Off the Record: Rugby League Rumour and Gossip #32
So long Albert
We hear that halfback Albert Kelly won’t be at Hull KR next season. The playmaker is off-contract at the end of this year and our source tells us that the Robins won’t be retaining him. Kelly has been inconsistent on the park, not to mention often hit by injury, and Hull KR are looking elsewhere in the 7 jersey.
Bulls leaning
Still on Hull KR and we’re told that Jamie Peacock is set to raid his old club Bradford. Peacock is looking to bring in a Bull in or two to the KC Lightstream Stadium in 2017. Hull KR’s pack needs strengthening and JP has his eyes on a few players at Odsal. Watch this space.
Braveheart Peats
Scotland is trying to line up Parramatta hooker Nathan Peats to play for them in this year’s Four Nations. The Aussie, who has played for the Indigenous All Stars and NSW City Origin previously, qualifies for the Bravehearts through heritage. Peats can play at 9 and 13, and with 87 NRL games experience, would be a handy addition for Steve McCormack’s men.
The Replacements
As we mentioned several weeks ago, Glenn Morrison is in the box-seat to replace Jimmy Lowes at Bradford. Morrision just needs to get the go ahead from the Dewsbury owner to move to the Bulls. But Scott Naylor is another strong contender to take over at Odsal. Like Morrison a former Bull, Naylor has worked wonders at Oldham, mostly recently with the Cup shock over Hull KR, and like Morison is an also an ambitious young coach. Naylor has a gentlemen’s agreement with Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton that he can leave if a big opportunity arises.
Salford player departs
Workington Town have snapped up one of Salford’s charges on a one-month loan. The young forward, who is on the fringes of Ian Watson’s side, ships off to Cumbria soon for a four-week stint. Workington Town have had a dire 2016 season so far and are in desperate need of fresh troops.
Bati decision
Word comes to us that a final decision on Fiji’s NSW Cup side is to made in the next month or so. The Fijians are bidding to have a team in the NSW Cup competition from 2017, similarly to the successful PNG Hunters outfit that plays in the Queensland Cup. Examinations of stadia, facilities, infrastructure and the rest are being completed and the decision on whether they are in the comp next year or not, is not too far away. Here’s hoping they get the nod.
Frosty Saints
All is not sweet between Keiron Cunningham and his playing group at Langtree Park. Saints have been up and down this season and have lost their last three straight at home. Cunningham has publicly blasted his squad several times already, which has not got down well now. Interesting times ahead at St Helens.
