Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #201
Which prop are St Helens lining up? Where is Junior Moors going? Which Wigan youngster is set to receive a new deal? Find out in the gossip column.
St Helens interested in Mulhern
St Helens have joined the race to sign highly-rated Hull KR prop Robbie Mulhern for next season.
The 25-year-old, who has represented England and Ireland on the international stage, has two years left to run on his contract with the Robins but he is in demand at the moment. Mulhern has been linked with a move Down Under in recent times – but Saints are real keen on signing him as Luke Thompson’s replacement for 2021.
Reserves system struggling
Super League clubs are already struggling to keep up with the demands of the mandatory reserves system, with some having to draft in amateur players to make up the numbers.
It threatens to grind dual-registration to a halt too. The problem stems from the fact the academy season has now started – so players that were previously moved up from the Under-18s to play reserves are now unavailable.
Moors set for rival switch
Junior Moors could make a surprise switch to Wakefield, after agreeing an early release from his Castleford contract.
The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, and is currently on the sidelines through a hip injury.
Gelling selection causes outrage
The return of Anthony Gelling to the Warrington squad has been met with outrage by domestic violence victims and friends of his partner. One said: “Super League has a lot to answer to for letting this player stay in the game.”
Gelling is currently on conditional bail after being arrested for wounding with intent, and was initially suspended pending investigation by the Wolves, who now say it’s a police matter.
Wigan to retain young gun
Wigan are keen on offering young prop Ethan Havard a new and improved contract.
The 19-year-old made his first-team debut for the Warriors last season and has made four appearances for Adriam Lam’s side so far, where he has made an impressive start to his Super League career. NRL giants Melbourne Storm have been linked with the Bulgarian-born forward, who is off-contract at the end of the season, but Wigan are set to offer him a new long-term deal.
More controversy in the NRL
Canterbury Bulldogs players Corey Harawira-Naera and Jayden Okunbor have been stood down due to code of conduct breaches.
The two players brought two young females back to their hotel room during a pre-season camp – but neither player is subject to a police investigation. As a result of the misdemeanours, the Bulldogs have lost a $2million sponsorship deal in the wake of the players having consensual sex with the high school girls.
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