Rumour Mill: Zane Tetevano left with ‘hefty’ bill; Fresh twist in Adam Keighran saga; Blake Austin open to possible Super League move
Here are six of the latest transfer rumours and stories in rugby league, including Zane Tetevano, Wigan’s interest in Adam Keighran and Rohan Smith on out-of-contract star Blake Austin.
Zane Tetevano left with ‘hefty’ bill
Currently doing the rounds on social media, it appears Leeds Rhinos forward Tetevano has been left with a big bill following his heart operation, having suffered a stroke while training.
Team-mate Austin shared on his Instagram a picture of a signed Sonny Bill Williams All Blacks top in the hopes of raising funds for ex-New Zealand international Tetevano.
The Super League forward previously set up a a JustGiving page to support the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, having taken part in the Run for All Leeds 10k earlier this month.
“Hey guys, good mate Zane Tetevano has recently undergone a heart operation,” Austin’s caption read.
“He has been personally left with a pretty hefty bill for the op. This is a signed Sonny Bill Williams All Blacks jersey. If you know anyone that could be interested, give us a DM.
“For a great bloke with a beautiful family. Starting at 1k.”
Leeds Rhinos have been contacted by Love Rugby League for comment.
Fresh twist in Adam Keighran saga
Wigan head coach Matt Peet confirmed his interest in off-contract Catalans star Keighran earlier this week, having originally been reported by L’independant.
Now the French newspaper has stated that the 26-year-old former New Zealand Warriors and Sydney Roosters utility has rejected two contract extensions to remain in Perpignan under Steve McNamara.
Toby King is expected to return to Warrington following the expiry of his season-long loan at the DW Stadium, leaving room for centre or half-back Keighran to fill in.
The Sydney-born player has impressed in his debut season in Super League, scoring five tries in 14 Super League appearances, producing a further eight assists.
He is also a goal-kicker with 36 so far in 2023, which would add depth to Peet’s options, with England international Harry Smith currently with kicking duties at Wigan.
Blake Austin testing open market as Leeds boss addresses speculation
Out-of-contract half-back Austin is testing his worth on the open market, although Leeds boss Rohan Smith hasn’t given up on retaining the Australian 32-year-old.
Leeds Live initially reported that Austin, who originally made the switch to England with Warrington for 2019, has been shopped around to rival Super League clubs for the 2024 campaign.
Leeds coach Smith commented: “That’s a two-way street as it is with every negotiation. Blake has the opportunity to see what else is out there, but he’s also still in our thoughts.
“I haven’t [written it off]. Not at all.”
Australian coach Smith also rejected speculation linking off-contract Aidan Sezer with a return to Australia at the end of the year.
Ian Watson confirms interest in Hull winger
Huddersfield Giants head coach Ian Watson has confirmed his interest in out-of-contract Hull FC winger Adam Swift, who is expected to depart the MKM Stadium at the end of the year.
Former Saints winger Swift, 30, is currently in his fourth season at the Black & Whites, crossing for 35 tries in 54 appearances.
“Adam is of interest to us because he’s coming off-contract,” Watson told Yorkshire Live.
“He is a player I do like and he’s got the winning mentality I like.
“He’s played in big games, and he knows what it’s all about.
“He has got great speed, and he can defend as well. He’s definitely a player we’re looking at.”
Featherstone busy in the market
Sean Long’s Featherstone have been busy in the market, with the club pushing towards promotion to Super League for 2024.
The Championship leaders, who have lost just one game all year in the competition, recently confirmed the return of Dane Chisholm from Keighley Cougars.
Love Rugby League also understands that the side were in the market for Widnes key man and half-back Tom Gilmore, who rejected an immediate move back to Yorkshire with another year yet remaining on his current contract.
Gilmore, 29, featured across two seasons with Batley before returning to boyhood club Widnes on a two-year deal ahead of the 2023 campaign.
Yorkshire Live have also reported that Featherstone are interested in off-contract Warrington utility Greg Minikin.
Daryl Powell coy on Lachlan Fitzgibbon speculation
Daryl Powell remained coy when asked about the speculation linking Warrington with out-of-contract Newcastle Knights back-rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon.
Recent reports from the Newcastle Herald stated that the Halliwell Jones Stadium side have emerged as new front-runners to land the 29-year-old on a ‘multi-year deal’ from 2024.
Powell told Love Rugby League: “I won’t talk too much about that at the moment.
“We’ve got nothing confirmed at the minute.
“We’re looking at a few players obviously with what happened to us earlier in the season. We’ll talk about that when the time is right.”
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