RL Rumours: Roosters in for England star, Farnworth snub and Lewis Murphy update

Below is a round-up of all the biggest rumours and gossip from the world of rugby league over the past week.

Young meets more NRL coaches

The exclusive update from last week was that Dom Young was keen to set a deadline on any potential move, however it’s been reported since then that he’s met with two separate NRL coaches. Former England boss Wayne Bennett has met with Young, whilst former Catalans Dragons’ boss and current Sydney Roosters’ head coach Trent Robinson has reportedly ‘dined’ with the World Cup star. The Daily Telegraph in Australia broke both stories but it’s clear the race is heating up for the man who scored eight tries at his debut World Cup.

Lewis Murphy NRL switch cooling down?

It’s just under two weeks since the news down under broke that Sydney Roosters were preparing to swoop in for Wakefield youngster Lewis Murphy. No further reports have come after the Daily Telegraph initially broke that story but Serious About Rugby League spoke with Mark Applegarth this past week and the Trinity boss firmly stated that Murphy is focused on Wakefield and the 2023 campaign. Pairing that with suggestion that Dom Young could be headed to the Roosters then it’s unclear the status of Murphy for 2024 and beyond.

Mitchell Pearce working towards NRL move

The Australian half-back has spoken with the Daily Telegraph and revealed that he’s given up drinking and is “fully committed” for the upcoming season. With that in mind though he also referenced a desire to return to the NRL, the competition where he spent the first 15 years of his career, including at an Origin level.

St Helens star announces “last year in England”

The Red Vee are down under to contest the World Club Challenge at the moment and whilst in his native Australia, Sione Mata’utia has revealed he intends to make an NRL return sooner rather than later. The younger brother of Warrington star Peter, Mata’utia spoke with the Newcastle Herald that he intends to return to the competition where he broke through but it’s unclear which side he’ll link up with.

NRL player swap on the table following centre’s Super League move

Parramatta Eels are looking to make a player swap with Manly Sea Eagles as a way to replace new Hull KR man Tom Opacic. The 28-year-old headed to Craven Park this off-season and told Serious About Rugby League why last week. That’s triggered the potential switch of Nathan Brown and Morgan Harper however salary discrepancy could be a problem, as per the Sydney Morning Herald.

Farnworth doesn’t receive full-back nod of support

Herbie Farnworth is one of the key Englishmen in the NRL that is off-contract from the end of the season onwards. The Brisbane Broncos centre has reportedly made it clear to coach Kevin Walters of his desire to play full-back, something which it was suggested could hold up any contract negotiations. With the presumed starter Reece Walsh out injured it seemed there was an opportunity for Farnworth to fulfil his favoured position however the England man has not been selected there. Farnworth remains at centre and off-season bad boy Selwyn Cobbo, who just a month ago slated his coach, will take the one shirt.