Off the Record: Rugby League Transfer Gossip #3
Monaghan may fly
Joel Monaghan may be flying down the wing for another Super League club in 2016. The Aussie outside back, who’s under contract with Warrington, is believed to be interested in pastures outside the Halliwell Jones Stadium. Catalans Dragons, where his brother Michael is an assistant coach, and Salford, who are looking to buy, are two potential options. Monaghan, the current Wolves captain, has been outstanding for Warrington since his messy departure from the NRL. But he’s endured a tough 2015 campaign with only 11 tries, his smallest return since he joined the Wire in 2011.
Gene on his way out?
Newcastle Thunder coach Stanley Gene could soon be on his way out of the north-east club. The Thunder under-achieved this season, finishing in eighth place in the 14-team League 1. Gene’s side missed the finals after winning half of their 22 games. The Papua New Guinean legend only signed a one-year deal at the start of the season and is apparently keen to stay, but he may be looking for a new job in the near future.
Locke and Smith to exit
Off-contract playmakers are being tipped to leave Wakefield at the end of the 2015 season. Drama and injury has followed Locke since the Kiwi star arrived in Super League last year to join Salford. The fullback is being linked with a return to the NRL. Smith returned to the Wildcats after an unhappy time at the Red Devils in 2014, but his future is also expected to lie away from Belle Vue next year.
Grix to Fax?
Talk is growing that unwanted Warrington utility Simon Grix will turn out for Halifax next season. Fax are a club on the rise and Grix is set to be released from the Wolves in a few weeks time. The 29-year old started his career with Halifax but has been with Warrington since 2006. Grix has tremendous Super League experience, has represented Ireland twice and wants to play on in 2016. A return to his hometown club, who will be looking to build on a great 12 months, and to former Wolves assistant Richard Marshall makes sense.
Return of Slammin’ Sam?
Rumours began to surface in Australia that Sam Burgess is not that happy in the other code, and could be back at South Sydney as early as next spring. It seems that Australian media think that Burgess is frustrated by the limitations of the 15-man game, and wants to be back in the NRL. A return before the signings deadline of June 30 next year has been touted as possible.