Gale comments on Leeds rumours

Castleford half-back Luke Gale says his focus is on returning to full fitness and not rumours linking him with a return to Leeds.

Gale was released by the Rhinos as a youngster but worked his way back to the top after impressing at Doncaster, Harlequins and Bradford.

The 2017 Man of Steel has spent most of the last two season’s sidelined with injury but that hasn’t stopped him being linked with a move away from the Jungle.

Still adored by the Castleford fans, Gale has remained part of the England international set-up through his injury problems and is a favourite of head coach Wayne Bennett.

And if the rumours are to be believed, the 31-year-old is also rated highly by the Rhinos’ hierarchy who are preparing to make a play for their former academy graduate.

“Everywhere I go, I keep getting asked,” Gale told Sky Sports.

“But I’m a Castleford player and I’m contracted to them for another year. That’s all I can say. My main focus is getting back on the field.

“The rumour mill and the press can say what they like, but my number one focus is getting back fit.”

Leeds are thought to be keen on signing another half-back for next season despite the recent addition of Robert Lui from Salford Red Devils.

Links to Jake Connor were rubbished by Hull FC boss Lee Radford yesterday, with the Rhinos now set to look elsewhere in their search for a new playmaker.