Paper Talk: Dugan set for Super League, NRL shot for Gigot & Salford land Championship ace

Drew Darbyshire 09 Sep 2019 11:45 AM

Transfer talk continues in the latest rugby league trade papers.

Dugan linked with Super League switch

Super League clubs are set to be inundated with offers to sign NRL players in the coming weeks as a number of NRL clubs look to ease salary cap pressures, report League Express.

One big name who has already been linked with a move to Europe is Australia and Cronulla Sharks centre Josh Dugan. Despite being under contract, Cronulla are open to him moving on and will likely contribute to his salary but he will almost certainly command marquee money, according to League Express.

Drinkwater set for Catalans return

Hull Kingston Rovers half-back Josh Drinkwater will make a return to Catalans Dragons in 2020, report League Weekly.

Off-contract at the Robins, Drinkwater has decided to re-join Catalans on a two-year deal, according to League Weekly. The 27-year-old will replace Matty Smith in the halves and partner new recruit James Maloney.

Lam shocked by Hardaker’s GB rejection

Wigan Warriors head coach Adrian Lam admits he’s at a loss as to why Zak Hardaker has not been named in the Great Britain Performance Squad, report League Express.

Lions coach Wayne Bennett has picked Sam Tomkins, Lachlan Coote, Stefan Ratchford and Jonny Lomax as his choices for full-back. Lam told League Express: “I hope they can find a place for him at the end of the year. The longer we stay in the competition, the better chance he’ll have. They put a couple of younger ones ahead of him there in different positions, but I think sooner or later they will work it out.”

Salford land Championship star

Salford Red Devils have snapped up Featherstone Rovers hooker Connor Jones on a two-year deal, report League Weekly.

The Red Devils have won the race to sign the talented Australian, according to League Weekly. Jones only linked up with the Rovers in July from Queensland Cup outfit Northern Pride but has scored four tries in seven games for Ryan Carr’s side so far.

Gigot heading to the NRL

Tony Gigot will play in the NRL next season after signing for St George Illawarra Dragons, report League Express.

The full-back has rejected a deal at Catalans and he will take up a contract with the Dragons in the southern hemisphere next season, according to League Express. Gigot enjoyed a short spell with Cronulla Sharks in 2013, but failed to make an NRL appearance.

Clubs chase Ridyard

Leigh Centurions favourite Martyn Ridyard is a target for Widnes Vikings and North Wales Crusaders as he looks set to leave the Championship club after a second spell there, report League Weekly.

The 33-year-old has scored 89 tries and kicked 923 goals in 277 career appearances but League Weekly suggest Ridyard has been told there is nothing for him at the Leigh Sports Village in 2020.

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