Paper Talk: Sa’u rejects Castleford, Warrington talk to Mamo, London target ex-England star
We have had a look through this week’s papers.
Sa’u turns down Castleford
Salford Red Devils centre Junior Sa’u has had a change of heart and will not be heading to the Mend-A-Hose Jungle for the 2019 season, report League Weekly.
The former New Zealand and Samoa international has been linked with a move to Castleford Tigers ahead of next year, but League Weekly report that he will not be going to the Tigers – but hinted that he could still leave the Red Devils.
New Cup to be unveiled for Championship and League 1 clubs
Championship and League 1 clubs have been told about plans for an extra Cup competition that could culminate at Wembley in association with the Challenge Cup, report League Express.
The clubs met the RFL in Bradford last week, where among the teams where a new 16-team knockout competition that could be introduced as early as 2019. The competition could include 12 Championship sides – minus Toronto Wolfpack and Toulouse Olympique – and four from League 1. It could be played on the same day as the Challenge Cup final, according to League Express.
Warrington in talks with Mamo
Warrington Wolves have confirmed they are exploring the possibility of signing outside-back Jake Mamo for next season, report League Weekly.
The link between Mamo and the Wolves first appeared in Love Rugby League’s ‘off the record’ gossip column last week. Mamo is currently a free agent after leaving Huddersfield Giants and Price confirmed to League Weekly that Warrington have been in contact with Mamo and a few other potential targets. Price said: “We’re in talks with a couple of outside backs, but there is no news to report at this moment.”
Holbrook suggests Golden Boot name change
Criticism of Tommy Makinson winning the Golden Boot has arisen because of the award’s criteria having changed, according to his St Helens coach Justin Holbrook, report League Express.
Makinson was deemed the best international player in the world at an awards ceremony last week and it sparked comments from the likes of Brad Fittler, who claimed he had never heard of Makinson. On the award, Holbrook told League Express: “It shouldn’t be called the Golden Boot anymore. Just call it the international player of the year, because that’s what it is. It’s crazy It’s like winning the Challenge Cup final and being presented with the Super League trophy.”
London targeting Brown
London Broncos are plotting a move for Warrington Wolves half-back Kevin Brown ahead of 2019, report League Weekly.
It has been rumoured that Warrington are looking to bring in another half-back ahead of next season, so does this indicate that Brown could be shown the door? The chances of the 34-year-old moving to London look slim though, with him having a young family and business in Wigan, claim League Weekly.
Huddersfield move for Ross unlikely
Huddersfield Giants’ pursuit of Newcastle Knights star Nathan Ross appears to be on the verge of collapse – which could lead to talks over a new deal for Jake Mamo, report League Express.
Giants coach Simon Woolford was interested in bringing Ross to the John Smith’s Stadium ahead of next season – but Ross has stated publicly that he would like to stay in the NRL next season. Mamo is a free agent and as mentioned earlier in this story, he is attracting interested from Warrington Wolves but Huddersfield could be tempted to offer Mamo a new deal, according to League Express.
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