Paper Talk: Hull KR sign Hauraki, Briscoe to stay, Castleford keen on Cooper

Drew Darbyshire

There is quite a bit of contract talk in this week’s papers.

Hull KR land Hauraki

Hull Kingston Rovers have signed Salford Red Devils back-rower Weller Hauraki for 2019, report League Express.

The 33-year-old left the Red Devils last week to join Widnes Vikings on loan until the end of the season in a move that saw Greg Burke and Ed Chamberlain move the other way. League Express claim the Rovers have secured his services for next year.

Castleford interested in Cooper

Castleford Tigers have set their sights on bringing young Australian full-back Matt Cooper to Super League, report League Weekly.

The 19-year-old is currently at Newcastle Knights but has yet to make an NRL appearance. League Weekly understands the Tigers see Cooper as a long-term replacement for Zak Hardaker.

Ormsby wants out at Barrow

Barrow Raiders winger Gene Ormsby has asked to leave the club after just three months, report League Weekly.

The former Warrington Wolves and Huddersfield Giants star has found the travel from his Manchester home difficult since joining the Championship club. Raiders coach Paul Crarey said: “It’s left us in a bad position.” 

Briscoe to extend Leeds stay

Leeds Rhinos winger Tom Briscoe has become the latest player to commit his long-term future to the club, League Express report.

The 28-year-old is off-contract at the end of the season but League Express report that the Rhinos have tied his services down beyond this year and expect the club to confirm it this week.

Salford miss out on Wigan youngster

Salford Red Devils have seen their attempts to recruit foiled once again after missing out on Wigan Warriors youngster Craig Mullen, report League Express.

The Red Devils were after bringing the Warriors full-back or winger on a loan deal but they were rejected. Mullen made his first team debut for Wigan on Thursday after Liam Marshall fell ill. Salford have failed in recent attempts to sign Matty Russell and Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e.

Olpherts to pen extension

Salford Red Devils centre or winger Derrell Olpherts is set for a contract extension thanks to a clause in his current deal, report League Weekly.

League Weekly understands the outside-back has a clause in his contract that if he makes 10 appearances for the Red Devils in 2018, he will be rewarded with another year. He has already played seven games and there is still a long way to go yet.

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