Paper Talk: Hull KR chase Warrington back, Super League to introduce Golden Point, Nou Camp clash to go ahead
The latest trade papers are filled with juicy content.
Hull KR to land Warrington back
Hull KR are considered favourites to sign young half-back Morgan Smith from Warrington Wolves, report League Weekly.
Castleford Tigers and London Broncos have also shown interest in the 20-year-old half-back, who can also play hooker, but it is understood that the Robins are currently leading the chase. League Weekly understands that Smith has been told that he can leave the Wolves if he can secure a better opportunity elsewhere.
Huddersfield forward to stay
Sebastine Ikahihifo’s immediate future looks set to be at Huddersfield Giants, despite the prop attracting interest from other clubs, report League Express.
The New Zealander, who is of Tongan descent, has been the subject of enquiries from two different clubs in the last couple of months, but the figures behind the new deals have been too wide apart for a deal to be completed. League Express understands that his existing deal is proving to be too big of an asking price to other clubs.
Super League to introduce Golden Point
Super League will adopt golden point extra-time for 2019- while the ‘free play’ will be scrapped, report League Weekly.
League Weekly understands that both changes were approved by a meeting of the Super League board last Tuesday. The number of interchanges allowed per-team will drop from 10 to eight, and a shot clock will be introduced at scrums, drop-outs and conversions. Regular season games which are level after 80 minutes will instead be settled by two five-minute periods of golden point extra-time.
Nou Camp clash to go ahead
Wigan’s trip to Barcelona’s Nou Camp stadium could be confirmed as early as this week, with the Warriors’ proposed clash with the Catalans Dragons in Spain set to become a reality, report League Express.
League Express understands the final formalities are being put in place to stage the winners of the Grand Final and winners of the Challenge Cup final at the near 100,000 capacity home of FC Barcelona next year. The game is currently scheduled to take place on May 18. Both clubs and the RFL are keen to make the event come to fruition.
London set to sign NRL forward
London Broncos are set to sign NRL front-rower Luke Yates for their return to Super League in 2019, report League Weekly.
The 23-year-old is off-contract following a two-year spell with Newcastle Knights. He has played 25 games in the NRL over the last two seasons and is reported to be keen on giving Super League a shot. Yates is set to sign a one-year contract with the Broncos, according to League Weekly.
Leigh to start spending
Leigh Centurions have drawn up a list of potential recruits , report League Express.
Duffy has now been confirmed as Leigh’s head coach. League Express have linked the Centurions with moves for Richard Lepori, Toby Adamson, Luke Adamson, Andy Thornley, Iain Thornley, Andy Bracek, Dom Speakman, Jonny Pownall, Tom Spencer, Josh Woods, Sam Brooks, Sean Penkywicz and Martyn Ridyard.
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