Paper Talk: Westerman wanted, Castleford eye Toulouse star, Salford target Wigan back
There is plenty of transfer gossip in this week’s papers.
Wakefield and Leeds fight for Westerman
Hull FC forward Joe Westerman is wanted by Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity, report League Weekly.
Westerman is expected to make a decision on his future within the next week. Trinity are also being linked with London Broncos captain Jay Pitts, according to League Weekly. Pitts has previously been at Trinity, making 22 appearances between 2008-09. Wakefield are interested in Broncos full-back Alex Walker as well, which has previously been reported.
Salford keen on Ellis
Salford Red Devils are set to sign half-back Jamie Ellis in a deal that will see winger Derrell Olpherts make an early move to Castleford Tigers, report League Express.
The two clubs have agreed on a swap deal that will see the two clubs trade players initially for a month, with a view to extending it for the remainder of the season, according to League Express. Olpherts has already agreed to join the Tigers for 2020, but he will get the chance to link up with his next club earlier than expected. Ellis will provide competition for Jackson Hastings and Rob Lui at the Red Devils.
Forward to leave Wakefield
Craig Huby is set to depart Wakefield Trinity after agreeing a settlement to leave the club, report League Weekly.
The prop has been injured since February and with his contract up at the end of the season, League Weekly understands a deal will be struck that will allow him to go with immediate effect. The 33-year-old could now retire from the game after a fine career in Super League.
Watkins considering NRL and union
Kallum Watkins has admitted he is weighing up options from the NRL and rugby union ahead of his shock departure from Leeds Rhinos, report League Express.
The Rhinos last week confirmed they had come to an agreement with their captain that would see him leave at the end of the season. He told League Express: “There are options everywhere. There’s NRL and some Super League clubs as well, on top of union. We’ll see what happens in the ent few weeks and hopefully there’ll be some news soon. The best thing for me is not about money, it has never been about money.”
Salford eye Wigan back
Wigan Warriors centre Dan Sarginson is a target for Salford Red Devils for 2020, report League Weekly.
The former England international admits his days at Wigan appear numbered as he has not been offered a new contract. League Weekly understands Red Devils boss Ian Watson has played the 26-year-old on his wish list for next year. Sarginson is currently weighing up his options.
Castleford interested in Toulouse star
Castleford Tigers are close in on the signing of Toulouse Olympique utility-forward Tyla Hepi, report League Express.
A number of Super League clubs have shown interest in the Kiwi forward, but the Tigers appear to be the most likely to snap up the 25-year-old, according to League Express. The son of former Castleford star Brad Hepi, the versatile forward has established himself as one of the strongest packmen in the Championship in recent times.
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