Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #94
Super League is the centre of attention in this week’s rumour mill.
DRAGONS STILL FAVOURITES TO SIGN WALMSLEY
St George Illawarra Dragons are leading the race to sign St Helens and England ace Alex Walsmley ahead of the 2018 season but a couple of other NRL clubs are still monitoring the situation.
However, Walmsley’s future is still up in the air, with a couple of English-based media outlets reporting that he is going nowhere. It is understood that Saints are keen to tie him down to a new deal but the Australian beaches are certainly calling him at the moment.
ROBERTS SET TO EXTEND HUDDERSFIELD STAY
It is believed that a new five-year contract has been handed to Ireland international Oliver Roberts by Huddersfield Giants.
Roberts enjoyed a fine World Cup with the Wolfhounds and caught the eye of Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights, but the Giants seemed to have persuaded the 23-year-old to stay at the John Smith’s Stadium.
WIDNES WAIT ON MONEY
The rumour going around the mill in Widnes at the moment is that head coach Denis Betts is waiting for money to sign players for the Vikings.
They could well have signings lined up in case the money becomes available before the start of the season. More money could be generated by selling more memberships, tickets, merchandise or even from sponsors… Will it happen? Only time will tell…
BRISBANE KEEN ON MCGILLVARY
Brisbane Broncos have been linked with Huddersfield Giants star Jermaine McGillvary following his stunning World Cup campaign with England.
McGillvary is believed to have formed a good relationship with Lions coach Wayne Bennett, who also is the Broncos boss of course. They have recently lost David Mead and Tautau Moga so they have a lot of money to play with.
MCSHANE TO SIGN NEW DEAL WITH CASTLEFORD
Castleford Tigers hooker Paul McShane has reportedly been offered a new five-year contract by the club and it would effectively keep the 28-year-old at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle for the rest of his career.
McShane had, arguably, his best season to date in 2017 as he helped the Tigers win the League Leaders Shield.
CATALANS WAITING ON MONAGHAN
Catalans Dragons are waiting to learn if Michael Monaghan will be returning to the club as assistant coach next season.
The former Warrington Wolves hooker had returned to the UK for a new opportunity but that has now fallen through. He has been with the Dragons since retiring in 2014.
What do you think of the latest gossip? Let us know in the comments below.
