Off the Record: Rugby League Rumour and Gossip #63
Horo off?
Is Justin Horo the next NRL import to depart Catalans? We’ve heard whispers down under that the forward could be on his way back to Manly. Horo only joined the Dragons at the start of 2016 and is still under contract. It’s only speculation at this stage, but regardless Catalans could do with no more departures after the exits of Taylor, Stewart, Carney, Escare, Mason, Pelissier and the rest.
Carney conundrum
Todd Carney‘s move to the NRL is increasingly looking likely to be blocked. We hear that Salford could emerge as his destination if he can’t go home. Salford are well-stocked for halves, but have space in the cap to move for Carney if he is available. We hear there is some interest at the AJ Bell Stadium in him. It it does come off, could Michael Dobson switch to Warrington to take Chris Sandow’s place?
No Billy
Staying on Salford and we had heard that Marlon Billy had been spotted as the club recently. Billy was an assistant coach at Halifax, but recently left his post at the Championship club. Billy played for Keighley, Swinton, Doncaster and Rochdale in the 90s and 2000s. According to one reliable source Billy isn’t joining the coaching staff at the Red Devils, which is fairly lean at the moment.
Graham gone
The talk in Australia that James Graham is headed out of the Bulldogs won’t go away. Canterbury are having a big cleanout and Des Hasler has only just survived. Rumour has it that Graham will land at Manly, who actually do need some forward power. But Graham has been a great fit at Belmore, personally we doubt it will happen. The Englishman bleeds blue and white.
Chiko roll
The murmurs of James Segeyaro heading to Cronulla is gaining pace. Segeyaro would to negotiate a release from Leeds before a move can be made. Today the Rhinos took the step of issuing a statement from Gary Hetherington denying that Segeyaro is going. The hooker would an ideal replacement for the retiring Michael Ennis, but a big loss for Leeds.
Irvine in
Former Cronulla chairman Damian Irvine is being lined up to run Bradford if a supporters group takes over the club. Irvine did a great job at the Sharks and now he is UK-based with the necessary knowledge to operate a rugby league club successfully. If fan ownership via Supporters Direct gets the reins, and that is no guarantee considering the interest in the Bulls, then Irvine will be involved.
Latest gossip
It might the off-season in England and Australia but there’s still plenty of gossip doing the rounds. One rumour has fullback William Zillman on the move from Gold Coast to Manly, which we think is pretty unlikely. Tom Trbojevic has the Sea Eagles number one jersey sewn up, while no statement on Brett Stewart‘s future has been made. Newcastle’s capture of Kalyn Ponga will allow them to let Jake Mamo go to Huddersfield, with Ponga to take Mamo’s fullback spot. Melbourne, Canterbury and the Dragons have emerged as possible homes for Chris Sandow. But the halfback will have to drop his asking price significantly to get anywhere in the NRL.
