Paper Talk: Sammut for sale, women to get paid & Merrin set for NRL return
There is plenty of juicy content in the latest trade papers.
Half-back to depart Wigan
Super League clubs have been notified of the availability of Wigan half-back Jarrod Sammut, report League Express.
The Warriors are keen to allow the Malta international to explore other opportunities for 2020m despite him having a year left to run on his contract. At least one top-flight club has been offered the half-back for next season, according to League Express.
Livett to join Hull KR on loan
Warrington Wolves have allowed Harvey Livett to join Hull KR on a season-long loan after securing an option on him for 2021, report League Weekly.
The 22-year-old’s contract at the Halliwell Jones Stadium was due to expire at the end of next year but League Weekly understands the Challenge Cup winners have now clinched his services for the following year if he impresses during next season with the Robins.
Hastings will not play for GB
Jackson Hastings will not feature for Great Britain this autumn, report League Express.
The Salford Red Devils half-back expressed a desire to tour with the Lions later this year but League Express report that his paperwork hasn’t been received on time, meaning Hastings won’t feature for Wayne Bennett’s Great Britain outfit.
One in, one out at Catalans
Catalans Dragons have come to an agreement with Matty Smith to grant him an early release, report League Weekly.
The 32-year-old still has 12 months to run on his contract in Perpignan but has been deemed surplus to requirements because of Hull KR half-back Josh Drinkwater returning to the club, according to League Weekly. The paper also suggest Joel Tomkins is being tipped to join his brother Sam at the Dragons.
Women to get paid
England and St Helens star Jodie Cunningham has admitted she never dreamed that female players of her generation would be paid as professional sports stars, report League Express.
But in October that is what she and 15 members of the England quad taking part in the World Cup 9s in Australia will be able to say. Cunningham told League Express: “This is massive news for the women’s game.”
Leeds allow Merrin home return
Leeds Rhinos prop Trent Merrin is back in Sydney with how pregnant wife, and Aussie press reports the Super League club are happy to let him stay there, report League Weekly.
Three NRL clubs are already understood to be circling, with St George Illawarra Dragons said to be favourites to sign him, according to League Weekly. The Rhinos have been linked with Cronulla Sharks prop Matt Prior as a replacement for Merrin.
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.
More on site
Blake Austin in mixed training group for autumn internationals
Dan Fleming extends stay at Halifax
St Helens were desperate for a week off, admits Justin Holbrook