Paper Talk: Wakefield want Walker, Newcastle sign ex-England ace, Holbrook confirms Coote interest
There is quite a bit of transfer gossip in this week’s papers.
Wakefield want to re-sign Walker
Wakefield Trinity are among several clubs interested in re-signing Adam Walker when the forward’s drugs ban ends in March next year, report League Express.
The Scotland international was last week handed a 20-month ban for testing positive for cocaine following their game at Widnes Vikings last July. League Express report that Trinity would be interested in bringing Walker back to the club, but no concrete decision has yet been made.
King confirms Wakefield move
Warrington Wolves forward George King has confirmed he is to join Wakefield Trinity at the end of the season, report League Weekly.
The Ireland international revealed the transfer after Warrington’s defeat in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley. He told League Weekly: “I can’t wait to go to Wakefield and hopefully be back here at Wembley again.”
Westwood set to play on
Warrington Wolves star Ben Westwood is set to sign a contract extension that will keep him at the Halliwell Jones Stadium for another year, report League Express.
The 37-year-old joined the Wolves from Wakefield Trinity in 2002 and has gone on to make more than 400 Super League appearances for the club. League Express say a deal has been agreed for another year.
Newcastle snap up former England forward
Newcastle Thunder have signed former England international Gareth Hock for the 2019 season, report’s Dave ‘Nosey’ Parker in his column for League Weekly.
The 34-year-old was recently released from his contract with Championship outfit Featherstone Rovers due to the club cutting costs. League Weekly claim Hock will move to the North East club for next season. He will be Newcastle’s latest high-profile signing after they announced the capture of Wakefield Trinity half-back Liam Finn a few weeks ago.
Catalans’ Casty wants French growth
Remi Casty is confident Catalans’ cup win can leave a lasting legacy in France and be a catalyst for the country to become a rugby league powerhouse again, report League Weekly.
Casty has challenged the FFRXIII to give rugby league in France a huge profile following the Dragons’ Challenge Cup win. He told League Weekly: “I hope it can help the game grow. It’s now in the French Federation’s hands… We have to go see the French national media and talk about this story. Catalans Dragons are now a legend in French sport.”
Holbrook reveals Coote interest
St Helens head coach Justin Holbrook has confirmed interest in Lachlan Coote, but only if Ben Barba leaves the club, report League Express.
The Scotland international is set to leave North Queensland Cowboys when his contract expires at the end of the season. Holbrook told League Express: “He’s definitely a player of interest. I guess for myself and our club it all depends on the Ben Barba case and how that ends up to know whether that becomes of more interest or not of any interest.”
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