Paper Talk: Stanley boosts Toronto, Naulago attracts interest & Folau backed to thrive

Drew Darbyshire 10 Feb 2020 9:07 AM

We’ve had a scan through the morning’s papers.

Stanley boosts Toronto

Toronto Wolfpack centre Chase Stanley will arrive in the country this week, report League Express.

The 30-year-old has missed the opening two rounds of the season due to a hold up on his passport, but Toronto officials have confirmed he will be in the country this week and in contention for Thursday’s match at Wigan, according to League Express.

Union clubs keen on Naulago

Hull FC winger Ratu Naulago’s agent has made it clear to him that the real money was in rugby union, report League Weekly.

Exeter Chiefs were linked with the Fijian speedster, who was playing for the British Army before joining Hull. The Chiefs are monitoring Naulago’s progress in Super League this season, according to League Weekly.

Wane excited to coach Saints duo

Shaun Wane has revealed to League Express which non-Wigan players he is looking forward to coaching in the England set-up.

Wane told League Express: “I’ve never coached Jonny Lomax and he is exciting and Luke Thompson too. I had Scott Taylor (at Wigan), but he’s at another club now.”

France is best place for Folau

Forer Catalans star Greg Bird has told controversial Dragons new boy Israel Folau there is “no better place to start again” than in the South of France, report League Weekly.

Bird told League Weekly: “The beauty of playing here in France is that you’re out of the bubble in Australia or the UK. It’s the perfect environment for redemption and rehabilitation. I don’t think people in this area care too much about social media and stories in the press so it makes it a little easier for players who’ve had troubles.”

Leeds to dual-reg with Championship club

Batley Bulldogs will this week formalise a dual-registration link with Leeds Rhinos to allow their fringe players to feature in the Rhinos’ reserve team, report League Express.

Bulldogs coach Craig Lingard told League Express: “We’ll be sending the first-team players not in our 21-man squads there to get some game time and help bulk their squad out a bit.”

Saints would welcome Thompson back

St Helens hope they won’t have seen the last of Luke Thompson when he leaves for the NRL at the end of this season, report League Weekly.

Saints chairman Eamonn McManus told League Weekly: “If ever he (Thompson) decides to return to England and to Super League then there would be a red carpet waiting for him at St Helens.”

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