Rumour Mill: Josh McGuire breaks silence following horror England stint; Warrington coach confirms departure; Championship club denies shock rebrand talk
Josh McGuire, Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors all included in this week's Rumour Mill.
This week’s Rumour Mill includes Josh McGuire’s retirement admission, an exit confirmed by Warrington interim coach Gary Chambers plus a Championship side has denied rumours of a rebrand.
Josh McGuire breaks silence following horror Super League stint
Josh McGuire has broken his silence on his horror Super League stint via The Australian.
McGuire, 33, was sacked by Warrington Wolves following his second lengthy suspension for unacceptable language during his debut campaign in England.
The former dual-international had completed a seven-match suspension picked up in pre-season and only played seven games before being handed a massive 12-match ban after Leigh winger Josh Charnley made an official complaint of a disabled slur.
McGuire admits he is retired as of now, but does has not completely shut the door on a return in 2024.
“I had signed on to play with Valleys because of my brothers and I also did it so my suspension could be taken away in case I did want to play next year, whether it’s Queensland Cup or Brisbane State League,” McGuire said.
“I haven’t ruled out next year but what I do in rugby league has to work around my wife and three kids and my job with the PBR, who have been great.
“Right now I’m retired, but you never say never.”
Warrington coach confirms departure
Warrington interim boss Gary Chambers has confirmed that Jordan Crowther will not be with the club beyond the current campaign and is set to join Castleford for 2024.
The 26-year-old former Wakefield vice-captain made the mid-season short-term move earlier in July in Warrington’s bid to cement their place in the play-offs following a shocking run of form.
Yorkshire Live had previously reported that loose forward Crowther was set to join the Tigers from 2024.
Championship club denies rebrand claims
Swinton Lions have denied reports that they are set to rebrand to Manchester Lions for 2024 under IMG’s new 12-year strategic partnership.
Previous chairman Andy Mazey had previously proposed the name change in 2019, with the club having played outside the town for almost 30 years.
The plans led to an angry backlash from the supporters now based at Heywood Road, Sale.
It forced Mazey and all but one of his fellow directors to resign, with many of them going on to take over Rochdale Hornets in League 1.
Reports suggested that the Lions were considering the rebrand once more, but Swinton quickly rubbished the suggestions.
Pure speculation and not true. Not the first time you’ve spoken nonsense about this club.
Your source is being deliberately mischievous .
— Swinton Lions RLFC (@Swinton_Lions) August 23, 2023
Hampshire faces uncertain future; Cooper set to re-sign
Ryan Hampshire faces an uncertain future at Wigan Warriors, with the club yet to make a decision on a contract beyond 2023.
The former Wakefield, Leigh and Castleford utility back returned to the DW Stadium ahead of the 2023 campaign on an initial one-year contract, with options for two more years in the club’s favour.
Head coach Matt Peet says those decisions are yet to be made, although admits in an ‘ideal world’ he’d keep the back-up playmaker.
“Whether it’s here or elsewhere next year, he certainly has the potential to be an outstanding Super League half-back, that’s why we brought him here,” Peet said.
“We were really blunt with Ryan when he came to the club in what his role was going to be.
“I’ve been very open with Ryan. They’re not easy conversations because he needs some security. He knows that he’s able to look elsewhere.
“I think his preference is to stay here, but we’re yet to make a decision on him either way.
“In an ideal world, we’d have him here with us in a role because he brings so much to the club.”
Meanwhile, experienced prop forward Mike Cooper, 34, looks set to be re-signed by the club for 2024. The England international was ruled out for the season earlier in April after suffering multiple knee ligaments damage on Good Friday.
Lebanese star open to Cas stay
Charbel Tasipale says he is open to a long-term Castleford stay, speaking with Yorkshire Post’s James O’Brien.
The Lebanon international joined the Tigers for their relegation scrap on a one-and-a-half-year deal in July, and was a try-scorer in the vital 28-12 Super League win over rivals Wakefield.
There is an option for a further year in the club’s favour for Tasipale, who played in England last year during the delayed World Cup campaign.
Brad Schneider linked with NRL champions
Departing Hull KR Australian half-back Brad Schneider has been linked with NRL champions Penrith Panthers for next season.
According to the Canberra Times, the 22-year-old could join Ivan Cleary’s side after his short stint in Super League.
Having made 12 appearances for Canberra Raiders, Schneider made an instant impact with the Robins, kicking back-to-back winning golden point drop-goals over Leeds and Wigan, with the former leading them to Wembley in the Challenge Cup final.
He was awarded July’s Super League Player of the Month and could return to the NRL as third choice behind Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai.