Paper Talk: Wigan linked with Mamo, Wakefield want Kopczak, Hitchcox to leave Castleford
We have had a quick look through the latest papers.
Wigan linked with Mamo
Wigan Warriors have entered the race to sign Huddersfield Giants full-back Jake Mamo for 2019, report League Weekly.
The 24-year-old is off-contract at the end of the season and League Weekly understand that he will be leaving the Giants at the end of the year. Castleford Tigers and Sydney Roosters have been linked with Mamo, but Wigan have now shown interest in him.
Wakefield want Kopczak
Wakefield Trinity are back in the market for Salford Red Devils front-rower Craig Kopczak, report League Express.
League Express have revealed that Trinity are eager to sign the former Wales captain and are hoping to secure his signature in the near future. Any deal would come at a cost for Wakefield, with Kopczak having signed a three-year contract with the Red Devils last season.
Hitchcox set for Castleford exit
Castleford Tigers winger Jy Hitchcox is leaving the club at the end of the season, report League Weekly.
The 28-year-old scored four tries in Castleford’s 24-all draw with Hull Kingston Rovers on the weekend, but Daryl Powell confirmed the news after the game. He told League Weekly: “Jy knows he won’t be with us next year, but he has done a phenomenal job for us with Greg Eden being out for a significant amount of time.
Percival worthy of England spot
Justin Holbrook is convinced Mark Percival has done enough to finally impress Wayne Bennett, report League Weekly.
The St Helens centre was out-of-favour at last year’s World Cup but he has been named in England’s 19-man squad for Denver. After Saints’ win over Leeds, Holbrook said: “I thought he was brilliant and he’s been great all year. Everyone knows how dangerous he is with the ball but he is one of the best defensive centres I’ve seen.”
Jowitt to stay at Wakefield
Promising full-back Max Jowitt will be staying with Wakefield Trinity for a further three years, report League Weekly.
Jowitt has already played over 30 games for Trinity’s first team and a deal is set to be completed this week.
Bateman set to make call on future
John Bateman will decide on his future at Wigan Warriors in the next two weeks, report League Express.
The England international has been strongly linked with a move to NRL side Canberra Raiders in recent weeks, but he insists nothing has been finalised yet. He told League Express: “The offers are there, but pen hasn’t been put to paper on one yet. We’ll have to see what’s what. Wigan is where my career has taken off. Why change something that isn’t really broken? It’s about weighing up all my options and finally making a decision.”
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