Wicks set for post-jail NRL return

Convicted drug dealer Danny Wicks is set for a return to the NRL after a number of clubs expressed an interest in his services including Parramatta.

Convicted drug dealer Danny Wicks

Danny Wicks is set to return to the NRL after serving an 18-month prison sentence for drug supply. (AAP)

Parramatta are one of a number of NRL clubs who have expressed an interest in signing Danny Wicks for the 2015 season.

Wicks is set to return to the rugby league next year, after serving a four-year WADA ban and an 18-month prison sentence for drug supply.

The former Newcastle and St George Illawarra forward was released from jail in March, after being found guilty of drug dealing.

On a contract worth around $300,000 a year before his arrest, the 28-year-old is unlikely to command anywhere near that sort of money as he seeks a second chance in rugby league.

Wicks met Eels officials on Tuesday but the club stressed negotiations were at an early stage.

"We have had preliminary discussions with him, but we are aware a number of other clubs have as well," an Eels spokesman told AAP on Wednesday.

"There has been nothing further than that. Any discussions we have had have been at an initial stage."

Wicks manager Steve Gillis confirmed to Triple M that Wicks had been shopped around to a number of NRL clubs, but that no offers had been officially tabled.

"Danny has no offers from any clubs ... there is preliminary interest from a few clubs," Gillis said.

"Danny remains banned from playing footy, Grafton or otherwise, until late September."

Given their struggles up front this season, the Dragons are another club who have been linked to Wicks, as have the Knights who are also struggling for forward depth.

Wicks played 69 NRL games for the Dragons and the Knights before being found guilty of three counts of supplying drugs in 2011 and served his sentence at Glen Innes Correctional Centre, expressing his desire to return to the NRL when he was released on parole.

Wicks' four-year World Anti-Doping Authority ban ends in September, which means he won't be eligible to join a new NRL club until the 2015 season.


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