Paper Talk: Keighley target Eden, calls to keep GB Lions & Catalans eye props

Drew Darbyshire

There are a couple of big stories in this week’s trade papers.

Keighley target Eden

Keighley Cougars coach Rhys Lovegrove may have pulled off a major coup by landing Castleford Tigers winger Greg Eden on loan for the 2020 season, report League Weekly.

Eden knows Lovegrove having played with him at Hull KR between 2013-15. Speedster Eden is set to play for the Cougars in League 1 this season, according to League Weekly.

Calls to keep GB Lions

Joe Philbin admits it was an honour to represent Great Britain on their end of season tour and he would love to see the Great Britain team continue in to the future, report League Express.

The Ireland and England Knights international told League Express: “I’d definitely like to see Great Britain continue. Growing up as a kid, I remember seeing the likes of Andy Farrell and Paul Sculthorpe playing for Great Britain. I also remember when Jamie Peacock lamped Willie Mason. Those games make you want to play rugby league. I’d definitely like to see it preserved.”

Catalans eye props

Steve McNamara is homing in on his target as Catalans Dragons prepare to announce their latest recruit for Super League 2020, report League Weekly.

Salford duo Gil Dudson and Lee Mossop are possible targets for the French club while Wigan prop Ben Flower is also rumoured to be on Catalans’ hit list, according to League Weekly.

McMeeken considers crossing codes

Castleford Tigers back-rower Mike McMeeken admits he won’t rule out the possibility of crossing codes and playing rugby union in 2021, report League Express.

McMeeken told League Express: “I may well try it in the future and I’m not ruling anything out, but that’s a conversation for another day. Right now I want to make sure I win silverware at this club.”

Toronto in talks with Canadian broadcaster

Toronto Wolfpack are in talks with Canadian broadcaster The Sports Network (TSN) about showing their Super League games in 2020, report League Weekly.

The deal would see TSN screen all of the Wolfpack’s home matches at Lamport Stadium in Canada but no contract has been struck yet, according to League Weekly.

Hull FC star to miss start of season

Hull FC captain Danny Houghton will miss the start of the season, report League Express.

The 31-year-old underwent surgery on a wrist problem in December. Hull coach Lee Radford told League Express: “Danny will be missing for the first couple of games. He picked up a wrist injury in the second week of pre-season and had to have an operation.”

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