Paper Talk: Bibby to Wigan, changes at Castleford, Leeds target NRL star

We’ve had a look through the trade papers – League Express and League Weekly.

Bibby to Wigan done deal

Wigan Warriors have completed the signing of hometown centre Jake Bibby from Salford Red Devils, report League Express.

The 22-year-old becomes Wigan’s second signing ahead of 2020, following Castleford Tigers prop Mitch Clark. Bibby played in the junior ranks at Orrell St James, Wigan St Cuthberts and Wigan St Judes before making his Salford debut in 2017. League Express suggest the Warriors have signed Bibby to compete for a spot at centre, although he can also play on the wing or in the back-row.

Knights to take on Jamaica

England Knights will take on Jamaica at the end of the season, report League Weekly.

Paul Anderson’s Knights will take on the Reggae Warriors at Emerald Headingley on the weekend of October 19/20 – a week after the Super League Grand Final, according to League Weekly. The Test will be the only international for a senior England men’s side this year.

Leeds land Mellor

Leeds Rhinos have signed Huddersfield Giants back-rower Alex Mellor on a three-year contract from next season, report League Express.

The Rhinos had made Mellor one of their top targets for 2020 as they look to freshen up their pack for next season. Mellor turned down a deal with Huddersfield last month after deciding to test the market. League Express also suggest Brett Ferres is likely to leave the Rhinos at the end of the season.

Morgan linked with UK move

Justin Morgan has arrived in the UK with several coaching positions currently available, report League Weekly.

The former Hull KR and Toulouse Olympique boss has been commentating Down Under alongside his assistant coaching role with the New Zealand national side. He was appointed as head coach of New Zealand women’s side – the Kiwi Ferns – back in March. League Weekly claim he was spotted in Hull last week and could be interviewed for a job with Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors and even York City Knights.

One in, one out at Castleford

Hull KR have signed Castleford three-quarter Greg Minikin for next season, but the Tigers are confident of signing back-rower George Griffin from Salford, report League Express.

Rovers have won the race to sign Minikin on a multi-year deal from the 2020 season. Meanwhile, League Express say Castleford are ‘increasingly confident’ of agreeing a deal with Salford forward George Griffin for a permanent deal for next season. Griffin is one of Daryl Powell’s primary targets.

Leeds interested in NRL star

Leeds Rhinos are keen to bring Penrith Panthers stand-off James Maloney to Super League, report League Weekly.

The Rhinos see Maloney as the playmaker who can solve their half-back woes, according to League Weekly. Maloney is contracted to Penrith for 2020, but is reportedly keen to play in England and the Panthers want to offload him to ease pressure on their salary cap.

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