Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #125
Who is the favourite to take over Leigh? Which Salford forward are Hull FC linked with? Will George Williams leave Wigan? Find out the latest speculation in Ray Mour’s gossip column.
Williams to stay at Wigan
George Williams will remain a Wigan Warriors player in 2019, Love Rugby League understands.
The 23-year-old has openly expressed his desire to play in the NRL in the future, with reports from Down Under last week claiming that Newcastle Knights were interested in signing the England international. However, we believe that Williams will stay at Wigan for the 2019 season. Fans of the Warriors will no doubt be excited by the possibility of Lam and Williams in the halves next year.
Hull FC linked with Nzoungou
Hull FC are lining up a move for Salford Red Devils prop Levy Nzoungou, according to League Express.
The 20-year-old is on Lee Radford’s radar after impressing for Oldham, Swinton Lions and Whitehaven this season. He has found chances hard to come by at the Red Devils though, making just three appearances. He is set to leave Salford in the off-season.
Warrington were in for Lyne
Warrington Wolves tried to sign Wakefield Trinity centre Reece Lyne before he signed a new contract last week, Love Rugby League understands.
The England Knights representative has now signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal with Trinity, keeping him at the club until the end of 2022. We are led to believe that Warrington tabled an offer for Lyne before he decided to extend his stay at Wakefield.
Lachlan Lam tipped to join dad at Wigan
Sydney Roosters youngster Lachlan Lam is set to join Wigan Warriors on a season-long loan deal next year, Love Rugby League understands.
It was announced last week that Lachlan’s dad, Adrian Lam, will return to Wigan in 2019 as head coach for a year and it is expected that Lam will follow in his father’s footsteps. Lachlan has yet to make his NRL debut, but earned two caps for Papua New Guinea at last year’s World Cup.
Castleford keen on Kheirallah
Castleford Tigers are keen on bringing Toulouse Olympique star Mark Kheirallah to the club for next season, according to League Weekly.
The France international started his career at Sydney Roosters before moving to France in 2012. It is understood that Daryl Powell wants Kheirallah to add strength in depth to the Tigers’ full-back role alongside Peter Mata’utia. The future of Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e at the Tigers is up in the air.
Cottrell favourite to take over Leigh
Former Leigh Centurions player Tony Cottrell is the favourite to take over the club from 2019, Love Rugby League understands.
Cottrell scored 22 tries in 209 appearances for Leigh as a player in the 1980s. He holds heritage number 927 at the club. It is believed that Cottrell has been in contact with current owner Derek Beaumont regarding a takeover of the club, but it is still early days yet.