Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #210

The rumour and gossip column is out every Wednesday.

Super League’s 12th spot

The race for Super League’s vacant 12th spot is well and truly underway.

Eight clubs are eligible to enter proceedings about taking the 12th spot in Super League – Leigh, London Broncos, Bradford, Featherstone, York, Toulouse, Widnes and Halifax. It’s going to be an interesting couple of weeks to see how it all unfolds, with a decision on Super League’s 12th club set to be made by December 16.

Mata’utia move to Saints edges closer

Sione Mata’utia has been given the green light to be a St Helens player in 2021.

The 24-year-old forward has been released from the final year of his contract by NRL side Newcastle Knights and is in talks with Saints over a move to Super League next season. St Helens say the deal isn’t done yet but they remain in communication with the player and his representatives over a move.

Leigh squad building

Leigh’s recruit department has been very busy over the last couple of weeks and it doesn’t look like they’ve finished yet.

The Centurions this week announced Joe Mellor as their 21st squad member for next season, so expect to see at least a couple of more signings over the coming weeks. Leigh are building an impressive squad for next season, with the likes of Matty Russell, Ryan Brierley and Nathaniel Peteru on board.

Watson future

It came as a surprise to most people when Salford announced the sudden departure of head coach Ian Watson earlier this week.

Last month Watson turned down Hull FC but it has now emerged that Huddersfield is his likely destination.

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