Off the Record: Rugby League Transfer Gossip #2
Burgess back to Super League?
No it’s not rugby union convert Sam but his older brother Luke who could be back in the competition in 2016. Luke Burgess signed with Manly from South Sydney on a two-season deal in January this year. But the oldest of the four Burgess brothers struggled to shine with the Sea Eagles and the club is believed to be keen to get rid of him. The prop has been linked to a somewhat weird move to Japanese rugby union, but a return home to Super League, where he spent four years with Leeds, is much more likely.
Gould’s UK jaunt
Penrith Panthers general manager Gus Gould and CEO Warren Wilsom were recently in the UK on a five-day tour. It is understood the pair took in trips to St Helens, Everton and Bath, and also watched the Huddersfield v Castleford game at the John Smith’s Stadium. We hear the Panthers heavyweights have been talking to St Helens about player development ideas and also were looking to sell a coaching app. Some young halfbacks may have also been closely watched by the Channel 9 commentator and former NSW coach, during his time in England.
Carney to Newcastle
Is Todd Carney headed back to the NRL and joining Nathan Brown at the Knights? Social media has lit up with the news. Carney is keen on returning to the NRL and ex-Saints boss Brown has just been given the Knights role. The five-eighth has had a chequered history in the Australian comp but could mount a strong legal case to push to be allowed. Carney would need a release from Catalans, as he is under contract for 2016, but the Dragons might view ball-playing South Sydney forward Glenn Stewart as a decent substitute.
Bathing Sarginson
More whispers about Wigan and England centre Dan Sarginson code-swapping to Bath. The Warriors and Bath have a close relationship these days and Bath are almost a rugby league outfit with Mike Ford as coach and Sam Burgess, George Ford and Kyle Eastmond all there. Burgess seems to be enjoying his time in the other code and has had a super fast ascension into the England set-up, which may entice Sarginson. The 22-year old, who hails from London and is out for the next six months with a hamstring injury, could be the latest league star to jump to the 15-man code.
Chasing Back
Speculation concerns the future of Rangi Chase at Salford, with the mercurial stand-off linked with a move to Catalans. The former England international alledgedly spent some R & R time in France over the weekend, adding fuel to the fires of speculation. His late return from the jaunt was what landed him with his suspension, according to some whispers. The question of what happens next at the Red Devils should keep us all guessing for a while.