Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #177

Ray Mour 21 Aug 2019 1:53 PM

Where does Tony Gigot’s future lie? Is Jake Connor leaving Hull? Who is on their way out of Warrington? Find out in the rumour and gossip column.

Gigot to stay at Catalans

Catalans Dragons and Tony Gigot are close to agreeing a contract extension for the full-back.

The France international is off-contract at the end of the current campaign and has been linked with moves away from the club this year. However, he is set to stay at the Dragons beyond this season. Gigot has played 140 games for Catalans as well as enjoying stints at Toulouse Olympique, Avignon, Cronulla Sharks and London Broncos.

Leeds back in for Connor

The main rumour doing the rounds on the terraces at the moment is that Leeds Rhinos are interested in signing utility-back Jake Connor from Hull FC for 2020 onwards.

The Rhinos contacted the Airlie Birds about the availability of Connor earlier this year but they were told Hull wanted to keep him and that Connor was happy at the club. Leeds’ interest appears to have reignited over the last week or so – but the move still seems unlikely to happen. Connor – who has five caps for England – is contracted to Hull until the end of 2021 so a substantial transfer fee would be required.

Hansen attracting interest

Widnes Vikings forward Harrison Hansen is in demand for next year.

The back-rower or loose forward is set to leave Widnes at the end of the season due to the Championship club opting to go part-time from 2020. Hansen has impressed during his short spell with Widnes and he is being eyed up by a couple of Super League clubs, as well as one other Championship side. A former New Zealand and Samoa international, Hansen has made over 400 career appearances and will add plenty of experience to wherever he goes. Hansen was close to joining Wakefield Trinity before the recent transfer deadline.

NRL hooker considering Super League switch

Canterbury Bulldogs hooker Michael Lichaa is thinking about making a move to Super League ahead of the 2020 campaign.

A five-time Lebanon international, Lichaa has been in and out of the Canterbury Bulldogs’ side this year and he is off-contract at the end of the season. One or two NRL clubs are keen on the 26-year-old, but he is currently pondering the idea of making an overseas move. Lichaa has played 113 NRL games to date, 15 for Cronulla Sharks and 98 for the Bulldogs.

Bradford plans for 2020

Bradford Bulls have announced that they will groundshare the Tetley’s Stadium with fellow Championship club Dewsbury Rams next season due to Odsal being too expensive to run.

Bradford owner Andrew Chalmers claims Odsal costs approximately £30k to operate per match and the club are losing money as each week goes by. The Bulls could go to being a part-time team while they play at Dewsbury. They currently have eight players who are on full-time deals with the club.

Forward to leave Warrington

Warrington Wolves prop Lama Tasi will leave the club at the end of the season.

The 29-year-old arrived at the Wolves ahead of this season from Salford Red Devils on a one-year deal but Tasi will depart Warrington when his contract expires. He has made 183 career appearances for Sydney Roosters, Brisbane Broncos, Salford Red Devils, St Helens and Warrington. He made a solitary international appearance for Samoa in 2013.