Paper Talk: Sandow set for UK return, Warrington offer duo extensions, Merrin linked with NRL
We’ve had a scan through this week’s trade newspapers.
Sandow set for UK return
Chris Sandow could be set for a shock return to the UK with Workington Town, report League Express.
The Cumbrian club has been working hard to complete a move for the half-back, who has been a free agent since leaving Warrington Wolves at the end of the 2016 season. Sandow, 30, walked out on the Wolves after a year of his contract and has not played professionally since. League Express claim Leon Pryce’s Town are keen to hand Sandow a lifeline.
Warrington pair set for extensions
Warrington Wolves are close to clinching new deals with Jake Mamo and Tom Lineham, report League Weekly.
The wing duo are both out of contract at the end of 2019 but are poised to pen new terms at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. Wolves chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick told League Weekly: “We’re in discussions with relation to an extension with a number of players, him [Lineham] being one of them. We will hopefully have positive news shortly.”
Hastings lifts lid on his future
Jackson Hastings insists ‘nothing is off the table’ when it comes to his long-term future, report League Express.
The Salford Red Devils half-back only signed a one-year deal with the club this season, having rejected offers from the likes of Wigan. Hastings has revealed to League Express that he could stay in Super League beyond this season, with nothing be decided on his future just yet. Hastings said: “Nothing is off the table, that’s definitely right. Everyone keeps asking me when I’m going home but nothing has been decided. It’s not a formality what happens next.
Castleford look at Gelling
Castleford Tigers are on the lookout for a centre to boost their squad – with Widnes Vikings’ Anthony Gelling believed to be an option, report League Weekly.
The Tigers are assessing the transfer market following the departure of Ben Roberts. With Jordan Rankin impressing after his arrival from Huddersfield Giants, it is believed the club want a centre rather than a playmaker. According to League Weekly, Gelling is a player who Castleford are interested in. The Cook Islands international is contracted to the Vikings, but the Widnes club could be encouraged to sell him for a transfer fee to raise cash and free up some of their wage bill.
Salford to sign Inu
Salford Red Devils are set to complete the signing of Krisnan Inu, report League Express.
Inu, who has been on trial with the Red Devils since his release from Widnes Vikings, has agreed to join Salford, suggest to League Express. Salford are now awaiting gratification from the Rugby Football League to approve the signing, which will allow the 32-year-old to be eligible for the rest of the season.
Merrin linked with NRL return
Leeds Rhinos’ Aussie prop forward Trent Merrin could well be in line for a shock return to St George Illawarra Dragons, report League Weekly.
The 29-year-old has struggled to settle in the UK and would be keen to return to the NRL if given the opportunity, according to League Weekly. One report in Australia suggests Merrin, who penned a four-year marquee deal with the Rhinos in the off-season, made contact with the Dragons to test the water as a potential replacement for the suspended Jack de Belin.
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