Rugby League Gossip Column: August 18

Will there be internationals this year? Is Konrad Hurrell on his way to St Helens? Will James Maloney play on in 2022? Find out on the gossip column.

Hurrell linked with St Helens

Konrad Hurrell is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a move to St Helens, where he would be reunited with Tonga coach Kristian Woolf.

Leeds boss Richard Agar told his weekly press conference on Wednesday morning that he has been offered a new deal to stay with Leeds though. Agar said: “You’d probably have to ask Konrad about that. He’s not told us that he’s signed with St Helens and neither has his agent but that may well be the case. We’ve been in dialogue with Konrad about extending his stay and that’s where it is.”

Salford keen on Sene-Lefao

Castleford forward Jesse Sene-Lefao is attracting interest from Salford for next season. The 31-year-old forward is out of contract at Castleford at the end of the season and could be set for a move to the Red Devils in 2022. Sene-Lefao, a former Samoa international, has been a fan favourite at Castleford since arriving at the Jungle in 2017, going on to play more than 100 games for the Tigers.

Thompson attracting interest

England international Luke Thompson is attracting plenty of interest in the NRL. The former St Helens favourite has impressed Down Under since linking up with Canterbury Bulldogs last year. (The Daily Telegraph)

Autumn internationals

There will be a couple of international matches this autumn between northern hemisphere nations. It was reported in League Express earlier this week that England are lining up a test match against France at the end of the year, and we can also reveal that Wales are set to take on Ireland in a one-off test match this October.

Maloney to play on?

Catalans half-back James Maloney earlier this week announced he will retire from professional rugby league at the end of this season, but he is set to stay in France in 2022. The 35-year-old former Australia international is poised to link up with Lezignan who play in the French Elite Championship.

Langi future

Catalans centre Samisoni Langi was set to join Wakefield on a three-year deal from 2022 but changed his mind at the last minute following Chris Chester’s departure from Belle Vue. The Tonga international is set to remain with the Dragons next season. (Yorkshire Live)

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