Rumour Mill: New contract for Leigh star imminent; Leeds and Hull identify NRL backs; Castleford sign PNG international
This week’s Rumour Mill includes the latest on Lachlan Lam and an imminent new contract, a confirmed deal for Castleford Tigers for 2024 plus the latest on Leeds’ and Hull’s searches for new backs.
Lachlan Lam set to sign new Leigh deal
Leigh Leopards are set to re-sign in-form half-back Lachlan Lam in the coming week according to head coach Adrian Lam.
The 25-year-old Papua New Guinea international has produced 20 assists so far in the 2023 Super League campaign, the joint-most in the competition alongside St Helens star Jack Welsby.
His performances have seen him attract interest from the NRL, although head coach and father Adrian is confident in retaining the ex-Sydney Roosters playmaker.
“I know he’s been as good as he is because I’ve coached him since he was six years old,” Adrian told Love Rugby League.
“Just being in that Roosters system for a long time has got him to another level but I still think he’s going to get better.
“I still think he’s got a running game to keep developing and maturing in that area and that’s why I think it’s important that he stays here for at least another year, and hopefully we’ll get all of that sorted out within the next 10 days.”
Leeds show interest in NRL back
Leeds Rhinos have reportedly shown interest in signing utility back Lachie Miller from NRL side Newcastle Knights for next season. (Leeds Live)
The 28-year-old speedster is comfortable playing full-back or wing. Miller, who represented Australia in Rugby 7s at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has made 11 appearances in the NRL this season for the Knights.
Papua New Guinea international to join Castleford
Papua New Guinea international Sylvester Namo has signed a deal with Castleford Tigers for the 2024 campaign. The player’s management team, Lombardi Sports Management, confirmed the deal via social media.
A prop forward, Namo currently features in the Queensland Cup for the Blackhawks, making 10 appearances in the current campaign and scoring twice.
He represented the Kumuls at last year’s delayed World Cup, making three appearances. He played 62 minutes in the quarter-final clash with hosts England at the DW Stadium.
International enforcer attracting Super League interest
Former New Zealand and Samoa international prop Herman Ese’ese is reportedly set for a move to Super League for next year. (The Mole, Wide World of Sports)
The 28-year-old has made more than 120 appearances in the NRL for Canterbury Bulldogs, Brisbane Broncos, Newcastle Knights, Gold Coast Titans and the Dolphins.
According to The Mole, three Super League clubs are interested in Ese’ese.
Fuifui Moimoi set for rugby league return
Rugby league cult hero Fuifui Moimoi is set to return to the playing field for amateur side Millom RLFC.
The ex-Parramatta Eels, Leigh and Toronto forward has handed in a request to join the National Conference League side ahead of their fixture with Leigh East this weekend.
The 42-year-old veteran last featured for Rochdale Hornets in League 1, leaving the professional game at the conclusion of the 2022 campaign.
Hull in market for Clifford replacement
Hull are in the market for Jake Clifford’s replacement for the 2024 campaign and have identified their top target, according to Hull Live.
The Australian half-back is set to return to the NRL upon the end of the current season, expected to join former club North Queensland Cowboys after just one season in England.
Newcastle Knights playmaker Adam Clune is being looked at by head coach Tony Smith, with 43 NRL appearances to date.
He is yet to feature in 2023, having made his debut with St George Illawarra Dragons in 2020 before joining Newcastle Knights in 2022.