Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #141

Which Wigan half-back are Leigh after? Who is on Widnes’ radar? What is the latest on Marty Taupau’s future? Find out more in Ray Mour’s gossip column.

Leigh want Wigan half-back

Leigh Centurions want to sign young half-back Josh Woods from Wigan Warriors on a season-long loan for 2019, Love Rugby League understands

The 20-year-old made his first-team debut for the Warriors in 2017 after graduating from the club’s academy system. Woods has played 13 first-team games for Wigan so far, while making 18 appearances for Swinton Lions on dual-registration.

Jake Shorrocks will remain at Wigan next year and compete for a place in the halves alongside George Williams, Tommy Leuluai and Jarrod Sammut. Woods is set to join hometown club Leigh on loan.

Taupau future decided

If there was ever any hope of New Zealand international Marty Taupau coming to Super League, it has all but been squashed for the foreseeable future.

The 29-year-old blockbusting forward is set to stay at Manly Sea Eagles in 2019, which is proving to be great hit with the Manly supporters.

Taupau has 24 caps for the Kiwis and has a reputation for being one of the strongest rugby league players in the world. He was linked with Leeds Rhinos earlier this off-season, but he will be staying in the NRL.

NRL hooker Cameron King is on the lookout for a new club though after leaving Parramatta Eels at the end of last season. We believe that he would consider playing in England.

Widnes turn to Championship half-back

Widnes Vikings are on the cusp of signing half-back or hooker Dom Speakman from Dewsbury Rams ahead of next season, Love Rugby League understands

Speakman came through the academy at St Helens, where he made one appearance, before enjoying spells at Rochdale Hornets, Barrow Raiders, North Wales Crusaders and Dewsbury.

The 24-year-old has been at the Rams since 2016 and is set to join the Vikings as they aim to gain promotion back to Super League at the first time of asking next year.

Local lad linked with Leigh

Toronto Wolfpack winger Adam Higson has been linked with a move back to his hometown club Leigh Centurions for 2019, Love Rugby League understands.

It was reported by the trade press a couple of weeks ago that Higson, along with Ryan Brierley and Jake Emmitt, are set to leave the Wolfpack.

And a source has told Love Rugby League that Leigh are interested in bringing Higson back to the club for 2019. He made his professional bow for the Centurions back in 2009 and spent nine years at the club, scoring 65 tries.

Promising prop training with Catalans

Catalans Dragons are considering whether to offer up and coming front-rower Valentin Yesa a full-time contract.

The 23-year-old is regarded as one of the best French forwards in the game, having already spent time at Toulouse Olympique and Limoux Grizzlies.

It has been reported that Yesa has been training with the Dragons over the off-season, having made his international debut for France in the autumn. Yesa has already earned three caps, with them coming against Serbia, England and Scotland.

Larroyer set for Halifax switch

Kevin Larroyer’s move to Halifax for the 2019 campaign is all but done.

The France international agreed to be released from Leigh Centurions recently following the club’s financial struggles.

Fax are set to unveil Larroyer as their latest addition for 2019 within the next week or so. He played 26 games for the Centurions last season, scoring nine tries from the back-row position.

Larroyer has also previously played for Toulouse, Catalans, Hull Kingston Rovers, Castleford Tigers and Bradford Bulls, making a total of 159 career appearances.

THIS MOVE HAS SINCE BEEN ANNOUNCED, CLICK HERE MORE DETAILS.