Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #105
There are a few transfer rumours in Super League this week.
Parramatta want Sutton immediately
Wigan Warriors forward Ryan Sutton is wanted by a number of NRL clubs but Parramatta Eels want the prop sooner rather than later. The 22-year-old has been given permission by Wigan to speak to NRL clubs and it is understood he wants a move to Australia. Newcastle Knights are also interested in Sutton but the Eels want to sign Sutton with immediate effect.
Super League game in New York will not go ahead
Salford Red Devils’ plans to take a Super League game against Catalans Dragons on the road to New York have been squashed. In our column last month, we reported this was the case and nothing has changed since. We believe Salford’s proposal definitely will not be happening this season, but they are hopeful of arranging something similar by 2020.
Huddersfield and Widnes interested in Russell
Scotland full-back or winger Matty Russell is currently out of favour at Warrington Wolves and with the recent arrival of Josh Charnley, it looks as though Russell’s time with the club is coming to an end. It is believed Huddersfield Giants and Widnes Vikings are both interested in signing the 24-year-old but it is still early days in this switch though.
Hull FC, Wigan and Leeds eyeing up Kopczak
Salford Red Devils star Craig Kopczak has been attracting a lot of interest in Super League. It is understood the club want to reduce their salary cap to be comfortable and stable, hence why they sold full-back Gareth O’Brien to Toronto Wolfpack last week. Hull FC lost Liam Watts to Castleford Tigers last week and they are looking for a replacement. They think Kopczak will be a solid signing while Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos have money left on the cap following the departures of Frank-Paul Nuuausala and Keith Galloway respectively. All three clubs are looking for a prop and are believed to be keen admirers of Kopczak.
Toronto targeting Springer
Championship side Toronto Wolfpack want to add another forward to their ranks and are understood to have Castleford Tigers’ Gadwin Springer at the top of their target list. The 24-year-old has yet to make a Super League appearance for Daryl Powell’s side this season, but has been in the 19-man squad on a couple of occasions. Paul Rowley’s Wolfpack lost Fuifui Moimoi, Ryan Bailey and Dave Taylor in the off-season and are keen to sign France forward Springer. The move looks unlikely to happen but Toronto’s interest is there.
Leigh looking to offload a few
Leigh Centurions are understood to be keen on selling a couple of their players. The club have started the Championship season in poor fashion, having won just one game out of six. It is believed they are paying a couple of players over £120,000 per-year and want to reduce their budget, with it now looking unlikely that they will make the top four this season.