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Maguire: Latrell on signings radar but Wests Tigers won't be rushed

Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire said the club will explore the situation surrounding premiership-winning Roosters centre Latrell Mitchell but insisted he hasn't had any conversations about it so far.

The Roosters this week withdrew their offer to extend Mitchell's contract beyond the end of 2020, while it is understood the Tricolours would also consider releasing the Kangaroos star immediately under the right circumstances.

Speaking from Kiwis camp, where he is preparing for Saturday's second Test against Great Britain in Christchurch, Maguire said he wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't keep an open mind when it came to off-contract players.

"You look at every player, that's my job to make sure that you look at potentials and what could be in your team, so in time we will work through those sorts of things," Maguire said.

"As a coach it's my duty and [as] an organisation we have got to look at whatever is available at that moment in time, and also too can it actually fit in your [salary] cap?"

The Tigers are believed to have more than $1.5 million freed up in their cap next year from Ben Matulino's medical retirement and Ryan Matterson's release.

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NRL.com understands Roosters prop Zane Tetevano is one potential front-row target, while Gold Coast pair Jai Arrow and AJ Brimson are also thought to be on their radar.

Maguire said working out the club's salary cap situation was his top priority.

"It's obviously known we have got a few things in our cap that we need to tidy up. That's the first thing that we need to address," Maguire said.

"It's probably not as fluid as you think it is. There are a few things that we need to sort out prior to when we get to the next step of going to various players.

"We have got to make sure we get that sorted first, because if we don't you can fall into some dangerous places again.

"I'm here to make sure we get stability around cap, so then we can actually aspire to get to the highest level."

The Tigers released Kiwi international centre Esan Marsters last month and have also lost experienced utility back Mahe Fonua to Hull FC for 2020.

But Maguire said while there was now a gap at centre, he was confident the players he already has at the club were capable of stepping up. 

"I have got a few there who can fill that space at the moment, I won't sort of put [pressure] on those young kids coming through, but I am really pleased with some of the younger guys we have got coming through."

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