Paper Talk: Widdop over early, Leeds playmaker to be loaned & Wakefield eye Championship prop
There is plenty of transfer talk in the latest editions of League Express and League Weekly ahead of Friday’s deadline.
Warrington to lure Widdop over early
Warrington Wolves are in pursuit of a half-back before Friday’s transfer deadline, report League Express.
Blake Austin picked up an ankle injury in their loss at Catalans Dragons on Saturday and Kevin Brown isn’t expected to play again in 2019. The Wolves could try and lure Gareth Widdop to the club earlier than expected, according to League Express. The England star is back in action after recovering from a shoulder injury and his NRL club St George Illawarra Dragons are out of the running for the play-offs.
Leeds playmaker heading for Hull
Leeds Rhinos half-back Callum McLelland has agreed a 12-month loan spell with Hull Kingston Rovers for the 2020 season, report League Weekly.
The 19-year-old former Castleford Tigers academy playmaker has made just three appearances for the Rhinos’ first-team this season after returning to the 13-aside code from Scottish Rugby. McLelland has also played three games for Featherstone Rovers on dual-registration and will link up with the Robins ahead of next season, according to League Weekly.
Hull KR reel in Dewsbury star
Hull Kingston Rovers have completed the signing of Dewsbury Rams forward Kyle Trout for an undisclosed fee, report League Express.
Trout will join the club immediately as part of the Robins’ plans to bolster their squad ahead of Friday’s deadline, according to League Express. The 28-year-old – who started his career at Wakefield Trinity – was set to join Hull KR for 2020 but the Super League club have decided to accelerate plans by signing him immediately, with the Rams receiving a fee.
Wakefield eye Championship prop
Wakefield Trinity want to bring in Halifax prop Adam Tangata as they battle to avoid relegation from Super League, report League Weekly.
Wakefield have identified Tangata as a target to help boost their forward pack, according to League Weekly. The 28-year-old has earned four caps for the Cook Islands, starring in their 2013 World Cup campaign. Tangata moved to England in 2016, scoring 27 tries in 94 appearances for Halifax. He also played three games for Widnes Vikings earlier this year.
Bradford could leave Odsal
Bradford Bulls continue to weigh up several options for moving away from Odsal next season, report League Express.
Bulls owner Andrew Chalmers said last week that the club has a self-imposed deadline of August 15 to determine whether they will stay at Odsal or move elsewhere, perhaps even to a venue outside of the city. According to League Express, a potential ground share with Bradford City FC at Valley Parade is highly unlikely. Another option is Horsfall Stadium – home of sixth-tier football side Bradford Park Avenue, but League Express also suggests there are also issues there, too. The other option the club are considering is ground sharing with fellow Championship club Dewsbury Rams at the Tetley’s Stadium.
Saints Rush to Australia in coach hunt
St Helens chief executive Mike Rush is getting ready to jet off to Australia to look for a new head coach, report League Weekly.
Jason Demetriou, Adam O’Brien and David Fairleigh – who was shortlisted before Justin Holbrook was appointed – are believed to be on his radar, according to League Weekly. Demetriou is currently assistant coach to Wayne Bennett at South Sydney Rabbitohs, O’Brien is an assistant to Trent Robinson at Sydney Roosters and Fairleigh has been an assistant at North Queensland Cowboys since 2016.
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