Rugby League Gossip Column: September 8

Which Championship club will be full-time in 2022? Which Super League club has Whitehaven star Lachlan Walmsley signed for? Find out in the gossip column…

Newcastle to go full-time

Newcastle Thunder are to operate as a full-time club from next season. The Championship side currently run a hybrid system which consists of full-time and part-time players. Newcastle have made no secret about their ambitions of wanting to win Super League by 2030, and going full-time will be another statement of intent from the north east club.

Walmsley’s next move

In last week’s gossip column, we revealed that Whitehaven’s flying winger Lachlan Walmsley had signed a three-year deal with a “top” Super League club from 2022. This week, we understand that the Australian, who qualifies to play for Scotland, is set to link up with Wigan next year.

Miller on Wigan’s radar

Wakefield captain Jacob Miller is on Wigan’s radar for 2022. The 29-year-old Australian is one of two half-backs Wigan are looking at ahead of next season but no deal has been done. (Wigan Today)

Hull keen on Tongan star

Hull are keen on signing Tongan star Sio Siua Taukeiaho from Sydney Roosters. Catalans and St Helens have also been linked with the goal-kicking forward and reports suggest Taukeiaho would be more likely to make a Super League switch in 2023 once his contract with the Roosters expires. (Hull Daily Mail)

Sene-Lefao linked with Salford

Jesse Sene-Lefao has been linked with a move to Salford for next season. Castleford have officially confirmed that the 31-year-old back-rower will leave the club at the end of the season, with Salford believed to be his next destination. The former Samoa international made his 100th appearance for the Tigers in their Magic Weekend win over Salford.

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