Transfer Gossip

by James Gordon 16 Mar 2010

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The transfer gossip column makes an unexpected return in light of some interesting rumours circling the rugby league world.

Danny Brough, Wakefield to Huddersfield
Wakefield Trinity chairman Ted Richardson has confirmed a deal for scrum-half Danny Brough to join the Giants is likely to be completed soon. “We’ve negotiated over the last few months to secure a new contract for Danny, and we have probably made him the biggest offer we have ever made to a player, but his decision is not to accept that offer,” said Richardson. (Source: Huddersfield Examiner)

Jarrod Sammut, Penrith to Crusaders
Jarrod Sammut could well have played his last game for Penrith, with the livewire utility deep in negotiations to join UK Super League outfit Crusaders. Sammut's manager Alan Gainey has confirmed a decision will be made within days after Penrith granted the 23-year-old permission to negotiate overseas in February. "We've been talking to (Crusaders coach) Brian Noble for about three weeks now, so we're pretty close to making a call," Gainey said. "D-day will probably come later this week. They've made us a good offer for the rest of this season and two years after that. The only thing Jarrod needs to think about is the exchange rate, because the Australian dollar is pretty good against the pound right right now." Gainey stressed that Sammut was not being shown the door from Penrith, who will honour the final year of his current deal should the Crusaders move be shelved. (Source: Fox Sport)

Paul Cooke, Hull KR to Wakefield
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats coach John Kear remains confident that a deal can still be struck to bring Hull KR outcast Paul Cooke to Belle Vue. The stand-off is frozen out at Craven Park despite having the remainder of the season to run on the deal he signed when he left Hull FC three years ago. That has led to his old Hull boss Kear making an approach to sign the 28-year-old on loan for the rest of the season. "He's a player I admire greatly. There are negotiations going on," said Kear. "We would love to have him. And I think things can be worked out to Paul's advantage, Hull KR's advantage and Wakefield's. (Source: BBC Sport)

Clinton Schifcofske, Rugby union to Crusaders
Gareth Thomas may not be the only ageing convert from rugby union making his debut for the Crusaders in their game against the Catalans Dragons on Friday night. The Welsh club are also hoping to complete a deal for Clinton Schifcofske, a 34-year-old goalkicking full-back who made two State of Origin appearances before switching codes, first with Queensland and more recently with Ulster in the Magners League. "We have been talking with his agent for a while but he is quite sought after," said Paul Retout, the Crusaders chief executive. "If we can do a deal he would come here quickly, and he could play on Friday. It's becoming a bit of a trend for us, signing players from rugby union."

James Graham, St Helens to Sydney Roosters
James Graham has dismissed claims he is planning to move to Australia next year. England star Graham is under contract at St Helens until the end of next season but has been linked with Sydney Roosters. He said: "It's complete rubbish. I have no idea where this has come from." (Source: The Mirror)

Heard any early season rumours? Share them with us below.