Off the Record: Rugby League Rumour and Gossip #72
Hauraki sidelined
Weller Hauraki will be out for between four to six weeks after picking up an injury against Hull FC on the weekend. The Salford man’s problem is to do with scar tissue in his foot apparently. Our mole says he will be sidelined for at least a month. Update: Salford have now confirmed this on their website.
Serbian Rover
Word reaches us that a young Serbian player was ready to come to Hull KR for a trial recently, with Tim Sheens keen to see what the youngster could offer the Robins. Unfortunately, visa issues meant that the trial was stymied, with the Serb not even allowed to come over for a trial as an amateur. It’s a shame we can’t help spread the game overseas by offering a pathway.
Not happy
Which Super League player recently stormed out of the club’s media day after no journalists approached him for an interview? This player was waiting around along with his teammates, but no one came up to him for a chat. The player then yelled loudly to the whole room that he was leaving, threw in a choice expletive or two, and left. Stay classy.
No cap cheats
One rumour doing the rounds is that a certain Championship club had breached the salary cap last year and was set to be docked points this season. We’ve checked with the relevant authorities and it’s complete baloney. Certainly good news for the club in question.
Cheeky chappy
Which Super League CEO has been auctioning off his personalised club gear on eBay recently? Clearly life at the top in rugby league isn’t all what it’s cracked up to be. Or are they doing their bit to fund a new signing ahead of the upcoming season?
Jono jumping ship?
Has Rochdale forward Jono Smith played his last game of rugby league? Smith, who has a chequered record, has been banned for six games for a fiery tweet he sent after Rochdale beat Toulouse in the promotion playoff last year. Smith was knocked out in that game with an elbow to the face from a Toulouse player, who got off scott free. Apparently Smith might walk away from the sport. Last week he tweeted: “I’m done, you can shove your game”.
Social stupidity
FuiFui MoiMoi’s Twitter account and Rangi Chase‘s Instagram acccount – both were popular on the weekend after some, shall we say, interesting posts. The tweets coming out of Fui’s account alleged the Toronto prop had been “playing away from home”. While Rangi forgot to think and put up a video of his shot on Dom Manfredi, the tackle that left Manfredi seriously injured. It fired up several Wigan players and was in poor taste. Rangi realised his mistake and took it down, but boy isn’t the first Wigan vs Cas game this year going to be tasty.