The Melbourne Rebels say they're close to completing a deal to bring NRL star Marika Koroibete to the Super Rugby franchise.
Rebels coach Tony McGahan said on Thursday negotiations were well advanced and he was optimistic the Melbourne Storm's Fijian winger would soon sign.
"I haven't had any confirmation this morning but that's certainly on-going and we'd be hopeful of getting something sorted sooner rather than later," McGahan said.
The Storm didn't want to comment on Koroibete but it's believed he's been offered a huge money deal the NRL club can't match, particularly with the Australian Rugby Union topping up the coffers.
The 23-year-old would qualify as a Wallaby through residency after living in Sydney while he played for the Wests Tigers before moving to Melbourne.
McGahan would be licking his lips at the prospect of having powerhouse Koroibete line up on one wing with fellow Fijian Sefa Naivalu on the other.
The pair grew up in Fiji playing together and remain close.
Koroibete is currently out with an ankle injury but has scored five tries this season.
McGahan admitted his attack needed some spark with the Rebels ranked 12th in the competition for tries scored and bringing former Test centre Morgan Turinui in as an attack consultant this week.
The Storm lost another winger to rugby this season, with Matt Duffie leaving the club at the end of last year to join Auckland Blues.
AAP mw/nh/gc
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