Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #110

Wigan to persuade Bateman to stay
England international John Bateman has been heavily linked with a move to the NRL and he’s been in the press recently confirming his mind isn’t yet made up. With Sam Tomkins looking odds on to move on at the end of the year, the Warriors are pushing for Bateman to become one of their marquee players to make him stay.

Milner interesting NRL
Castleford’s Adam Milner is the latest in an ever-increasing list of players to be attracting suitors from the NRL, with South Sydney Rabbitohs believed to be interested in his capture. The 26-year-old is closing in on his 200th appearance as a one-club man with the Tigers.

iPitch ripped up
The iPitch at Widnes’ Halton Stadium is set to be ripped up at the end of the year – to be updated with a new artificial surface ahead of next season. The Vikings made the bold move off grass ahead of their return to Super League in 2012, and the almost seven-year old pitch is starting to look very tired.

Woolford’s timely boost
Huddersfield, away at Warrington this weekend, will be hoping to get their new coach in place for their next game, a crucial one at home to Widnes. The Giants haven’t won since they last played the Vikings back in March, and the arrival of a new coach could be a welcome boost. Although there’s still nothing official about the appointment, speculation surrounding Woolford suggests it’s a done deal.

Russell’s wait
Poor Matty Russell is still waiting for his next move, currently left training in isolation at Warrington as they try and find someone to take over his hefty salary. Salford were heading the race to sign the former Wigan back, but they will only proceed with a move if the Wolves agree to pay a chunk of the Scotland international’s wages until the end of the season.