Off the Record: Rugby League Transfer Gossip #11
Salford squeeze
The Red Devils have snapped up Daniel Vidot from the Brisbane Broncos in the past few days and are still looking to make a couple more additions. Their recruitment drive has already netted three NRL stars plus St Helens forward Mark Flanagan. But we hear salary cap space issue is an issue for Salford and they could be looking to offload a few players first. Hooker Liam Hood, who has a year left on his contract, and prop Luke Menzies are two who may be set to leave the AJ Bell Stadium soon.
Fleeing Rabbits
The return of Sam Burgess to South Sydney has also put the squeeze on at Redfern. Burgess is on a huge deal and the Rabbitohs need to do some spring cleaning to fit him in. Australian rep Dylan Walker, Queensland Origin forward Chris McQueen and NSW prop Tim Grant are to make room for the Dewsbury destroyer. It appears the Titans are interested in back-rower McQueen and centre Walker, though Manly seems a better chance to snap up Walker and Cronulla may make a late bid for McQueen. Melbourne has shown some interest in Grant, though the Raiders are also looking to bolster their front row.
Kavanagh to move on?
OTR understands forward Ben Kavanagh’s time at Widnes could be up. The Scottish international spent the 2015 season on loan at Wakefield but made just two appearances for the Wildcats. Kavanagh has had a long history with the Vikings, going back to 2008, and he was the first player to be given a deal when they were granted a license in 2012 into Super League. Talk is that Hull KR is firming as a possible new home for the 27-year old.
Leigh chasing Rangi
The Leigh hierarchy hasn’t given up hope of luring Rangi Chase to join their club. The 2015 Championship champions thought they had the Kiwi playmaker squared away but salary cap pressure means they haven’t been able to offer him what he wants. But Leigh are still desperate to sign the one-time England star and are looking to clear some cap space to make a new offer. Whispers are that Bob Beswick, Sam Barlow and possibly Tom Armstrong may be forced out so that Chase can come in.
Wire works
Warrington have announced their squad numbers but is their recruiting drive still gathering steam? News comes to us that the Wolves still want a forward to bolster their pack, especially after the long injury that will put Ben Harrison out of action for so long. The name of the player so far eludes us, but word on the street is that an announcement could be on the cards this week.
