Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #85

As the season draws to a close, speculation over transfers is rife in the world of Rugby League.

Murdoch-Masila to choose between Warrington and Hull KR

Salford star Ben Murdoch-Masila has a choice to make between Warrington and Hull KR.

The Tonga international has had a stand-out year for the Red Devils and was the first Salford player to be named in the Super League Dream Team since David Hodgson back in 2006.

The Wolves are reported to have paid a six-figure fee for the 26-year-old and the deal is close to being finalised.

But his former Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens, now at Hull KR, also wants his services for next season and is prepared to make him their marquee player, potentially making the switch to East Yorkshire more lucrative for the back-rower.

Mata’utia attracting interest from St Helens

Justin Holbrook last week confirmed St Helens’ interest in capturing Peter Mata’utia of Newcastle Knights for 2018.

The 26year-old, a Samoa international, is now a free agent after his contract experienced with the Knights at the end of this season.

Mata’utia, brother of Newcastle teammates Chanel, Pat and Sione, will bolster Saints’ options in the outside-backs while he can also play in the back-row.

Holbrook also stated his intention to keep out-of-contract ace Dominique Peyroux at the Totally Wicked Stadium next year.

Tasi heading for Salford exit

Salford Red Devils are understood to have said to Lama Tasi that he is surplus to requirement at the club.

Clubs in Super League have been told that the 27-year-old is available for 2018.

The Samoa international returned to Salford ahead of this season after a year with St Helens, and he only signed a new contract with the club in March.

It is no secret that Salford are trying to cut costs for next season, with Todd Carney, Olsi Krasniqi, Jordan Walne and Adam Walne departing while Ben Murdoch-Masila looks set to be on his way out as well. 

Walsh could make surprise switch to Leigh

Catalans Dragons star Luke Walsh has been offered to Leigh Centurions, but that was before the Million Pound Game.

The 30-year-old’s contract has expired with the French outfit and his future remains unclear.

And the talk going around the rumour mill at the moment is that his management have alerted clubs about his services, with Leigh being one of them.

But that was before the Dragons beat the Centurions in the Million Pound Game and secured their Super League status for 2018.

Catalans chairman Bernard Guasch has revealed that the club would like to keep the Australian half-back but his future hangs in the balance.

Pettybourne to Widnes deal falls through

Widnes Vikings have been dealt a blow after a deal to bring Gold Coast Titans forward Eddy Pettybourne to the club has collapsed, owing to visa issues.

It is understood that head coach Denis Betts’ was very interested in bringing the former Wigan Warriors ace to the Select Security Stadium for next season.

But the transfer has fallen through because the 29-year-old does not have the required number of NRL appearances in the last two years to meet the visa requirements.

His contract has now expired at the Titans but he will be hoping to have a good World Cup tournament for the United States, so he can sign for a club in the NRL.

Warrington keen to make Roberts marquee player

Gold Coast Titans star Tyrone Roberts is set to become Warrington Wolves’ marquee player for 2018.

The Wolves already announced that they have signed South Syndey Rabbitohs star Bryson Goodwin earlier this week and have wasted no time in the recruitment department, with Steve Price also set to be appointed as head coach.

A deal for Roberts is understood to be done, a deal which will see him become one of the highest paid Super League players in 2018.

Warrington have failed in bids for Gareth Widdop, George Williams and James Maloney this year but have landed Roberts for next season.

The Wolves have a decent amount of the salary cap to spend in the off-season, with Joe Westerman, Sam Wilde, Ashton Sims, Kevin Penny, Brad Dwyer, Matty Blythe, Kurt Gidley, Rhys Evans, Andre Savelio and Peta Hiku all departing.