Widnes have had no approaches for Anthony Gelling

James Gordon

Photo courtesy of Richard Long

Widnes have had no approaches for star centre Anthony Gelling, amidst speculation linking him with a move to Castleford.

Gelling, 28, is in the first season of a two-year deal at the Halton Stadium having honoured his commitment to the club despite its relegation from Super League.

There was some off-season drama involving the ex-Wigan man though, as he trained with Catalans who even attempted to register him with the French Federation, before a last minute u-turn thought to have been made by the player after the previous Widnes owners had agreed a deal to let him go.

He is currently back home having been granted temporary leave by the Vikings to assist with his young family to get their visas sorted, and is due to be back in time for their Championship match against Batley.

The so-called “man of the people” has scored five tries in six appearances for Widnes so far, and has already become a cult hero with his pre-match promotional videos.

Paper reports on Monday suggested a deal with Castleford was imminent, but club sources have confirmed there has been no approach for the former Cook Islands international.

Gelling tweeted a video of his team-mates celebrating their 50-4 win at Rochdale in his absence on Sunday.

Castleford have also been linked with former Widnes centre Krisnan Inu, currently looking for a club following his release by the Vikings, and he has been training with Salford.

Papua New Guinea prop Wellington Albert is set to start a month’s trial with Leeds on Tuesday.

The third player to be released following Widnes’ spell in administration, Adam Tangata, is still battling over his future with injury restricting his options and potentially forcing him to return home. It is believed he even had to pay his own visa costs when moving to Widnes, such was the financial crisis under the club’s previous owners.

Widnes have now been able to register their two recent signings, Luis Johnson and Dom Speakman, with Johnson making his debut against Rochdale, though Speakman was unavailable due to work commitments.

Championship Anthony Gelling