Rumour Mill: Luke Gale facing worst possible news; St Helens prop’s future up in the air; International half-back heading to Super League 

This week’s Rumour Mill includes Wakefield’s worst fears for Luke Gale, the latest on a St Helens prop forward and best of the recruitment in the past week. 

Wakefield’s Luke Gale worries

There has been chatter on social media that influential Wakefield half-back Luke Gale has suffered a potential season-ending foot injury during training.

Mark Applegarth is set to face the media on Thursday for his weekly press conference ahead of the Super League Round 18 fixture at home with Wigan.

Gale, 35, made his long-awaited debut for Wakefield in June against Hull KR, and later played a big part in the side’s second win of the season against Salford in the 32-6 victory.

It would be a massive blow to the side’s fight for Super League survival, with just four points between them and Andy Last’s Castleford on the Super League table.

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Hull KR land international NRL half-back

Rugby League Live have reported that Hull KR have quickly moved into the market to land Brad Schneider with their free quota spot following the retirement of Lachlan Coote.

Coote, who won the NRL with North Queensland Cowboys and Super League with St Helens, was forced to retire immediately earlier in June due to medical advice.

Hull KR are reportedly set to secure Schneider on a loan deal for the remainder of the Super League season, with Jordan Abdull looking likely to be sidelined for the rest of the year due to injury. 

A Germany international with five caps, Schneider has made 12 NRL appearances for the Canberra Raiders.

Connor Wynne to leave Hull

Connor Wynne has confirmed that he will not remain at the MKM Stadium beyond 2023, having originally been reported by Hull Daily Mail.

The 23-year-old outside-back is currently on loan in the Championship with Bradford, and confirmed the news to West Yorkshire Radio following the side’s win over 74-12 over Keighley on Sunday.

Connor Wynne says he won’t dwell on the news that he’s no longer wanted by Hull FC. He wants to prove people wrong that he’s still the player he’s always been as he looks to secure a new club in 2024. Could that be with Bradford?

𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 👉 https://t.co/hTg0HxHpHH pic.twitter.com/b447IKd5JA

— West Yorkshire Rugby League (@WestYorksRL) July 4, 2023

Dan Norman future up in the air

Paul Wellens says ‘everything is a possibility’ regarding the future of Dan Norman, who is currently on loan at fellow Super League side Leigh Leopards.

Norman, 25, is without a deal beyond the current campaign, with previous reports stating that he is set for a permanent move to the Leigh Sports Village for next season.

“Everything is a possibility,” Wellens told Love Rugby League. “Obviously Dan has been on loan for Leigh for a couple of weeks.

“I sat down with Dan before he went on loan and discussed it being a chance for him to go play rugby at a Super League level whilst he wasn’t making our 17 at the time.

“I’m sure those conversations will continue to happen and his representatives will be in dialogue with the club as well around what he wants to do moving forward.

“Whichever way he goes, it’ll come to an amicable conclusion.

Ian Watson addresses Theo Fages future

Huddersfield Giants star man Theo Fages has been linked with a move away from the John Smith’s Stadium for the 2024 campaign.

L’Independant have reported that Catalans boss Steve McNamara is eyeing up the 28-year-old, with the club having attempted to sign the France international twice before already.

Current head coach Ian Watson was asked about the future of half-back Fages during his press conference on Wednesday.

He said: “We’d love Theo to obviously be here with us.

“There’s been a lot of things that have gone on in and around situations with Theo.

“That’s probably for Theo to explain as he goes forward. We’ll see where it takes us.

“Theo is committed to Huddersfield and is upset with how many games he’s had to miss this year and wants to finish the year strongly.

“Everyone within the club is well aware of the situation.

“We’ve just got to wait and see more so than anything else.”

Widnes in fight to retain players

Castleford Tigers announced the loan signing of ex-Hull hooker Jordan Johnstone on loan for the remainder of the season from Widnes earlier this week.

Love Rugby League previously reported that Widnes playmaker Tom Gilmore rejected a move to Featherstone, who instead opted to bring Dane Chisholm back to the club.

Now, Yorkshire Live’s Matt Shaw has reported that the Championship side are in danger of losing half-back Danny Craven to League 1’s Oldham for the 2024 campaign.

Widnes have rejected reports that the club are undergoing budget cuts for next season, although there are rumours that some current players have been asked to re-sign on a much lower salary.

There are a handful of players off-contract at the DCBL Stadium at the end of the year, while the club continue to search for their next permanent head coach following the departure of John Kear.

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