Off the Record: Rugby League Transfer Gossip #4
Achurch heading home?
Speculation is strong that Mitch Achurch will be playing his trade back in the NRL next season. The Australian forward joined Leeds in 2013 from Penrith and has made close to 70 appearances for the Rhinos. It is believed Achurch is keen to rejoin his partner down under and one potential home could be the Newcastle Knights, now coached by former Saints boss Nathan Brown.
Morrison’s Belle Vue return
Talk is growing that Glenn Morrison will be in charge at Wakefield in 2016. Morrison, who played for two seasons for the Wildcats, has done an excellent job at Championship outfit Dewsbury. The 39-year old is an ambitious Aussie who wants to coach at the highest level. He is keen to test himself in Super League and Wakefield is a natural fit, thought the move will depend on whether the Wildcats survive the million pound game and stay in the top flight. If Wakefield go down Morrison may prefer to remain with the Rams.
Wood to roar again
Experienced former Great Britain prop Paul Wood is expected to line up for Swinton next year. Wood, who had an amazing 17 seasons at Warrington, joined Featherstone at the start of 2015. The tough 33-year old has just about seen and done it all in his long career and he knows the Lions well, after loan stints with them in both 2013 and 2014. Wood had an unhappy spell at Rovers, with a lengthy suspension, and is hoping for a happier time with the Lions.
Eagles exits
Sheffield Eagles look set for a busy winter of recruitment, with 10 players already confirmed as leaving. There are whispers around the club, though, that another five could be heading for the exit door in addition to the 10 already revealed. That would leave Sheffield with a very thin squad indeed, and some serious recruitment needed. The club apparently has some serious money behind it (a kitty of £5million has been mentioned in some places). Who knows, we might yet see Greg Inglis in the Steel City…
Fages fee
It was confirmed this week that Theo Fages has finally been allowed to leave Salford, with a transfer fee reportedly being paid to the club. The idenitity of the people who paid the fee has not been revealed, however, which makes things a little more interesting. St Helens have been touted as a possible destination for the talented French half-back, although Huddersfield have also been rumoured to be taking an interest. Cory Paterson also looks set to leave Salford for Leigh.