Off the Record Rugby League Rumour and Gossip #74

Hasty exit

Who is the new Super League recruit who was forced out by his NRL club at the end of 2016? We’ve been told that this player was on the nose with his teammates in the NRL because of his big ego. To avert any friction, the club’s hierarchy decided to offload him and he has arrived in Super League for this season. We wonder how he will fit in in the UK.

Sheffield sweetener

Word comes to us that £20,000 was the sum Leeds paid Sheffield for halfback Cory Aston. The son of coach Mark, Aston’s sale helped keep the Eagles afloat. Leeds boss Gary Hetherington shares a strong bond with Sheffield having served as a player, coach and owner of the club in the past. Looks like he’s done the Eagles a big favour.

Thin skin

Who was the Super League player who took to social media recently to attack a journalist? It appears this player is very touchy when it comes to criticism, even returning fire at a journalist when the writer wasn’t actually being critical. We’ve been told this player has form in this area and is known to Google his name after matches.

Hoffy return

New Zealand Warriors forward Ryan Hoffman could be back in Super League next year. Hoffman, who is off contract with the Warriors at the end of this year, has told he won’t be re-signed for 2018. But the 33-year old is keen to play on and could make a return to England. The back-rower had a successful stint with Wigan in 2011, helping the side win the Challenge Cup.

Te’o turncoat

Could Ben Te’o swap codes again and head back to the NRL? There is some talk that Te’o, currently part of Eddie Jones’ England rugby union side, is contemplating a return to Australia with the Brisbane Broncos. The 30-year old had four years with the Broncos, spending 2009 to 2012 in Queensland. Te’o has changed clubs three times in the past three years, leaving South Sydney to join Leinster, then making a move to Worcester, so we’re finding it hard to keep up. But undoubtedly he is a talent and was part of Sam Burgess’ Souths side that won the comp in 2014.