Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #192
Which Toronto man has taken a pay cut? Will the Exiles return? What is the latest on Spain? Find out in the rumour and gossip column.
McCrone takes Toronto pay cut
Josh McCrone is believed to have taken up to a 50% pay cut to remain at Toronto, as they look to create salary cap space for their next signing.
Officials believe that Manu Tuilagi is still keen on a headline switch to the Wolfpack, who have also had their name chucked in to the drama surrounding NRL centre Latrell Mitchell.
Nzoungou looking for a club
Levy Nzoungou is trying to find a route back in to the English game, amidst links with Bradford.
The Congo-born forward had the second year of his Hull contract cancelled at the end of the season, and he has started the French Elite Championship season with Albi. He has also been offered to at least one other Championship club.
No chance of Exiles return
There is zero chance of the Exiles returning in 2020.
There has been some speculation in recent months that the Exiles concept could return to face England in a mid-season test next year. However, Rugby Football League chief executive Ralph Rimmer says the Exiles will not be coming back next season, despite calls for it to make a comeback due to Super League’s impressive calibre of overseas players.
Clubs approve of New York and Ottawa
There has been a good amount of general support from Championship and League 1 clubs regarding the likelihood of Ottawa and New York entering the Rugby Football League pyramid.
The RFL board wanted to find out if the north American clubs had support from other RFL member clubs, so they have moved a step closer to entering League 1 in 2021. The governing body say they will make sure they go through a robust review of the two business models.
Another Goulding junior
Another son of former Great Britain scrum-half Bobbie Goulding is looking to make his mark in the professional game. Back-rower Tom, who played his community rugby for Blackbrook Royals, is attracting attention having had a stint Down Under with one of the partner clubs of North Queensland Cowboys.
He has represented England Lions. One of Bobbie’s other sons, Bobbie Jr, made a handful of Super League appearances for Wakefield.
Fresh start for Spain
The Spanish Rugby League association is looking to move forward following the departure of official Aitor Davila Cordoba recently. Davila, who has played for the national team as well as holding posts in the administration of the sport there, resigned last week.
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