Features

Rumour Mill #16

by
Jack Conlon
May 13, 2019

Columnist JACK CONLON brings you the biggest rumours and gossip from the world of rugby league over the past week.

Broughton coming home

Le tampon de Brayden Wiliame 😱 La passe de Josh Drinkwater 😎 Les cannes de Jodie Broughton 🔥
Quel essai inscrit hier au Magic Weekend 🙌🐉 pic.twitter.com/tAiKXfVV59

— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) May 21, 2018

Catalan Dragons winger Jodie Broughton won’t be staying in the south of France next season. The 31-year-old’s contract is up at the end of the season but a new deal at the Dragons isn’t looking likely.

Broughton was once one of Super League’s most sought-after talents, but after two injury plagued seasons, his stock has significantly dropped. He’s recently bought a house in Halifax and is looking for a move back to West Yorkshire. Castleford, Wakefield and Hull FC are all believed to be interested.

Fijian prop in demand

Giant prop Ben Nakubuwai is one of seven Salford players attracting interest from other clubs. The Fijian only arrived at the AJ Bell at the start of 2018 but could be set for a move elsewhere, having by yet to renew his contract with the Devils.

Since arriving in the UK, the 23-year-old has become renown for his strong running and no-nonsense attitude and would be a handy pick up for a number of teams. St Helens are one of those interested, and see Nakubuwai as a potential replacement for outgoing Luke Douglas. Wigan are also keen, though, while Salford want to keep hold of him.

Atkins shopping around

It’s no secret that Ryan Atkins is on his way out of Warrington, with the veteran centre confirming this week that he isn’t set to be offered a new contract.

SARL revealed weeks ago that the 33-year-old will be leaving the Halliwell Jones, and he could even be at a new club before the transfer deadline at the end of July.

Atkins’ former club Wakefield are still believed to be interested amidst their current injury crisis. London appear to be another option, as do Championship clubs Toronto and Bradford – with John Kear keen to reunite with his former player.

Giants eye up Fax youngster

Huddersfield Giants are reportedly keeping tabs on Halifax star Chester Butler. The young centre is one of Fax’s biggest success stories after progressing through their reserves system into the first team, before even making his international debut in Wales in the 2017 World Cup.

The 23-year-old is one of the hottest properties in the Championship, with Simon Woolford among his admirers. The Giants’ boss among the crowd at Halifax’s game with Dewsbury on Friday and could be set to try and entice Butler to the John Smith’s Stadium to bolster depth in the outside backs.