Off the Record: Rugby League Transfer Gossip #25
Harris joins up with Hock
Ex-Salford and Wales coach Iestyn Harris has apparently become a player agent. Harris had been out of the coaching caper after being replaced at the Red Devils last year. Word comes to us that the 39-year old, who also does a bit of media work on the side, has now entered the agents world. And the company he has joined has one Gareth Hock, Harris’ former charge at Salford, as a client on its books. Good ‘ol rugby league.
Oh Canada
Rumour is running hot that former Leigh coach Paul Rowley will take charge of the Canadian team expected to play in League 1 next year. We’ve been told that the Toronto side will have Brian Noble as its director of rugby, with Rowley underneath him as head coach. The Canadian outfit will be based in Leeds in pre-season and will have the schedule of playing four games away and then four games at home.
Green eyed monster
There is little love lost between ex-Hull KR teammates James Green and Travis Burns. The pair were at it again on Friday, fighting and sledging, with both receiving yellow cards. Green nailed Burns last year when St Helens visited Craven Park, breaking Burns’ cheekbone with an ugly shot. The prop is no fan of the Aussie, and judging by Friday night neither is he of Green. When Hull KR go to Langtree Park on June 17 that should be a humdinger, so make sure you get ready for round three. Ding-Ding.
Rovers search
Still on Hull KR and it appears every coach under the sun has been linked with the Rovers job, from Francis Cummins to Paul Rowley, Steve McNamara and even Jamie Peacock himself. McNamara was in the country last week, hence his name being bandied about. Our mail is that Hull KR is looking overseas and two names stand out from the pack – David Furner and ex-Rovers boss Justin Morgan.
Kane not able
The word down under is that St George Illawarra Dragons are close to enticing Gold Coast half Kane Elgey to the joint-venture next year. The Dragons are planning for the future and Paul McGregor wants a new halves partner for Gareth Widdop, with Benji Marshall on his way out. Elgey has huge potential and would be a great signing. But what a blow for the Titans, who are struggling to sign anyone of note. The hits just keep on coming for the Titans.
Good morning Vietnam
One our Asian spies tells us that there is more to the story of Jamal Idris being almost kidnapped in Vietnam. What isn’t believable about a 195cm, 120kg NRL player with long dreads being the subject of an attempted kidnapping in Saigon? Our informant swears that we will hear more about this crazy tale in the weeks ahead. Watch this space.