The Eels’ exodus is about to get even bigger with another star reportedly considering a shock defection to French rugby union.

The Dolphins have reportedly identified their marquee man and are considering throwing him an offer which would make him the highest-paid player in the NRL.

Parramatta winger Maika Sivo is reportedly considering a shock defection to French rugby union.

News Corp reports the 28-year-old is being offered the chance to quit the NRL after next season for a pay day in Europe.

Another Fijian-born Eels winger, Semi Radradra, moved to Toulon rugby union after the 2017 NRL season.

Sivo is contracted for another two years but the 2023 season marks an option in his favour and he could leave for the 15-man game.

Sivo is set to earn $400,000 at the Eels next year and would attract a more lucrative offer in France.

The rumour mill already has a replacement lined up at Parramatta should Sivo depart, with Canberra’s Bailey Simonsson named.

Meanwhile, Eels forward Marata Niukore is ready to leave for the Warriors and the deal is almost done.

The Auckland-born Niukore reportedly wants a return home to New Zealand when his Eels deal expires after next season.

PONGA’S BIG DOLPHINS OPPORTUNITY

Ever since the Dolphins were rubber-stamped as the NRL’s 17th team, the big question has been who will be their marquee signing?

News Corp journalist Phil Rothfield believes the club, led by veteran coach Wayne Bennett, have picked Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga as their big-fish signing.

The 23-year-old is signed until the end of 2022 and then has an option in his favour for 2023 and 2024.

Rothfield told Sky Sports Radio’s Big Sports Breakfastthat the Dolphins are considering offering Ponga a “ridiculous” salary to try and lure him to the club.

“I still think they’ll go harder for Kalyn Ponga more than any other player,” he said.

“I’ve heard ridiculous money, I’ve heard about $1.4 million a year, which would make him clearly the highest-paid player in the game. He’s ex-Queensland, (he) originally started at the Cowboys.”

However, the Dolphins’ chase won’t be as simple as throwing a lot of money at Ponga.

It was reported earlier this year by Fox League’s James Hooper that Newcastle have to win the premiership in order for Ponga to be allowed to activate those clauses.

The Knights will need to improve dramatically to challenge for the premiership next season otherwise it will take some serious negotiating to get the Dolphins deal over the line.