The Daily Telegraph reports the NRL are sick of losing money on the cash-strapped club with a move north set to give broadcasters the fourth Queensland club they are seeking.

It has been confirmed from NRL sources that shifting the Knights from the Hunter had been talked about.

However, the speculation out of the NRL is believed to be a negotiating tool to prompt Wests Leagues club in Newcastle, who are worth millions, to buy the club and free the NRL of its responsibility.

The NRL are desperate to offload Newcastle after taking control of the club from former mining magnate Nathan Tinkler.

“I first thought it was complete and utter garbage,” Matthew Johns told the Daily Telegraph.

“They wouldn’t want to do it — not in my lifetime or even my grandkids’.

“A few difficult years don’t add up to even investigating something this stupid. It’s one of the game’s greatest heartlands.”

Should the move go ahead, it would leave Manly as the most nothern NSW club between Sydney and the Gold Coast.