Paper Talk: Widnes land Hood, Wakefield eye Mullally, Thompson set for Hull return
Transfers, transfers and more transfers.
Widnes land Hood
Widnes Vikings have continued to strengthen their squad for the Championship with the acquisition of Leigh Centurions hooker Liam Hood, report League Express.
The Scotland international is Widnes’ second signing for 2019 after they are believed to have completed a deal for Cook Islands international Adam Tangata from Halifax. A Scotland international, Hood has Super League experience with Leeds Rhinos and Salford Red Devils.
Wakefield want Mullally
Wakefield Trinity are interested in bringing Leeds Rhinos front-rower Anthony Mullally back to the club for next season, report League Weekly.
The Ireland international has attracted the interest of Trinity, who he played nine games for while on loan from Huddersfield Giants in 2015. Wakefield are believed to be interested in Wales front-rower Craig Kopczak, but League Weekly suggest Wakefield have turned their attention to Mullally.
Hull KR, Toronto and Leeds target Thompson
Departing Warrington Wolves forward Bodene Thompson is attracting interest from a number of Super League clubs, including Hull Kingston Rovers and Leeds Rhinos, report League Express.
The 30-year-old will leave the Wire following this Saturday’s Grand Final after joining on a short-term deal from Leigh Centurions. Thompson is attracting interest from Hull KR, Toronto Wolfpack and Leeds Rhinos at the moment.
Leeds eye O’Neill
Leeds Rhinos have signed North Queensland Cowboys centre Justin O’Neill for next season, report League Weekly.
The two-time Australia international has made over 150 appearances in the NRL for Melbourne Storm and North Queensland since making his professional bow in 2010. O’Neill, 27, can play in the centre or on the wing. According to League Weekly, O’Neill has already penned a deal with the Rhinos.
Hull return likely for Thompson
Hull FC are plotting a return for former back-rower Jordan Thompson, report League Express.
The 27-year-old made over 100 appearances for Hull FC before joining Leigh Centurions ahead of the 2018 season but is set to return to the KCOM Stadium for next year.League Express also report that FC are interested in signing Leigh winger Matty Dawson-Jones, too.
Moon to play on in 2019
Joel Moon’s agent has denied reports that the former Leeds Rhinos centre is retiring from the sport at the age of 30, report League Weekly.
Moon has left the Rhinos following the end of the 2018 Super League campaign and will head back to Australia after seven seasons in England. Moon previously stated that he would not be playing any rugby at all next year, but his agent Chris Fellas told League Weekly: “Joel has interest from no less than five clubs and expect to close a deal for 2019/2020 in the coming weeks.”
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