Paper Talk: Warrington target rugby union star, Douglas to return home, Leeds look to Championship

Drew Darbyshire

We’ve had a scan through the latest papers.

Warrington target England rugby union international

Warrington Wolves have been linked with an audacious move for former England rugby union international centre Luther Burrell, report League Express.

The Rugby Paper reported it last week that Burrell, 31, who originates from Huddersfield and played rugby league as a youngster with Jermaine McGillvary, had already had talks with Warrington, and they were due to speak again soon. League Express suggest the Wolves see him as a replacement for Ryan Atkins next season.

Leeds look at Featherstone hooker

Leeds Rhinos are considering a move for Featherstone Rovers hooker Cameron King, report League Weekly.

According to League Weekly, the Rhinos are interested in the Australian number nine, who recently joined Rovers from NRL side Parramatta Eels. Leeds currently have three hookers on their books in Matt Parcell, Brad Dwyer and Corey Johnson. However, reports have linked Parcell with a move away from Headingley. Parcell and Dwyer are off-contract at the end of the season.

Douglas to leave St Helens permanently

St Helens forward Luke Douglas has admitted he is set to return home to Australia at the end of the season, report League Express.

Douglass, who has spent the early part of the year on loan at Championship side Leigh Centurions, is out-of-contract at the end of the year and has revealed to League Express that he is already plotting his next move. He said: “I’m probably going to head back home at the end of the year – and I don’t know whether I’ll go back and get a real job or play.”

Toronto eye rugby union star

Toronto Wolfpack are planning to recruit a major rugby union star ahead of the 2019 Rugby Union World Cup in Japan, report League Weekly.

The Wolfpack are looking to make a signing in the next two weeks and then bring in a big-name from the 15-man code later this year, according to League Weekly. Wolfpack owner David Argyle said: “Before the Rugby Union World Cup in Japan later this year, we will have one of the top five rugby players in the world [coming here].”

Super League forward heading to Championship

Out-of-favour Wakefield Trinity forward Jordan Baldwinson is attracting interest from the Championship ahead of a possible departure from the Super League club, report League Express.

Baldwinson is yet to feature for Chris Chester’s side this season, and he spent the end of last season on loan at Championship side Halifax during the Qualifiers. Wakefield have given Baldwinson permission to pursue opportunities at other clubs, according to League Express.

Wakefield prop attracting interest from rivals

Wakefield Trinity are hoping David Fifita stays loyal to them for 2020, despite rumoured interest from Leeds Rhinos, report League Weekly.

There was plenty of talk over the weekend that Rhinos boss David Furner was keen on Trinity’s front-rower, possibly even for this season. However, League Weekly report that no official approach has been made for the players of yet. The Rhinos would need to stump up a transfer fee if they were to get him this season.

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