Paper Talk: Catalans want Williams, Widnes to lose Ah Van, Masoe set for Hull KR stay
There is a lot of transfer speculation in the latest papers.
Catalans want Williams and Smith
Catalans Dragons’ hunt for new half-backs for the 2019 season has led them to England once again, with the club hoping it can convince George Williams and Matty Smith to link up together again next year, report League Express.
League Express claim the Dragons are confident that they can lure England half-back Williams away from Wigan for next season, but no deal has been made yet.
Catalans have rekindled their interest in taking out-of-favour St Helens half-back Smith to France for 2019. Smith and Williams both played in the halves together in Wigan’s Grand Final win over Warrington in 2016.
Masoe to stay put at Hull KR
Mose Masoe is set to extend his stay with Hull Kingston Rovers for 2019, report League Weekly.
The front-rower is out-of-contract at the end of this year but League Weekly claim that he is happy at the club and will sign a new deal, despite being linked with city rivals Hull FC recently.
Salford would love America trip
Salford Red Devils remain hopeful about their aspirations to play in America, report League Express.
The Red Devils wanted to play a Super League game against Catalans Dragons in the United States earlier this year, but proposals were turned down. A club spokesperson told League Express that talks have cooled recently, but they would still ‘love’ to head out to America if a deal could be agreed.
Milner pens new Castleford deal
Adam Milner has signed a new and improved deal with Castleford Tigers, report League Weekly.
The 26-year-old was off-contract at the end of the season and several NRL clubs were believed to be chasing his signature. However, League Weekly claim that he has signed either a three-year or five-year contract with the Tigers.
Widnes want Papua New Guinea tour
Widnes chief executive James Rule has revealed that his club is considering a pre-season game in Papua New Guinea as their relationship with the nation continues to grow, report League Express.
The Vikings are the most popular team in the Pacific island since their handling of Kato Ottio’s death earlier this year. Rule told League Express: “It’s something we would really like to do. There’s obviously a lot of logistics to figure out as it’s not the easiest place to get to, but it would be great if we could go out there and play a game, maybe against the Hunters or another side.”
Widnes to lose Ah Van
Toulouse Olympique have signed Widnes Vikings winger Patrick Ah Van for next season and beyond, report League Weekly.
The 30-year-old has been at Widnes since 2012 and has scored 114 tries and kicked 174 goals in 110 games for the club. It appears his future lies in France with Olympique.
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