Paper Talk: Hardaker to Wigan, structure speculation and Johnstone rumours quashed

James Gordon

We’ve had a quick flick through the Monday morning papers.

Hardaker to Wigan
It’s been bubbling for a few weeks, but the Zak Hardaker to Wigan link has extra credence now its been reported by Gary Carter. Although currently serving an as yet unconfirmed drugs ban, the former Leeds full-back could pen a five-year deal with the Warriors according to reports.

Super League make-up speculation
Another one from The Sun speculates on the make-up of Super League from next season – which some may describe as “piss poor”. It says Super League could go to 10 teams, or it could grow to 14. Either way, we understand that Super League is keen to break off from the rest of the game and have full autonomy over itself.

Toronto expects
Writing in his Forty-20 Magazine column, Brian Noble says that Toronto Wolfpack will expect to be in Super League next season if they achieve what they need to on the pitch this year. Noble, like many, were shocked by the comments of Ralph Rimmer recently that said they weren’t necessarily guaranteed a place in the top flight if they earned promotion. With the ongoing uncertainty over the structure, who knows what will happen.

Johnstone to NRL rumours quashed
We’ve barely had time to write Paper Talk and one of the rumours has apparently been quashed by the club it involves. League Weekly have linked Wakefield winger Tom Johnstone with a move to the NRL, with several clubs apparently interested including St George. It’s been shot down on Twitter by Wakefield chairman Michael Carter already. Mind you, he did the same over Ryan Hampshire…

Support rugby league in the media and subscribe to League Express or League Weekly, as well as checking out the regular coverage of the sport in The Mirror, The Sun, The Guardian and other national newspapers; the more you read, the more there’ll be.

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