Paper Talk: Richardson-Gale moves, Austin injury boost & Championship club for sale

Drew Darbyshire 23 Sep 2019 8:20 AM

There is big transfer news in the latest papers.

Richardson to Castleford as Gale joins Leeds

Danny Richardson could officially be a Castleford Tigers player by the end of the week as the Tigers look to wrap up a three-year deal for the out-of-favour St Helens star, report League Weekly.

Castleford are understood to want Richardson as their first choice scrum-half for next season, with Luke Gale expected to move to Leeds, according to League Weekly. The Tigers will receive a sizeable fee for Gale from the Rhinos, while Saints will also acquire a fee from Richardson, who still has a year left to run on his contract.

Huddersfield eye Golding

Huddersfield Giants are in advanced discussions with Leeds Rhinos full-back Ashton Golding, report League Express.

The Giants are keen to sign the Jamaica international and have had lengthy negotiations over a potential deal for the 23-year-old, who still has two years left to run on his contract at Emerald Headingley, according to League Express. Golding is currently out-of-favour at Leeds, with Jack Walker keeping him out of Richard Agar’s side.

Austin receives injury boost

Blake Austin is expected to be fit for Great Britain’s tour of the southern hemisphere, report League Weekly.

The Warrington Wolves playmaker suffered medial ligament damage after they were knocked out of the Super League play-offs by Castleford on Thursday. Warrington chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick told League Weekly: “We think it’ll be around four weeks. We expect him to be available for Great Britain. Again, that’s not confirmed – but we’re hopeful we will be.”

Championship club for sale

Swinton Lions’ outgoing chairman Andy Mazey has confirmed the club is for sale following the mass resignation of directors, report League Express.

All but one of the board – club employee and long-term supporter Steve Wild – stepped down earlier this month following the fallout from the proposed name change to Manchester Lions. Mazey told League Express: “I’m gong to hand over a revised budget for 2020 and hand over to Steve. There’s no change at the moment – the trust haven’t stepped forward with a plan or board, but the club is now effectively on the market.”

Myler linked with Hull KR

Richie Myler is being strongly linked with a move to Hull Kingston Rovers in 2020, report League Weekly.

The 29-year-old is of course well known to KR boss Tony Smith, scoring 77 tries in 139 games under him at Warrington Wolves. With Castleford half-back Luke Gale expected to join Leeds for next season, the move would see Myler surplus to requirements, according to League Weekly.

London land Widnes star

London Broncos are thought to have completed a deal for young Widnes Vikings full-back Olly Ashall-Bott, report League Express.

The 21-year-old has been linked with a move to London for some time, and it’s thought a deal has now been completed, report League Express. He will be a replacement for Scotland international Alex Walker, who is set to join Wakefield Trinity.

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