Off the Record: Rugby League Rumour and Gossip #42
McDermott to Robins?
A whisper that has come to us recently is Brian McDermott on the move to Hull KR at the end of the season. It was shocking at first thought, but stranger things have happened. 2016 has been a nightmare for McDermott at Leeds and a change could be a positive for both parties. The coach also enjoys a strong past relationship with Hull KR boss Jamie Peacock. We wait in anticipation to see if this comes off.
Mackay Cutters hunt
Queensland Cup side Mackay Cutters are looking at the UK to fill their head coaching role. We understand the Cutters are interested in Dewsbury coach Glenn Morrison and Rochdale coach Alan Kilshaw following coach David Simpson’s resignation. Morrison has been in the running for Queensland Cup jobs before, while Kilshaw has a link to the club after serving for several years as the Cutters assistant coach.
Championship bust-up
Word on the street tells of fractious relationship between a Championship club chairman and head coach. The chairman has been cutting costs, especially on travel arrangements for away games and on player signings ahead of a crucial period. This has not gone down well with the coach, who is expected to walk at the end of this season.
Moon to St Helens?
That’s one rumour that was doing the rounds earlier this week. But according to Joel Moon‘s agent, it won’t be happening. Moon is happy at Leeds and tied down to a long contract. He won’t be shifting to Langtree Park. But we hear Saints are in the market for a new centre.
Ridyard loan back on
Martin Ridyard‘s loan move away from Leigh could be back on. Bradford and St Helens were interested in the halfback, but Leigh blocked a move to Odsal. Wakefield joined the party and tried to shift Jordan Tansey and Richard Owen on loan to make cap space but were unsuccessful. But with Stuart Howarth now joining Bradford, a stint at Belle Vue for Ridyard could be on the cards once more.
Coaching appointment
Talk reaches us that a high flying Championship coach is ready to add an international string to his bow and take on an assistant’s role at the Four Nations. The coach is a young and ambitious British talent who has played internaional rugby himself, and who spent a large chunk of his career at clubs in ‘development areas’.