Paper Talk: Wigan want Hastings, Leeds keen on Salford forward, Catalans target dual-code legend

We have rounded up the latest transfer talk from League Express and League Weekly.

Wigan favourites to sign Hastings

Wigan Warriors are the favourites to sign Salford Red Devils star Jackson Hastings for the 2020 season, report League Express.

After missing out on the Australian half-back last season, League Express claim the Warriors have launched a second attempt to lure him to the DW Stadium for 2020. A number of clubs are believed to be interested in the 23-year-old, but with Wigan having the cap space available to get a deal done quickly, added to the uncertainty about the future of George Williams, they are the current front-runners in the race to sign him.

Catalans target dual-code legend

There were strong rumours while they were over in Hull at the weekend that Catalans Dragons are working steadily behind the scenes to try and bring Sonny Bill Williams over to France for the 2020 season, report League Weekly.

The 33-year-old had previously been tipped for a possible move to Toronto Wolfpack, with the club’s owner David Argyle making no secret of his ambition to lure the dual-code New Zealand international to Canada. League Weekly suggest the Dragons could offer Williams something the Wolfpack can’t – guaranteed Super League rugby in 2020.

Leeds keen on Salford forward

Leeds Rhinos are in the race to sign Salford Red Devils back-rower Josh Jones, report League Express.

The Rhinos appears to be the early front-runners to sign the 25-year-old, who is out of contract with the Red Devils at the end of the season. Jones is in-demand though, with League Express claiming the likes of Toronto Wolfpack and Hull Kingston Rovers are also considering moves for the former St Helens back-rower.

Super League trio eye Bradford ace

Three Super League clubs are in the hunt for Bradford Bulls winger Ethan Ryan, report League Weekly.

The Ireland international is off-contract at the end of this season and is attracting strong interest from the top division after starring for the Bulls. League Weekly understands Hull KR, Castleford and one other Super League side are keen on the 22-year-old, who has already made over 80 appearances for Bradford, who want to extend his contract.

Wakefield interested in London star

Highly-rated London Broncos full-back Alex Walker is a man in demand, report League Express.

The 23-year-old is likely to be one of the most sought-after players whose contract expires at the end of the season. League Express understands several Super League clubs have expressed an interest to Walker and the Scotland international’s management for 2020, with one of those clubs reported to be Wakefield Trinity.

Canterbury want Super League playmaker

Canterbury Bulldogs want to bring St Helens half-back Theo Fages to the NRL, report League Weekly.

The 24-year-old is off-contract at the end of 2019, and Fages has reportedly attracted interest from two NRL teams. League Weekly understands Canterbury are one of them as they see the France captain as a perfect replacement for outgoing stand-off Kieran Foran.

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