Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #153
What is the latest on Ryan Brierley’s future? What are next steps Manchester Rangers? Who has joined the race for Wellington Albert? Find out more in the rumour and gossip column.
Brierley future up in the air
Ryan Brierley faces an uncertain future as his move to Salford Red Devils appears to be looking thin on the ground.
It is understood the Scotland international would be allowed to leave Toronto Wolfpack if he received an offer elsewhere. Salford are keen on signing him but they are struggling to come up with money to get him on board. Red Devils coach Ian Watson had ‘nothing to report’ on their pursuit of the half-back following their game against St Helens last Thursday. Brierley made his first appearance of the season last Sunday as Toronto won as Dewsbury Rams, but he doesn’t feature in Brian McDermott’s future plans.
Toronto join chase for Albert
Papua New Guinea prop Wellington Albert is interesting Toronto Wolfpack, as he gets closer to making a decision about his future.
Let go by Widnes following their administration, Albert is eager to stay in the northern hemisphere and prove his worth. Leeds were interested but the Wolfpack now look favourites to sign him.
Halifax eye Super League forward
Halifax are looking at bringing in front-rower Jordan Baldwinson from Wakefield Trinity.
It’s unclear whether Fax are aiming to bring him in on a permanent deal or loan as of yet. The 24-year-old’s contract with Wakefield expires at the end of the season and has yet to play for Chris Chester’s side this season. Baldwinson made two appearances for Fax last season after joining on loan from Trinity, and it’s understood Richard Marshall wants to bring Baldwinson back to The Shay.
Huddersfield made Giant offer for Widdop
Huddersfield Giants made a whopping annual salary offer of $500,000 to NRL superstar Gareth Widdop.
However, the 29-year-old opted to sign a three-year deal with Warrington Wolves instead as he aims to help Steve Price’s side win their first ever Super League Grand Final. It was a huge offer made to Widdop by Giants’ owner Ken Davy, which makes you think Widdop might be on even more than that at Warrington. Huge money for Super League!
Manchester frustration
Having been denied a place in League 1 this season, it appears that the only hope for Manchester Rangers of joining the professional ranks is if they are to take over or replace one of the existing Greater Manchester teams.
The Rangers had made an offer for Hemel’s licence in 2018, but the Stags turned that down before eventually pulling out of League 1 and now their licence apparently going to Eric Perez’s latest north American project.
Leeds favourites to sign NRL forward
Leeds Rhinos are the frontrunners to sign Cronulla Sharks front-rower Ava Seumanufagai with immediate effect.
The New Zealander, who is of Samoan descent, has been offered to NRL and Super League clubs as the Sharks aim to free up space on the salary cap. The Rhinos are interested in strengthening their pack.
On the other hand, Rhinos’ rumoured moves with Australia international Felise Kaufusi and Samoa star Sam Kasiano look unlikely to happen due to their wage demands being too high.