo, who turns 33 in November, to remain at the club once he retires.