Below is a round-up of all the biggest rumours and gossip from the world of rugby league over the past week.
Huddersfield star linked with shock move to Super League rivals
Huddersfield half-back Theo Fages could be making a return to France as he is linked with a move to Catalans Dragons. Reports in L’Independent have emerged today suggesting the French club have put themselves in a position to move for the former St Helens man.
Luke Thompson on his way back to the UK?
Canterbury Bulldogs forward Luke Thompson is heavily linked with a return to Super League. He has been linked with moves to Warrington, Leeds and St Helens; however reports in Australia suggest Wigan have offered him a huge deal to come to the DW next season. The Mole from Wide World of Sport has reported: “Thompson comes off contract at the end of the season and has received a massive four-year deal from the rich Wigan club. It’s money the Bulldogs can’t match – despite Thompson’s current contract being worth $800,000 a season – so ultimately it will come down to whether he wants to stay in Australia for the lifestyle or return home to take up a deal that will secure his future long-term.”
Castleford line up reinforcements
Head coach Andy Last has told the media that Castleford Tigers have identified their key targets to bolster their squad. The club have been busy on the recruitment front, brining in hooker Jordan Johnstone and are heavily linked with a move for Papua New Guinea international Nixon Putt; however they have identified other areas to improve the squad. Speaking to BBC Leeds, Last said: “No, we’ve done okay from a recruitment point of view. We identified what we wanted, spoke about the age profile and lowering the age of the squad and trying to get some younger guys in who’ve got a point to prove and some desire and ambition.”
NRL forward being hunted by Super League clubs
We’ve all seen the impact Paul Vaughan has had this season at Warrington. A powerful forward with plenty of NRL experience is exactly what was needed at the Halliwell Jones, and they could be close to signing another. According to reports in Australia, NRL forward Matt Lodge is set to leave the Sydney Roosters. He is linked with a move to Super League. Wire have been left lacking in the pack following the departure of Josh McGuire, so Lodge could be the perfect replacement. Leeds Rhinos are also reportedly interested.
Matt Ikuvalu linked with exit
Catalans Dragons star Matt Ikuvalu is linked with a move away from Perpignan after only one season. The former Cronulla man arrived this season and made an impressive debut against St Helens, however reports from L’Independent suggest he is already set to leave.
Kayal Iro on his way out of the NRL?
Kayal Iro, son of former St Helens player Kevin Iro, is rumoured to be leaving NRL side Cronulla Sharks. Reports have emerged in Australia that the versatile back is set to leave the Sharks at the end of the season, and a number of NRL sides are linked with his signature, but could a Super League side swoop in for him?
