Off the Record: Rugby League Rumour and Gossip #64
Cut and run
In PNG rumours are swirling around the reasons for the sacking of CEO Bob Cutmore. Talk is that Cutmore was ditched for more political than performance reasons, as was stated. The CEO was apparently on the verge of unearthing some alleged dodgy dealings during an audit, so the board decided to ditch him pronto. The PNGRFL is currently advertising for Cutmore’s replacement, and looking internationally as well as within PNG.
Rival swap
News of Kevin Brown heading to Warrington caught many by surprise. Our source tells us it was Brown himself, not Warrington, who initiated the discussions. It was a similar situation a few months ago between the halfback and St Helens, before Saints baulked at the fee that was wanted. There is talk of a £125,000 deal for Brown to swap Widnes for the Wire. The two clubs are haggling over the transfer price as we speak.
Eagle flying the coop
PNG Mark Mexico has left the Sheffield Eagles despite a year being left on his deal. With the Eagles financial woes, Mexico is free to leave and we understand he has returned to the Queensland Cup. Apparently Duane Straugheir is one of the club’s current players that are staying put. Straighier has been with the Eagles since 2012.
Siejka goes north
Former Wakefield and Bradford halfback Harry Seikja has found a new home. Seikja had landed with the Canterbury Bulldogs after leaving the Bulls, and was playing in their NSW Cup team this year. Now he is set to turn out for the Burleigh Bears in the Queensland Cup in 2017.
By George
There has been some speculation that NRL clubs are after George Williams, with the Wigan halfback possibly even headed down under for next season. We’ve done some digging and rest assured Wigan fans, the playmaker isn’t leaving the DW Stadium. It’s just scuttlebutt.
Unwanted Rooster
After a tough 2016 at Bondi Junction centre Dale Copley might be on the way out of the Roosters. The club is shopping him around, just one year after they signed him from Brisbane. Apparently the Queenslander, who has another two years on his contract with the Roosters, wants to stay in Sydney.