Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #118
Huddersfield’s Australian target, clubs chasing Dom Crosby, Ryan Hall in demand and George Williams’ future all in this week’s gossip column.
Williams to stay at Wigan
There have been reports suggesting that George Williams could leave Wigan Warriors for Catalans Dragons at the end of the season, but Love Rugby League understands that he will remain at the Warriors in 2019.
The England international only signed a four-year contract with the club last year as a marquee player and we believe he will definitely be at the club next season. The rumours linking him to Catalans are purely made up after he visited his good mate Lewis Tierney in Perpignan on a weekend off recently.
Hull KR join race for Crosby
Hull Kingston Rovers are the latest club to show interest in Warrington Wolves front-rower Dom Crosby for the 2019 campaign.
The 27-year-old is set to leave Warrington when his contract expires at the end of the year. Salford Red Devils were the first team to show interest in Crosby, but Rovers have now made it clear to Crosby that they want his services for next year.
Hall to pen new Leeds deal
It is rumoured that England winger Ryan Hall is close to agreeing a contract extension with Leeds Rhinos.
The 30-year-old could well see out his career as a one-club man at the Rhinos. There has been reported interest from rugby union and Hull Kingston Rovers, but Love Rugby League understand that Hall will extend his stay at the Rhinos, possibly on a three-year deal.
Laulu-Togaga’e to extend Castleford stay
Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e is set to sign a one-year contract extension with Castleford Tigers, Love Rugby League understands.
The Tigers are still believed to be on the lookout for a starting full-back, but they see 33-year-old Laulu-Togaga’e as a solid cover option for the full-back and half-back roles. The former Samoa international has impressed since his move to the Mend-A-Hose Jungle and is set for a contract reward.
Hastings to make Huddersfield move
Australian half-back Jackson Hastings is expected to sign for Huddersfield Giants with immediate effect in the next couple of weeks.
The 22-year-old was released by Manly Sea Eagles earlier this week after they found him surplus to requirements, having made just 13 appearances since the start of the 2017 season.
He played 34 games for Sydney Roosters between 2014 and 2016 but is expected to have a crack in Super League with the Giants now. It is understood that Huddersfield are in advanced talks with Hastings’ representatives.
Ablett to leave Leeds
Carl Ablett is in the final year of his contract with Leeds Rhinos and it is understood that he will leave the club at the end of the season.
It is believed that Ablett would like to settle down with his family in Australia. A qualified plumber, the 32-year-old is currently thinking about playing part-time rugby league in Australia, with Queensland Cup club Burleigh Bears reported to be interested in his services.