Off the Record: Rugby League Rumour and Gossip #62
Tupou to depart?
Word comes to us that Anthony Tupou could be leaving Wakefield. The forward joined Trinity at the start of 2016 from Cronulla on a
two-year deal. The story goes is that Tupou is homesick and wants to head home to Australia. This one could pan out in the next weeks, we’ll keep you posted. A move to Newcastle, his home-town club, would make sense.
Lui staying put
He has been linked with Leeds and Leigh in the past, but Salford halfback Robert Lui is staying put. A mole at the AJ Bell Stadium tells us that the Aussie is happy at Salford and isn’t going anywhere, which is a boost for the club.
Broncos transfers
Brisbane have been busy trying to make some moves in the transfer market. There was some talk that Ben Hunt could be leaving and going to Parramatta. This may open the door for Gold Coast halfback Tyrone Roberts, a Wayne Bennett favourite, to join the club. But for now it seems that Hunt isn’t going anywhere. The Eels could do with a quality half after Kieran Foran left. The Broncos are keen on luring Dylan Napa to Queensland, but the Roosters are desperate to keep him.
Toronto making noise
The new dawn of the Wolfpack rolls on. Toronto will hold a big press conference on Sunday in Liverpool before the Four Nations final. At it they will be annouccing a UK TV broadcast partnership, a kit deal, pre-season friendly fixtures and a high-profile signing. We’ve been sworn to secrecy, but we can tell you that the player is a big name and he is not British. He is a veteran who will be the biggest name in the Wolfpack squad by far.
Bradford patience
Players are not heading for the doors at Bradford, well not just yet. We understand most players are adopting a wait and see approach at this point, rather than trying to secure deals elsewhere now, to see what happens to the embattled club. The Bulls could be set for a 12-point deduction and new owners in the coming weeks.
England ambitions
Wayne Bennett’s pre-season England camp is expected to be held in Europe now, not in Dubai. There’s also to be compensation for the Super League clubs for their players taken on the camp, with a cap set on how many from each club England can take. We’ve heard that Bennett won’t get more than four players from each club, which will make it interesting for the likes of Wigan who could have up to five players or more in contention.
Calendar conundrum
Delegates and officials from all over the rugby league world will meet in Liverpool this weekend. Their mission? To create an international calendar for the next four to eight years. Decisions will be made if we have another Four Nations in 2018, or whether a Confederations Cup-style tournament takes place. A mid-season Test window for games, like they do now in the NRL, would be nice.