Paper Talk: Williams linked with NRL, Parramatta eye Holbrook, Aiton return doubtful
With Friday’s transfer deadline on the horizon, there is plenty of gossip in the papers.
Newcastle linked with Williams
Newcastle Knights’ war-chest of cash to transform them into title contenders could lead them into making an audacious move for Wigan and England stand-off George Williams, report League Express.
Knights coach Nathan Brown is keen to bring in a couple of high-profile signings and League Express report that the NRL club are interested in Williams.
Parramatta eye Holbrook
Parramatta Eels have been linked with a potential move for Justin Holbrook, but St Helens chief executive Mike Rush says their head coach is going nowhere, report League Weekly.
The Eels are currently bottom of the NRL ladder and Brad Arthur is under pressure to turn things around. League Weekly say there is interest from the Eels in Holbrook, but Rush is adamant that he is going nowhere. He told League Weekly: “There’s been no approach at all and Justin is under contract for next season with no buy out [clause] at all, he is full aware of his commitment to the club.”
Widnes will not panic buy, says Cummins
Francis Cummins has insisted that Widnes Vikings will do everything they can to strengthen their squad ahead of Friday’s deadline, but they will not panic buy under any circumstances, report League Express.
Cummins admitted that the club are on the lookout for new players but will not buy players just for the sake of it. He told League Express: “Of course we’re looking. They’ve got to be right, there’s no point unveiling someone who won’t make us better. They’ve got to improve us. The players people think are available aren’t or have other options.”
Crosby wants permanent Leeds deal
Dom Crosby is determined to earn a permanent contract at relegation-threatened Leeds after emerging from the depths of a personal tragedy, report League Weekly.
Crosby joined Leeds on loan from Warrington last week and is just happy to be playing again following the death of his and wife Megan’s daughter Ada. He told League Weekly: “With my daughter passing away last year, I didn’t play much at Warrington last season. Becoming a permanent Leeds player is definitely the plan and Kevin [Sinfield] has given me the perfect platform to do that. Hopefully the deal will come, and I can kick on from there.”
Aiton move to Leeds in doubt
Leeds Rhinos’ move for Papua New Guinea hooker Paul Aiton has hit a stumbling block, report League Express.
According to League Express, Leeds’ quota regulations has left the move in jeopardy and a return for Aiton is doubtful. Aiton last played for Catalans Dragons earlier this year, before spending time away from the game due to reoccurring concussion injuries.
Two NRL clubs interested in Roberts
Gold Coast Titans and Newcastle Knights are interested in taking Tyrone Roberts on board from the 2019 season, report League Weekly.
It was announced last month that the 27-year-old will return to Australia at the end of the season after struggling to settle in England while playing for Warrington Wolves in Super League. Newcastle and Gold Coast are the two clubs chasing his signature.
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