After six and a half rounds of Super League, some teams are starting to look as if they need a re-jig. Unexpected clubs have found themselves in a relegation battle whilst sides who once dreamed of Old Trafford seem a million miles away from the play-offs alone.
They need something different to rekindle their campaigns and get them headed in the right direction.
So, here are the players these struggling clubs should sign to get their seasons up and running.
Salford – Bureta Faraimo
Salford have struggled for points at times this season. Their backs haven’t been as potent as usual. Elliot Kear is headed back to Bradford whilst their normally superb options in the backs aren’t scoring the tries they once did. In recent weeks they’ve had to go with Harvey Livett at centre a player more accustomed to the back-row. How to solve this problem? Bureta Faraimo. The Hull FC winger has found himself down the pecking order at the KCOM due to the form of Adam Swift. The American international has a decent strike rate for the Black and Whites meaning he should get Salford scoring points again. Also, his size should make for some powerful kick returns helping the Red Devils get on the front foot.
Wakefield – Tom Lineham
Another team potentially in need of a winger is Wakefield. Trinity have again lost talisman Tom Johnstone to injury and what better way of solving this problem than bringing in a new Tom. Lineham has at times been the best winger in the competition due to his mix of power and speed. However, he – like Faraimo – has found himself outside of the Warrington 17 in recent weeks with youngster Josh Thewlis keeping him out of the side. Lineham is too good to be left on the side lines every week so a move to Wakefield could be ideal for both parties.
Leigh – Chris Sandow
Last weekend it was revealed that Sandow was itching for a return to top tier rugby league for just £80,000. Whilst the ex-Warrington half has eyed up a return to the NRL he could potentially be lured back to Super League. The team that perhaps needs him the most is Leigh Centurions. Still waiting for their first win, the Centurions perhaps need a bit of extra spice in their attack. They need someone to compliment the likes of Jamie Ellis and Ben Reynolds to get more points on the board. Sandow has promised to be the exciting off-the-cuff star he once was for Warrington and South Sydney. Adding that to the mix could help Leigh steer away from relegation.
Leeds – Blake Austin
After the sudden retirement of Kyle Eastmond and the impending departure of Rob Lui at the end of the season, it is widely known that Leeds need a new halfback ahead of 2022. However, with Lui still on the side lines, Leeds could do worse than to bring in a mid-season signing to re-establish the squad depth they thought they had when Eastmond arrived. Blake Austin therefore could be the perfect signing for the Rhinos. He comes off contract at the end of the season and was pursued by the Rhinos back in 2018 before his move to Warrington. Things have slowed down for the Australian at the Halliwell Jones after a blistering start to life in Super League. He’s been dropped in recent weeks suggesting that he could be pried away from Warrington early. His attacking style and brilliant running game could be the perfect foil to Luke Gale’s organisation.
