Paper Talk: Livett contract, Clubs chase Moon, Hardaker arrival imminent
We’ve had a scan through this week’s trade newspapers.
Makinson dreaming of England selection
St Helens winger Tommy Makinson says that playing for England is still one of his major aims in his rugby league career, report League Express.
The 26-year-old put in a man-of-the-match display to help Saints beat Catalans Dragons on Thursday. He missed out on selection for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, but it is a burning ambition of his to play for England one day. He told League Express: “It is something that I want to achieve. I’m involved with the (EPS) squad and I think any player would be lying if they said it wasn’t in the back of their mind.”
St Helens and Hull FC chase Moon
St Helens, Hull FC and Newcastle Knights have joined the race to sign Leeds Rhinos star Joel Moon for next season, claim League Weekly.
Moon is off-contract at the end of the campaign and is reported to want a return to Australia after a seven-year stint in Super League. It is believed the Rhinos want to sign him for 2019, but the interest is real from St Helens and Hull FC.
Wigan to confirm Hardaker arrival
Zak Hardaker’s impending contract with Wigan has been signed, League Express understands, after the former Castleford and England full-back was handed a 14-month suspension by UK Anti-Doping last week.
The suspension will expire on 7 November this year, meaning he will be able to join a club and complete a full pre-season before returning to the field next season. League Express claim that the Warriors have now signed the England international and expect it to be confirmed soon.
Livett in frame for new deal
Warrington Wolves youngster Harvey Livett probably added a few more quid to his contract talks with his stunning performance against Leeds Rhinos, report League Weekly.
The 21-year-old told League Weekly: “I am a Warrington lad and there is nothing better than laying for my hometown club. I’ll go back next week and hopefully there will be a deal and we’ll seal a deal. I am happy where I am.”
Drinkwater open to extending Catalans stay
Josh Drinkwater says he is open to staying at Catalans beyond this season, report League Express.
The 25-year-old has signed a deal with the Dragons until the end of the season, but he likes the Perpignan lifestyle and would be open to extending his stay. He told League Express: “I’m open to anything and so is the club, so we will see what happens at the end of the year. Rugby League is a crazy sport and anything can happen.”
Tomkins tipped for England recall
Shaun Wane has tipped Sam Tomkins for an international recall after Luke Gale’s injury, report League Weekly.
The 28-year-old has been in great form for the Warriors this season and Wane thinks the full-back should be recalled to the England side. He told League Weekly: “In my opinion he has (done enough to earn a recall), without a shadow of a doubt. I would give George (Williams) a go too, I think he has some good qualities – but it’s Wayne’s decision.”
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.