Paper Talk: Warrington want Inu, Drinkwater confirms Catalans exit, Mellor set for Toronto

There is a lot of speculation surrounding Widnes and Catalans players in this week’s trade papers.

Warrington want Inu

Warrington Wolves are said to be keen on Widnes Vikings centre Krisnan Inu for next season, report League Weekly.

The 28-year-old has been a standout for Widnes this season and with it looking likely that the Vikings will be relegated this year, his contract would then be deemed null and he could go to Warrington as a free agent in the off-season. There is interest from a number of clubs in Super League for the ex-New Zealand and Samoa international, with Warrington an interested party, according to League Weekly.

Drinkwater confirms Catalans exit

Josh Drinkwater will leave Catalans Dragons at the end of the season after what he describes as a six-moth rollercoaster ride in France, report League Express.

The Dragons signed Drinkwater in April on a deal until the end of the season and has impressed since his arrival. However, Catalans have agreed a deal with Matty Smith for 2019 and there will be no place for Drinkwater in Perpignan. He told League Express: “I don’t think I’ll be staying here. For one reason or another, things haven’t worked out so I’ll be moving on.”

Salford and Hull FC eyeing Gelling

Salford Red Devils and Hull FC are ready to rescue Anthony Gelling’s Super League hopes by taking him off Widnes Vikings, report League Weekly.

The 27-year-old has signed a contract with the Vikings for next season from NRL side New Zealand Warriors. Salford insiders have told League Weekly that they were in for Gelling before he signed a deal with Widnes.

Mellor set for Toronto switch

Widnes Vikings half-back Joe Mellor looks set to continue his career away from Widnes in 2019 in the event of the Vikings’ near-certain relegation from Super League with a number of clubs – including Toronto Wolfpack – interested in signing him, report League Express.

After Widnes’ win over Halifax on Saturday, Francis Cummins hinted that clubs are already in contact with Widnes players in the likelihood of them becoming free agents at the end of the season. League Express understands Toronto are among the clubs interested in Mellor for 2019.

Edwards going nowhere

Catalans Dragons coach Steve McNamara says star forward Kenny Edwards is signed to the club for 2019 and is going nowhere, report League Weekly.

Edwards joined the Challenge Cup winners on a one-and-a-half-year deal in the middle of the campaign. Edwards has been linked with the likes of Wigan Warriors and Huddersfield Giants in recent weeks, but McNamara insists the back-rower is going nowhere next season. He told League Weekly: “He’s signed for next year. There’s always rumours and speculation, and Kenny seems to be in the middle of it. But we take no notice of it. He’s our player, he’s signed for next season so there’s no issue.”

Hampshire could leave Wakefield

Ryan Hampshire looks set to be one of the most sought-after free agents in the off-season with his future still unresolved heading into the final weeks of the season, report League Express.

The 23-year-old has impressed at Wakefield Trinity this season but he has yet to put pen to paper on a deal for next season. Hampshire’s agent Craig Harrison told League Express: “Michael (Carter) has got a figure, and we’ve got a figure and sometimes because of the cap it doesn’t work out. It could work out yet, but obviously Ryan is a free agent and there is interest elsewhere.”

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