HULL KR: Exclusive – Clinton on cards for KR

HULL KR are leading the race to land Brisbane's Joel Clinton after staging advanced talks about a move to Craven Park, the Mail understands.

The Broncos prop has been repeatedly linked with the Robins during the off-season.

And Rovers have moved in quickly after the NRL club admitted they are willing to allow the 27-year-old to leave.

It is thought KR will face competition from two other Super League clubs for the former Test star's signature.

But the Mail understands Justin Morgan's strong relationship with Clinton's agent, David Riolo, will swing the deal in KR's favour.

Riolo already represents a big contingent of KR's overseas stars, helping to sign Ben Galea, Clint Newton, Michael Dobson, Michael Vella and Jake Webster.

As Brisbane's highest-paid forward on £152,000-a-season, Clinton's signing may raise a few eyebrows following recent revelations over KR's finances.

The Mail understands KR are still negotiating about his salary and length of deal.

But having off-loaded Nick Fozzard, Daniel Fitzhenry, Stanley Gene and Makali Aizue to make space on the salary cap for a big-name signing, this deal will again take the Robins close to the £1.7m limit.

Should Clinton sign, his arrival may also leave Rovers having to be prudent with finances at the end of next season.

A string of the club's highest-paid stars see their deals expire at the end of 2010, including Ben Galea, Paul Cooke, Chev Walker and Jake Webster.

This may allow the Robins to re-evaluate their spending levels for the long-term.

Clinton is out of contract at Broncos at the end of 2010 and has been concerned for some time that he will not get an extension.

As first reported on www.sporthull.co.uk yesterday, Brisbane chief executive Bruno Cullen has said the club will consider releasing Clinton, and that a number of clubs have been chasing his signature.

"I've spoken to Joel's manager and he asked if Joel got a good deal going forward, would we consider letting him go," said Cullen.

"We've said, like we have in the past with numerous players, that we'd certainly consider it. We don't like holding people back.

"Joel is being sought after by overseas clubs.

"We haven't spoken about an extension with Joel (for 2011). He's got a year to go and his future beyond that at the Broncos is unknown at this stage."