Paper Talk: Brough set for Wakefield return, Salford target forward duo, Parcell future confirmed
We have had a look through this morning’s trade newspapers.
Brough set for Wakefield return
Danny Brough appears delighted to be a Wakefield Trinity player in 2018 as a remarkable swap with full-back Scott Grix nears completion, report League Express.
Last week, League Express reported that Ireland full-back Grix was set to return to the Giants after Huddersfield contacted Wakefield about his availability. They want Grix to join their coaching staff next year, but it remains unclear whether Grix will play on. League Express report that Grix is set to swap placers with former Scotland captain Brough. The two clubs are in advanced talks about Brough making the switch across for a second time.
Warrington snub reserves
Warrington Wolves will not be re-launching their reserves for 2019, report League Weekly.
The Rugby Football League chief executive Ralph Rimmer claimed that there was a growing appetite for the reserve-grade among Super League clubs last month, but the Wolves have confirmed that they will not bringing their second-string side back. Wolves’ chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick told League Weekly: “We’re not going ahead with reserves for 2019. I am a big supporter of reserves but there needs to be a bona fide competition.”
Salford target front-row pair
Adam Walker and Gil Dudson will be Salford Red Devils players in 2019, report League Express.
The front-rowers have signed deals with Ian Watson’s side for next season, with Craig Kopczak and Lama Tasi having joined Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves respectively. Wales international Dudson is currently a free agent after leaving Widnes following their relegation from Super League, while Scotland ace Walker is currently serving a drugs ban but can return to action in March.
Parcell future confirmed
Matt Parcell’s agent says the Leeds Rhinos hooker is not leaving the club, report League Weekly.
Parcell, who joined the Rhinos ahead of the 2017 season as a replacement for Papua New Guinea star James Segeyaro, has been linked with a move away from Emerald Headingley in the off-season. Parcell still has one year left on his current deal with Leeds and his agent Clinton Schifcofske told League Weekly that Parcell is going nowhere ahead of 2019.
Castleford eyeing Webster replacement
Castleford remain interested in the acquisition of a new centre for 2019, report League Express.
Former New Zealand international Jake Webster left the Tigers to join Bradford Bulls at the end of last season and League Express reports that although they would like to bring in a new signing, they are not in a rush to make one. With the club having signed Liam Watts and Peter Mata’utia midway through 2018, Tigers’ sources have told League Express that they are happy with the strength of the squad for next season.
Clarkson attracting interest
Huddersfield Giants and Salford Red Devils are battling away to sign former Leeds Rhinos and Hull Kingston Rovers back-rower Chris Clarkson, report League Weekly.
The 28-year-old was released by the Robins at the end of the season and is on the lookout for a new club for 2019. It was first reported in Love Rugby League’s ‘off the record’ gossip column last week and it appears that League Weekly have also caught wind of the speculation. Clarkson has made over 220 appearances in Super League and has a wealth of experience at the top level.
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