Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #86
The season is now officially over and there are a lot of incomings and outgoings expected in the coming days.
Drinkwater on his way out of Leigh
Josh Drinkwater is on his way out of the club following their relegation to the Championship.
The 25-year-old signed a deal last year until the end of the 2019 campaign. However, as the club were relegated, the contract is now void after they lost the Million Pound Game to Catalans Dragons.
It is expected that the Australian will continue his career in Super League rather than moving back home.
Robins eye Carney and Hutchison
Hull Kingston Rovers head coach Tim Sheens is reported to want to add half-back pair Todd Carney and Drew Hutchison to his squad next season.
Jordan Abdull and Jamie Ellis, who were the club’s preferred halves in their promotion winning season, are set to return to Hull FC and Huddersfield Giants respectively following the expiry of their loans.
Carney is a free agent after a season with Salford Red Devils while Hutchison is expected to be out of favour at St George Illawarra in 2018, owing to the arrival of Brisbane Bronco Ben Hunt.
Trinity linked with Tasi
Wakefield Trinity boss Chris Chester wants to bolster his pack for next season and it is understood that Salford Red Devils prop Lama Tasi is on his radar.
The Red Devils have reportedly told Tasi, who spent a year with St Helens in 2015, that he is surplus to requirements at the club.
Star forwards Anthony England, Craig Huby and David Fifita are under contract for next season but the loss of Adam Walker earlier this season has left them a little bit short of options.
Maria to return to France
Leigh Centurions front-rower Antoni Maria is on the verge of returning to France for 2018 with Championship side Toulouse Olympique.
The France international has been in good form for the Centurions on the field this year but it is believed that he wants a return to his homeland.
Maria spent four years with Catalans Dragons between 2012 and 2016 before moving to Leigh ahead of this season, but he is expected to partner Sam Rapira in the Toulouse front-row next season.
Roberts snubs Warrington
Tyrone Roberts has snubbed Warrington Wolves’ lucrative contract offer and is close to signing a new deal with Gold Coast Titans.
It is understood that the Wolves are offering more money for the half-back than the Titans.
However, Roberts has told his agent that he has no interest in moving over to England to play in the Super League.
Salford want Walters
Salford Red Devils boss Ian Watson wants to bring Leeds Rhinos back-rower Josh Walters to the AJ Bell Stadium for 2018.
The 22-year-old has struggled to break into Brian McDermott’s side this season, making just nine appearances for the Rhinos but has played regularly for dual-registration partners Featherstone Rovers.
And with Ben Murdoch-Masila on his way to Warrington Wolves, Walters could take the number 11 shirt for next season and make himself an established Super League player.
What do you think of the rumours? Would they be good deals? Let us know in the comments below.