Rumour Mill: Leigh eye Samoa international; Aidan Sezer offered contract; Widnes linked with League 1 coach
This week’s Rumour Mill includes the latest on the future of Aidan Sezer, a League 1 coach has been linked with the vacant Widnes job plus recruitment at Leigh.
Leigh eye Samoa star
Leigh Leopards are eyeing up a move for out-of-contract Catalans utility and Samoa international Tyrone May, according to Examiner Live.
The 27-year-old had been lining up a return to the NRL for 2024, where he had previously won the competition with Penrith Panthers.
However, talks with Canterbury Bulldogs broke down which led the Catalans number six to be shopped around to rival Super League clubs.
Matt Shaw has reported that Leigh have been in contact with the half-back or centre, which could see forward Ava Seumanufagai depart at the end of the season to make space on the overseas quota.
Former Australia international linked with Super League
One Super League club have approached Cronulla Sharks star and one-time Australia international Matt Moylan, according to reports in Australia.
Writing for The Daily Telegraph, NRL journalist David Riccio has reported that Catalans Dragons are lining up the 32-year-old for 2024.
Moylan signed a new two-year extension with the Sharks midway through 2022, with his contract running through until 2024.
However, head coach Steve McNamara is said to be keen on the experienced playmaker, who has made 188 appearances in the NRL to date, scoring 37 tries.
Catalans powerhouse confirms plans for NRL return
Catalans Dragons forward Siosiua Taukeiaho has confirmed that his plan his to return to the NRL at the end of this season. (News Corp)
The Tonga co-captain linked up with the Dragons on a two-year deal from Sydney Roosters ahead of this season, making seven appearances for the club so far.
“I’ve spoken with Catalans, I’ve let them know it’s my plan to come back to the NRL next year,” Taukeiaho told News Corp.
“At the moment, I haven’t signed anything officially, but I’m coming back to the NRL.
“Wherever I end up, I believe I have a good two or three years left in me. I’ve won premierships at the Roosters and I think my experience can be helpful.
“I’ve had some talks with a couple of clubs, but nothing is officially signed yet.
“There’s no issues with Catalans. They have been great, we’re leading theSuper League and I would love to finish here with a premiership, but I believe I’ve got more to offer in the NRL.”
Wests Tigers reportedly offer contract to Aidan Sezer
Leeds Rhinos star Aidan Sezer has been offered a one-year contract by Wests Tigers to return to the NRL for 2024. (NRL 360 on Fox Sports)
“They have offered Aidan Sezer a one-year contract,” Australian journalist James Hooper said on NRL 360 on Fox Sports.
“He is 32 and has played 16 games in the English Super League for Leeds this season. Clearly they are looking for some experience there,” Hooper said.
James Bentley attracting NRL interest
Ireland international James Bentley is attracting interest from the NRL, according to The Mole for Wide World of Sports.
The Rhinos forward, who has made 35 appearances for boyhood club Leeds since arriving from St Helens ahead of the 2022 season, is out of contract at the end of the season.
Bentley ‘could well be playing NRL next season’, according to The Mole in his weekly column for Wide World of Sports.
Widnes linked with League 1 coach
Widnes Vikings are being heavily linked with League 1 coach Stuart Littler for their vacant role at the DCBL Stadium.
Littler, who represented Salford, Leigh, Swinton and Ireland during his playing career, was appointed as Oldham’s head coach ahead of the 2022 season on a two-year deal, having previously coached the Lions in the Championship and Ireland on the international scene.
A move would see the 44-year-old reunite with Chris Hamilton, who joined the Vikings as head of operations earlier this year from Oldham.
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