Paper Talk: Griffin for England, St Helens want Gildart, Castleford reject Leigh bid

We’ve had a look through the latest trade papers.

Griffin wants England spot

Hull FC centre Josh Griffin has set his sights on becoming an England international, report League Express. The 27-year-old has been in good form for the Black and Whites this season and believes he can compete with the likes of Kallum Watkins, John Bateman and Mark Percival for a centre spot.

He told League Express: “It’s always in the back of my mind. There are some great centres in that environment, but I want to keep knocking on the door and keep rolling out performances and hopefully I will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.”

Westerman wages putting off clubs

Joe Westerman appears to be pricing himself out of a Super League return, claim League Weekly.

Wakefield coach Chris Chester has confirmed Trinity are no longer interested in the Toronto Wolfpack star because of his wage demands, and League Weekly report that Castleford Tigers are also not keen on his reported hefty salary with the Canadian club.

St Helens want Wigan star Gildart

St Helens are out to try and snare Wigan centre Oliver Gildart from their rivals for the 2019 season, claim League Weekly.

The 21-year-old’s contract with hometown club Wigan is due to expire at the end of the season. League Weekly believe Saints are targeting Gildart to bolster their backline for next season.

Bateman not rushing into NRL decision

John Bateman insists he’s not yet made what he believes could be one of the biggest decisions of his life so far, claim League Express.

The Wigan star has a clause in his contract that would allow him to join an NRL club at the end of the season, but he has yet to make a decision on his future.

He told League Express: “I’ve got a family to think about and the decision has to be right for them as well as me – you can’t rush a decision like this. It’ll be one of the biggest calls of my life, but it’s a nice decision to have to make.”

Holbrook not a big fan of Denver Test

Justin Holbrook is throwing his weight behind the Denver Test – but he understands why NRL clubs have kicked up a fuss, report League Weekly.

Holbrook told League Weekly: “It’s a hard one, because I’m a fan of the international game – I think it’s important. But a midseason Test? I’m not sure. I’m ok with it, but I’m not a big fan of it.”

Castleford reject Leigh bid for Clark

Castleford Tigers have turned down an offer from Leigh Centurions for prop Mitch Clark, claim League Express.

The 25-year-old joined Castleford in the off-season, but has yet to make a competitive appearance for them. He has been loaned to Featherstone Rovers for the foreseeable future, but Tigers coach Daryl Powell has Clark in his long-term plans.

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