Rugby League News: Leeds Rhinos make move for winger, Hull FC set for “immediate signing” and Leigh Centurions “so close” to two major coups

Rugby League News – keeping you up to date with the latest news from the world of rugby league.

It has been a busy 24 hours with major stories breaking from Super League and the NRL.

Here is a round-up of everything that has happened…

Hull KR’s Tony Smith fairytale ending torn out

For so long it seemed like Tony Smith and Hull KR had a fairytale connection. The former Leeds and Warrington coach was leading a Robins revolution and even took them to the Super League semi-finals in 2021 and the Challenge Cup semis this year.

However, following a shock announcement that he would be leaving at the end of the year the Robins have capitulated which has seen Smith’s Hull KR tenure come to an end prematurely. You can read more here and what the club is doing in his absence.

Leeds in “extensive talks” to sign rival winger

Ash Handley may have scored five at the weekend whilst fellow winger David Fusitu’a scored again, but the Rhinos are said to interested in a rival team’s winger. That’s despite having Tom Briscoe and Liam Tindall in the squad.

According to Leeds Live, the Rhinos have held “extensive talks” with the 30-year-old.

Magic Weekend to be lacking stars

The Magic Weekend is supposed to be all the biggest stars of our game under one roof but with another busy disciplinary panel that won’t be the case.

Hull FC and Catalans were hit hardest as St Helens suffered a telling blow ahead of their huge derby against Wigan. Read more here.

Leigh ‘close’ to double major coup

Ambitious Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont revealed on The Dock Horse Rugby Show‘s YouTube channel that the club had been “so close” to bringing in two of the biggest names in rugby league.

2018 Man of Steel Ben Barba was one of them and Jarryd Hayne the other.

Hull FC looking for signing

The Hull Daily Mail have stated that Hull FC are looking for an immediate signing.

That comes from Hull owner Adam Pearson on the back of Josh Reynolds sudden departure prior to their clash with Leeds.

McNamara ready to step in

Despite their search for an immediate signing, Hull FC’s Ben McNamara is ready to step up and fill that void left by Reynolds.

The young halfback told The Hull Daily Mail he’s ready to return with a bang after three months out.

Thaler in the mix

Serious About Rugby League have exclusively revealed the situation regarding high profile referee Ben Thaler who is regarded as one of the best officials in Super League history.

Despite this, he’s not figured as prominently lately. When asked about this the RFL stated that he was still in the mix alongside other officials.

Injury round-up shows St Helens’ double blow

It was a bad week in terms of injuries in Super League with Castleford, Hull KR and St Helens hit hardest as Serious About Rugby League endeavoured to identify every problem from minor knock to the injuries no one wishes upon any player.

St Helens will be sweating on Tommy Makinson’s fitness after he was forced off against Catalans as the Champions prepare for a huge derby against Wigan making it a double blow for the Saints following Matty Lees’ suspension.

Hull KR will also be concerned ahead of a huge derby themselves with four players injured in France against Toulouse.

Six Again Rule to stay

Rugby Pass has reported that the NRL will keep the Six Again rule despite recent ‘blunders.’

They state that Graham Annesley – the NRL’s Head of Football – has defended the rule despite a succession of errors made in Canberra’s contest with Wests.