Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #107
There are a number of transfer rumours from all areas of the globe this week.
Gildart intrigued by NRL
Wigan Warriors star Oliver Gildart is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to hold talks with the club about a new deal. The 21-year-old made his debut for the club in 2015 and has scored 34 tries in 63 appearances for Wigan. It is a well-known fact that Gildart would like to test himself in the NRL at some point in his career, but he is only 21, and it is believed Wigan will offer him an extended deal. St Helens have also been linked with the centre in recent months, but we understand that if Gildart was to leave Wigan, it wouldn’t be for another Super League club.
Salford favourites to sign Russell
We understand Salford Red Devils are the favourites to sign out-of-favour Warrington Wolves winger Matty Russell. The 24-year-old is currently Steve Price’s fourth choice winger at Warrington, behind Josh Charnley, Tom Lineham and Mitch Brown. Russell is attracting plenty of interest at the moment, with Widnes also showing interest. The Scotland international is in talks with Salford though over a potential move.
Keighley target Griffin
The 36-year-old is currently a free agent after being sacked by Championship club Featherstone Rovers in January for a serious breach of contract. Keighley are hoping to announce the signing of Griffin shortly, according to an inside source. Griffin has played over 300 games in Super League and earned two caps for England in 2010, so he will no doubt provide plenty of experience for the Cougars in League 1.
Bosc to return for Catalans
France legend Thomas Bosc is on the verge of coming out of retirement to take a little strain off Catalans Dragons’ half-back problems. Bosc is currently Steve McNamara’s assistant at the French club, but is now considering whether to come out of retirement to help his team. It is reported that Catalans were close to signing St Helens half-back Matty Smith on loan, but the move fell through due to Smith preferring to stay in England with his family.
Wakefield want Westerman
Joe Westerman could be on his way out of Toronto, after not even making 10 appearances for the Wolfpack. The 28-year-old only joined the Canadian club in the off-season from Warrington Wolves, but it is believed that he wants to move closer to his family in West Yorkshire. Wakefield Trinity have been linked with the loose forward, but we feel there is more to come from this move.
St Helens scouting Batchelor
It has been reported St Helens are monitoring the progress of York City Knights back-rower Joe Batchelor. The 23-year-old has been in fine form for the League 1 side this season and is on the radar of a number of Super League clubs. Saints scouts have been to a couple of York games already this year and it is thought Saints coach Justin Holbrook sees Batchelor, who is the brother of Wakefield star James Batchelor, as a project player like James Bentley, who joined from Bradford Bulls in the off-season.
