Joe Greenwood’s potential next moves
Former St Helens and current Gold Coast Titans second-rower Joe Greenwood made the switch across the globe for the 2017 NRL campaign, but just over a year later he has been granted permission to look at further options. But what’s next for the Englishman?
The 25-year-old played over 20 times for the Titans in 2017 but is yet to play first grade NRL in the 2018 campaign, currently featuring for feeder side Burleigh Bears.
The Neil Henry signing, who agreed to a contract expected to be just less than £150,000 a season, is yet to play under new coach Garth Brennan and the club have allowed the player to search for other options if he wishes to.
Whilst the player has made it no secret he wishes to remain and fight for his spot the hard way, there are several Super League clubs interested in putting the players name to paper, and here are four teams that Greenwood would easily fit in.
Leeds Rhinos
With Leeds continuing to rebuild their squad after the dynasty years, Greenwood may fit the bill with the likes of Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Carl Ablett coming to the end of their careers.
He has one short of 100 first grade appearances under his belt at the age of 25, as well as one Super League Grand Final winners ring, so has a bit of pedigree for the Rhinos to bring on board.
Whether they look for someone with more experience, or put more faith in their prolific youth structure, remains to be seen.
Hull KR
One of the teams linked with interest for the Englishman, Greenwood would comfortably fit in Tim Sheens’ side, especially after the recent horrific run of injuries.
The Robins could be without 11 first-team players for their clash at the DW Stadium against Wigan in the Challenge Cup, including former NRL star Maurice Blaire and forwards Chris Clarkson, Nick Scruton, Lee Jewitt, George Lawler and Danny Addy.
The 2014 Super League winner would be a welcomed addition for KR and would add strength in both attack and defence in their fight to remain in the top flight.
Widnes Vikings
The idea of joining near-bottom of the Super League won’t be the most attractive for Greenwood, but the concept of helping them battle against relegation and save them from the dreaded drop might, even as a short-term stop gap.
Widnes sit 10th in the Super League table, joint points with bottom-placed Catalans Dragons. However, Greenwood would surely have an impact if he was to make the move to the industrial town.
With Chris Houston also in the second-row, Greenwood would drive a lot of experience for the young side, with nine forwards aged 22 and under who are another team that have had a struck of bad luck with injuries.
Huddersfield Giants
Amongst other teams, Huddersfield Giants have had their (unlucky) fair share of injuries, including the departure of Tom Symonds early in April.
Greenwood would bring a lot of strength to an already-powerful pack, with the likes of Michael Lawrence, Dale Ferguson and Ukuma Ta’ai in the second row.
The Saddleworth Rangers junior would help ease new coach Simon Woolford’s injury woes and would undoubtedly help them rise into the top eight, a journey interim coach Chris Thorman has already – successfully – begun.
Would you take Joe Greenwood in your club? Let us know in the comments below.