Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #123
Who is taking charge at Wigan? Does Keiron Cunningham have a future at Leigh? Which NRL winger are Leeds linked with? Find out in this week’s gossip column.
Two Lam’s on the menu at Wigan
Wigan Warriors want Papua New Guinea legend Adrian Lam to become their next coach.
The Sun report that Lam is believed to have agreed a deal to replace Shaun Wane for 2019. He is currently working with the Sydney Roosters juniors, including his son Lachlan. It has been rumoured that if Lam does take the Wigan job that Lachlan will join him at the Warriors next year.
Newcastle eyeing Finn
Newcastle Thunder are close to signing Wakefield Trinity half-back Liam Finn for next season.
The 34-year-old was out of favour at Wakefield earlier this season and last week joined Widnes Vikings on loan for the remainder of the season. He will retire at the end of the season and join Wakefield’s coaching staff, but League Express report that Newcastle are keen to tie him down to a part-time contract for next season.
Future mid-season US Tests in doubt
The future of the mid-season Test’s between England and New Zealand are in doubt, due to New Zealand Rugby League and Rugby Football League not being paid the full amount from the event promoter.
Moore Sports, who were the organisation who put on the event in Denver, haven’t paid up the full agreed fee to the governing bodies by the deadline which was July 31. The future of the mid-season Test in the United States is certainly up in the air for now.
Cunningham on his way out of Leigh?
Keiron Cunningham could well be on his way out of Leigh Centurions at the end of the season, if not before.
After the announcement that Leigh owner Derek Beaumont will be stepping down from his role at the end of the campaign and with several Leigh exits occurring last week, Cunningham was not in attendance at the Leigh Sports Village for their game against Sheffield Eagles on Sunday. He normally sits with coach Kieron Purtill in the main stand, but he wasn’t, and this has sparked rumours on social media.
New York team forced to bide time
The New York-based rugby league franchise wanting to be part of the Rugby Football League may have to wait until at least the 2021 season to enter the divisions, Love Rugby League understands.
RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer held a meeting with members of the media last week and said it was ‘unlikely’ that a team could join any of the leagues for 2019, and reliable sources suggest to us that it isn’t going to happen until before the 2021 season at least.
Leeds linked with Feldt
Leeds Rhinos have been rumoured with a move for North Queensland Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt for the 2019 season.
The 26-year-old has scored 58 tries in 90 games since making his NRL debut for the Cowboys in 2013. He won the NRL Grand Final in 2015 as well as the World Club Challenge the following year. A lot of people in both England and Australia are talking about this move on social channels.