Off the Record: Rugby League Transfer Gossip #18
Huddersfield hunt
Huddersfield has turned their attention to the NRL to snag a replacement for Brett Ferres. With Ferres gone to Leeds and Craig Huby out with injury for some time, the Giants pack is looking a little lightweight. Word comes to us that Huddersfield might be interesting in bringing former NSW forward Jamie Buhrer to Super League. Buhrer is on the outs with the new regime at Manly and could be open to a fresh start. He’s only 26 and has 113 NRL games under his belt, and won the 2011 grand final with the Sea Eagles.
Championship drama
The players from which Championship club were forced to bring their own t-shirts to warm up in ahead of their recent friendly? They also played in their 2015 kit, which has a different make to the 2016 edition. Not a good look at all at this struggling side. We hope things improve.
Foreign flair
OTR hears that a foreign signing in League 1 is causing some issues before the season has even started. This player has had trials with other clubs, which have not gone well, and trouble seems to follow him wherever he goes. His new club has not checked his background, with his long list of past offences, and could get burned in the future. Some clubs never learn.
Swings and roundabouts
The NRL season is only seven weeks away but there are still several clubs trying to offload players and sign new cattle. Talk down under is that Manly prop Brenton Lawrence could find a new home at the Roosters, while Souths may snag Willie Mason if they can convince him to take a small contract. With Sam Burgess‘ monster deal the Rabittohs don’t have much left to offer Big Willie. Dale Copley is also on his way out of the Broncos after James Roberts arrival, with the Titans, Cowboys, Panthers, Storm and Roosters all after him. At this stage it is the boys from Bondi who look likely to land the young centre. With Blake Ferguson likely to move to fullback and speculation about Michael Jennings to Parrmatta growing, the Roosters may need a new outside back.
