Off the Record
Cummins coming to Wakefield?
The Wildcats are believed to be looking at options if Brian Smith is not at Belle Vue next year. Former Bradford coach Francis Cummins is one name being considered by the club. Cummins did a great job keeping the Bulls squad united despite the club’s numerous financial difficulties. He was sacked by Bradford in July last year but is looking to get back into the game and could be a good fit at Wakefield.
Carney in limbo
Justin Carney has been linked with Catalans, Salford and St Helens since been suspended by Cas for, shall we say, ‘off-field activities’. A return to the NRL, or even a shift to rugby union, is also being considered by the ‘Tank on the Flank’. We understand that Carney has yet to be officially punted by the Tigers, but surely it is only a matter of time until the Aussie winger departs.
Wembley woe
The Hull KR players didn’t walk on the Wembley pitch on Friday, at their captain’s run before Saturday’s Challenge Cup final, but were content to take selfies and a team photo pitchside. The Robins squad were clearly overawed by their trip to Wembley and appeared content just to have got that far. It may explained the lacklustre performance from the whole team in the final against Leeds.
Goodwin getting ready to move
South Sydney flyer Bryson Goodwin has been targeted by both Widnes and Leeds, we understand. Goodwin is off-contract at the end of the 2016 season and the Bunnies have an abundance of outside backs in their ranks. The 29-year old has over 100 NRL appearances to his name, as well as 10 Test for New Zealand, and would be a decent acquisition.
Salford struggles
Salford have left their recruiting far too late with most of the decent NRL talent already locked up for 2016. Paul Gallen and Chris Heighington have confirmed another season each at Cronulla, where Andrew Fifita is also contracted. The Red Devils’ best bets are players unwanted by their NRL sides, such as North Queensland’s Robert Lui and Ben Hannant; Manly’s Dunamis Lui and David Williams; Melbourne’s Tom Learoyd-Lars, Tiger Dene Halatau and Bulldog Sam Perrett. Hookers Robbie Farah and Matt Ballin have also been told that their future lies away from Leichhardt and Brookvale, respectively.