Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #188
What is the latest on the French fallout? Which Leigh forward have Swinton signed? Which brothers are attracting interest? Find out in the rumour and gossip column.
Baitieri’s France fall-out
Allegations have been made against the president of the French Federation, in relation to captain Jason Baitieri’s withdrawal from their tour Down Under.
It is alleged that the president made a racist comment prior to France’s game with Jamaica when addressing the players, which has now been brought to the attention of several Jamaica players, including Omari Caro, who tweeted details of the exchange this morning.
Swinton sign Leigh forward
Swinton Lions have signed back-rower Mitch Cox on a one-year contract from Leigh Centurions.
The 25-year-old joined the Centurions towards the back-end of the 2018 season and played 19 games for the club. His contract expired with Leigh at the end of last season and he will join Stuart Littler’s Lions for next year. Cox can play centre as well as back-row.
Brothers attracting interest
Brothers Luke and Toby Adamson are gaining plenty of attention from Championship and League 1 clubs ahead of the 2020 season.
They both impressed for Leigh Centurions last season. There is a possibility that the hard-working forward pair could stay with Leigh for next season, but Newcastle Thunder and Widnes Vikings are just two of the clubs keen on securing their services.
Toronto ask for support
Toronto are due to raise queries about the salary cap and player eligibility at a Super League meeting this week.
The Wolfpack are restricted by the same non-federation trained rules as the other clubs, which they say is unfair as it restricts their ability to sign non-UK based players. Their signing of Sonny Bill Williams is sure to have caused a stir relating to the salary cap. They are also going to ask the British clubs to help support them in growing the game in north America.
Gigot future
Tony Gigot is still without a club for the 2020 season and his future remains unclear.
The 28-year-old left Catalans Dragons at the end of the season, with the French club taking their contract offer to him off the table after they became frustrated in waiting for his decision. Gigot has been linked with a move to St George Illawarra Dragons in the NRL and a cross-code switch to rugby union, but time is running out, with most clubs already being in pre-season training.
More signings for Leigh
Leigh Centurions have not finished their business yet. They are believed to have four more deals over the line – but they just haven’t been announced yet.
Coach John Duffy has got 18 players signed up to his squad for next season, with them announcing a bulk of signings on Tuesday. There have been rumours flying around on social media suggesting that Wigan winger Dom Manfredi could spend some time with the Centurions on loan – but it is nothing more than speculation at this point.
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Team news: Fiji v Papua New Guinea (Sat)
Jermaine McGillvary wants to make amends for Great Britain missed chance
Damian Irvine joins Hunslet as non-executive director
Super League trio keen to face Australia on Kangaroos tour – reports