Paper Talk: Leeds target Gale, Halifax to sign Catalans star & Woolford to NRL

Drew Darbyshire

There are plenty of exclusives in the latest editions of League Express and League Weekly.

Leeds target Gale

Leeds Rhinos retain a very real interest in trying to convince Castleford Tigers to part with Luke Gale for next season, report League Express.

The England international remains under contract at Castleford for 2020 and there is no suggestion the Tigers would sell – but they would almost certainly want to bring in a replacement before they even considered it. Gale is Leeds’ primary target for next season though, according to League Express.

Humberside return for Cunningham

Leeds Rhinos’ loss could well turn out to be Hull KR’s gain, with London Broncos hooker James Cunningham set to join Jordan Abdull in returning to Humberside, report League Weekly.

The Rhinos made a strong inquiry for ex-Hull FC man Cunningham ahead of the transfer deadline but didn’t follow it up, according to League Weekly. The paper now suggest the Rovers have been weighing him up for 2020.

Halifax sign Catalans star

Halifax are set to win the race for Catalans Dragons winger Jodie Broughton for 2020, report League Express.

The former Salford Red Devils and Huddersfield Giants player is out of contract at the Dragons at the end of the season. League Express report that he is expected to be a replacement for Will Sharp, who has been linked with a move to York City Knights.

Woolford linked with NRL return

Huddersfield Giants head coach Simon Woolford looks increasingly likely to return to Australia at the end of the season, report League Weekly.

The Australian is a candidate for an assistant coaching role in Sydney, with several NRL clubs currently looking for assistants for 2020, according to League Weekly. Huddersfield have declined to comment on the matter.

Latest on Catalans investigation

The investigation into the crowd trouble during Catalans Dragons’ game with Warrington Wolves will continue this week, report League Express.

This week, interviews with club officials will take place, with investigators meeting with Warrington officials early this week while their Catalans counterparts will be interviewed when they arrive for their fixture against Wigan later this week, according to League Express.

Huddersfield eye Gigot

Huddersfield Giants hope Tony Gigot will opt to join current team-mate Kenny Edwards at the John Smith’s Stadium next season, report League Weekly.

The France international last week confirmed he will leave Catalans Dragons at the end of the season. He has been linked with Toronto Wolfpack and St George Illawarra Dragons. League Weekly suggest that Gigot is wanted by the Giants.

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