Below is a round-up of all the biggest rumours and gossip from the world of rugby league over the past week.
Rugby union to raid more future stars
Since Eddie Jones become the head coach of Australia’s rugby union side it was evident that he’d go about poaching some of rugby league’s finest talent. Jones has made no secrets about his love and admiration for the NRL and with a home World Cup on the horizon, Rugby Australia are intent to build a super squad. Joseph Suaali’i is one of those talents that’s been recruited and per reports down under he won’t be the last.
Super League sides in for NRL centre
Former NRL centre Patrick Herbert was at one point tipped as going to Catalans, a report that was rubbished, however it’s been reported by the Mole that “several Super League clubs” are interested in him. Herbert is just 26 and last played for Gold Coast but is currently without a club, having been released last Monday.
NRL clubs eyeing up Dodd
Lewis Dodd broke Penrith hearts when he kicked the drop goal to secure the World Club Challenge but in doing so he also caught the attention of the NRL media. It’s been reported in Australia that he’s one of three half-backs that NRL sides are specifically monitoring, especially because he goes off contract at the end of 2024. Further fuel came from the reports that Dodd had signed with an Australian agent, something Paul Wellens spoke about.
Super League side want big signing
It was confirmed last week that Saturday’s game against Hull FC would be Thomas Mikaele’s last in primrose and blue, with the forward set to return to the NRL for family reasons. That’s left the Wolves with cap room and also a quota spot and they’ve announced they’re “actively looking for a replacement” in their pursuit of a first ever Super League crown.
International chasing UK move
The Elite One division in France has been strengthening with Super League level talent of late with players such as James Maloney, Tony Gigot and Corey Norman all plying their trade across the channel. It’s now the case that a player in the French division is seeking a move to England. That’s Maltese international Zarrin Galea who represented Malta alongside the likes of Jarrod Sammutt in the past.
Lewis name-dropped by Wane
Shaun Wane gave his first presser since confirmation he would continue as England head coach and within it he spoke of the need for fresh faces in the squad. One man who certainly seems to be in Wane’s plans is Mikey Lewis, the Hull KR youngster being specifically name dropped by Wane, and with the way he’s started the season it could be that we see him against France at the end of the month.
Leeming to return in 2024
Kruise Leeming officially left Leeds and signed with his new NRL side, Gold Coast Titans, at the end of last week but it’s been noted that he has only signed until the end of the current season. That’s led to heavy speculation that he will return to Super League, and one pundit has supported that logic of a 2024 return.
English talent won’t rule out NRL return
George Williams had a brilliant World Cup and he’s carried that form into the season which has prompted interest from NRL sides. Warrington then issues a ‘hands-off’ style warning but Williams has stoked the fire by refusing to rule the move out. The talented playmaker has suggested that the move could happen beyond this current contract.
