Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #122

Ray Mour

Photo courtesy of Richard Long

It is not a good time to be a Leigh fan.

St Helens favourites for Mata’utia

St Helens are still the favourites to sign Leigh Centurions star Peter Mata’utia for next season, Love Rugby League understands.

The 27-year-old has been one of the best, if not the best player in the Championship this season and you can see exactly why he played in the NRL for seven years before joining Leigh at the start of the year. However, Saints face stiff competition for the Samoa full-back, with Castleford Tigers and Huddersfield Giants also being interested.

Widnes eye Leigh trio

Widnes Vikings are preparing to make offers to Leigh Centurions trio Harrison Hansen, Craig Hall and Ben Reynolds on deals until the end of the season, with views to permanent moves.

Hansen, 32, is a fan favourite at Leigh and has played close to 100 games for the club. Hall, 30, only joined Leigh at the start of the year but has been a solid utility option for them this season at full-back and centre. Reynolds, 24, has performed remarkably under pressure at the Centurions this season and is a fine goal-kicking half-back.

Mamo to leave Huddersfield

Jake Mamo will definitely leave Huddersfield Giants at the end of the campaign, Love Rugby League understands.

The 24-year-old has been at the Giants since last year and has impressed in Super League whenever he has played. He has struggled with injuries this year, but Castleford Tigers are interested in the full-back for next year, but it is believed that Mamo is undecided on whether to stay in England or move back to Australia.

Hull KR want Gubb

Hull Kingston Rovers want to sign Canberra Raiders forward Charlie Gubb before the transfer deadline.

Gubb was a priority target for Leigh Centurions but with the likelihood that the Centurions will not make the Qualifiers, they have backed out of the move. Gubb has made 44 appearances in the NRL for New Zealand Warriors and Canberra. He will add size to the Rovers pack.

Catalans keen on Springer

Catalans Dragons are interested in bringing Castleford Tigers front-rower Gadwin Springer back to the club until the end of the season.

The France international started his professional career for Catalans in 2014 and made four appearances for the club, before moving to Castleford in 2015, where he has played over 50 games. He is surplus to requirements at the Tigers and it is understood that a move back to Perpignan would benefit all parties.

Hood targeted by Hull KR

Leigh Centurions hooker Liam Hood is wanted by several Super League clubs, with Hull Kingston Rovers believed to be the frontrunners to sign him.

The Scotland international has been at the Centurions since 2016 and has played a key role in the middle of the park for them this season. It is believed that Rovers would want to keep Hood beyond this season.