Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #83
It’s been another filled week of rumours and gossip in the Rugby League world.
Price favourite for Warrington job
Australian Steve Price has become a hot favourite to take up the role of Head Coach at Warrington Wolves next season.
It was announced earlier this month that Tony Smith will part company with the club after a nine-year spell at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
And Warrington CEO Karl Fitzpatrick has been in Australia over the past week to search for new man for the job.
Price was the St George Illawarra boss between 2012 and 2014 after taking over from now England chief Wayne Bennett.
Carney set to return to Australia
Salford Red Devils head coach Ian Watson confirmed in his post-match press conference last week that former Dally M Medal winner Todd Carney will leave the club at the end of the season.
Once the Super League club broke the news on Twitter, Carney (@tcarney06) himself replied: “No I respected the team but the coach I never wanted to leave but the club asked me to leave to save money.”
The former New South Wales star has since deleted the post. Watson added that the halfback is keen to go and test himself back in the NRL.
Wheeldon to join Featherstone
Veteran forward Scott Wheeldon is set to leave Sheffield Eagles at the end of the season and join fellow Championship side Featherstone Rovers.
Rovers Head Coach John Duffy is wanting to make the squad his own after taking over the reigns from Jon Sharp ahead of The Qualifiers in July.
And having already recruited the likes of Connor Farrell and Sam Brooks from Wigan and Widnes respectively, Wheeldon is his next target.
Wheeldon, 31, has Super League experience with Hull FC, Hull KR, London Broncos and Castleford Tigers.
Inu on the way out of Catalans
There has been rumours flying around on social media this week that the centre could be on his way out of the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
Chairman Bernard Guasch recently criticised Inu at a fans forum which initially created the speculation that he could leave the club at the end of the campaign.
However, the Dragons’ General Manager Alex Chan has stated that the New Zealand and Samoa international is still part of the club, with him under contract for the 2018 season.
Inu spent time in Rugby Union with Stade Francais before switching back into League with the Dragons.
Salford show interest in Nzoungou
Salford Red Devils are interested in signing Toulouse Olympique frontrower Levy Nzoungou for next season.
The 19-year-old joined the Championship side earlier on this year after being successful on trial.
Nzoungou was previously in St Helens’ Academy and was an ever present in their undefeated Under-19s side of 2016.
He then parted ways with the club and joined NRL outfit Melbourne Storm before going back to his homeland France.
And with Olsi Krasniqi and Adam Walne departing the AJ Bell Stadium at the end of this season, Head Coach Ian Watson is looking to fill the void in the pack.
James Maloney wanted by Warrington
Warrington Wolves have reportedly made a bid to sign Cronulla Sharks star James Maloney.
The 31-year-old is believed to be unhappy at the NRL Premiers but is under contract for the 2018 season.
South Sydney Rabbitohs and Newcastle Knights are also chasing Maloney’s signature but the Wolves could be tempted to make him their latest marquee signing.
It was confirmed that Warrington scrum-half Kurt Gidley would retire at the end of the campaign so we could possibly see Maloney partner Kevin Brown in the halves at Warrington next season.
Or will they offer youngster Declan Patton the number seven shirt?
What are your thoughts on this week’s gossip? Let us know in the comments below.