Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #197
Why aren’t Toronto playing at Saracens? Why have League 1 clubs been left in the dark? Which Super League star could play for Jamaica? Find out in the gossip column.
Why Toronto aren’t playing at Saracens
The real reason why Toronto Wolfpack are not playing their ‘home’ game against St Helens at the Allianz Park is because Saracens Rugby Union Club have put the price up by four times as much as they were originally charging.
The Wolfpack’s match against champions Saints will now be played at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington in round five.
Still place for Woods at Wigan
Wigan have told young half-back Josh Woods that there is still a future for him at the club beyond this season.
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at hometown club Leigh and will do the same again this year. The Warriors have told Woods that he remains in their plans beyond this season and that he still has a future at the Super League club. A highly-rated youngster, Woods is under contract with the Warriors until the end of 2021.
League 1 clubs left in the dark
Several League 1 clubs were unhappy after they weren’t notified directly by the Rugby Football League that their season’s opening fixtures were postponed.
A number of League 1 club officials only found out that their matches were not going ahead this weekend via a statement on the Our League app on Sunday night. They were postponed because of the Challenge Cup ties being played, so it has meant a lot of the clubs have had to re-arrange at last-minute this week.
Half-back wanted
Rochdale are looking to bring in a half-back sooner rather than later.
The Hornets’ number seven shirt is vacant so far, with the club having released their 2020 squad numbers last weekend. It is believed they were looking to sign Wigan youngster Harry Smith on loan but the England Academy international ended up playing for the Warriors first-team last weekend at Castleford.
Widnes want to bolster
Widnes are keen on signing another forward or two as coach Tim Sheens looks to bulk up his pack for the Championship campaign.
It’s understood that the Vikings would like to bring in at least a prop to help add competition for places – but they are in no rush to make any signings.
Jamaica’s amazing Grace
There are a couple of rumours flying around that Jamaica will try to tempt St Helens winger Regan Grace to represent them at the 2021 World Cup.
The 23-year-old was born and raised in Welsh town Port Talbot and has earned six caps for his country of birth so far, as well as recently starring for them in the Nines World Cup. Grace qualifies to play for Jamaica through his grandfather, so the Reggae Warriors hope to persuade Grace to represent his heritage in the next World Cup.
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