Paper Talk: Warrington want Latu, Salford frustrated with Catalans & Eden going nowhere

Drew Darbyshire

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

Warrington want Latu

Warrington Wolves have emerged as the favourite to sign Gold Coast Titans forward Leilani Latu, report League Express.

The 26-year-old has been offered to Super League clubs in recent weeks and League Express understands the Wolves have made a move to sign him and complete their squad for the 2020 season.

Salford frustrated with Catalans approach

Salford Red Devils have blasted Super League rivals Catalans Dragons over an unwelcome bid for prop Gil Dudson, report League Weekly.

Red Devils director of rugby, Ian Blease, told League Weekly: “I just don’t understand why this is happening at this stage of the year. For the last two years it has happened to us. It’s a bad way to behave really; we don’t do that to other clubs.”

Eden going nowhere

Castleford Tigers have had no contact with Keighley Cougars over a reported move for Greg Eden and they have no intention of letting the player leave, report League Express.

Tigers officials have stressed to League Express that nothing of the sort has even been spoken about between the two clubs, let alone agreed.

Bulldogs favourites for Thompson

St Helens prop Luke Thompson is being hailed as the best prop in the world by the folks Down Under as Canterbury Bulldogs have emerged as the strong favourites to nab his signature, report League Weekly.

The Bulldogs have come in with a hard sell in an attempt to fight off interest from both the New Zealand Warriors and Gold Coast Titans. Thompson would command a wage of $700,000 per season, according to League Weekly.

Catalans hopeful of getting TV deal

Catalans Dragons haven’t given up hope of a last-minute television deal to ensure Super League games are broadcast live from Perpignan in 2020, report League Express.

Dragons officials are hoping a commitment by Sky Sports to cover five matches at Stade Gilbert Brutus this season will encourage a French TV partner to come on board for the remaining league fixtures, according to League Express.

Flower still has spot at Wigan

Ben Flower has been assured he’s still a key man for Wigan, report League Weekly.

Flower is off-contract with the Warriors in November and has been linked with a move to Catalans in recent weeks. Wigan coach Adrian Lam told League Weekly: “He’s contracted to us and we love him here. I had a meeting with him (on Tuesday morning) telling him how important he is.”

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