Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #198
What is the latest on Ben Thaler? What does the future of Anthony Gelling look like? Which Toronto player has been attracting interest? Find out in the gossip column.
Gelling future
Anthony Gelling still has a future at Warrington, despite currently being suspended pending further investigation.
It may be a while until he can return to action regardless, with the charge put against him still being investigated by Police. The charge can carry a maximum life sentence, and so there will clearly be a lot to unravel in the coming months.
Wolfpack keen on re-signing forward
Toronto Wolfpack are very interested in bringing back Quinn Ngawati to the club with immediate effect.
The 20-year-old played for the Canadian side when they were in League 1. Ngawati, who can also play at centre, had a spell on loan with London Skolars before leaving to pursue a career in aviation. The club have been given permission to sign young Canadian players.
O’Brien attracts interest
At least one Super League club has offered to take full-back Gareth O’Brien from the hands of Toronto Wolfpack.
The 28-year-old was out of favour in Toronto’s first two matches in their maiden Super League season – but was called back in to Brian McDermott’s squad for last week when they were down to their last 17 at Wigan. A Super League club has made the Wolfpack an offer for O’Brien, and even offered a swap deal. However, the Canadian club said no to the deal due to the club’s current situation regarding player recruitment.
More on Thaler
Ben Thaler’s suspension from duty is believed to relate to an incident at a pre-season training camp for match officials.
Sources doubt whether he will be seen refereeing a game again, and may instead end up in an office job within the match officials department – which would cause some headaches for a referee pool that continues to dwindle.
Toronto’s ‘home’ Cup games
Toronto Wolfpack are in the hat for the fifth round draw of the Challenge Cup, which takes place at Hull KR on Monday evening.
The Canadian club first competed in the competition in 2017, where they were knocked out by Salford Red Devils. If they are drawn to a team away from home, the game will still be played at the home stadium of their opposition. They will play no Challenge Cup games in Toronto.
Toronto land Gigot
Toronto Wolfpack have signed Lance Todd Trophy winner Tony Gigot on a one-month trial deal.
The Frenchman will be available to play in Friday’s trip to Warrington. Gigot is currently a free agent after leaving Catalans following the expiration of his contract last season. He has been training with French club Avignon to keep fit over pre-season.
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