Off the Record: Rugby League Rumour and Gossip #47
Starling to Cas?
Word comes to us that Manly prop Josh Starling could be a Castleford player next season. We told you back in May that Starling might be Super League-bound, and now it appears Cas could land the Sea Eagles front-rower. Starling hasn’t played much under Trent Barrett at Brookvale this season, but would be a handy addition for Daryl Powell.
Satini swoop
There’s also some talk that Tony Satini, a teammate of Starling’s at Manly, may also be on the move to England. A six foot four, 100kg centre, Satini has only played one NRL game for Manly and is just 22 years old. He is off contract at the end of this year and with a Tongan passport, would find it easier to meet Super League‘s visa rules.
Bradford blues
As of Tuesday night Bradford players were still waiting to be paid. The situation is not good, despite the posturing coming from some quarters. The squad was already set for a massive overhaul before missing out on the Middle 8s, and this latest episode could lead to more departures. Apparently owner Marc Green returning from his holiday in Spain on Monday.
Championship trouble
Bradford aren’t the only Championship club in dire financial strife right now. We’ve heard whispers of another second-division side that is struggling to pay its bills. There’s even talk that they are finding it hard to finish out this season, as they are several hundred thousand pounds in the hole. Not good at all.
Not easy been Green
Has James Green played his last game for Hull KR? One of our moles has informed us that the prop has knocked back two contract offers from the Robins and remains without a club for 2017. Green has been linked with the NRL, but we’re told that’s not happening and at this point staying with Hull KR is also far from certain. Where in Super League will the front-runner end up?
No go Robbie
Robbie Farah is on the outer at Wests Tigers, but he won’t be coming to Super League. We’re reliably informed that the hooker wants to stay in the NRL, and will either see out his deal with the Tigers in reserve-grade next year or jump ship to another NRL side. Souths and St George Illawarra are the favourites to land the NSW rake.