Columnist JACK CONLON brings you the biggest rumours and gossip from the world of rugby league over the past week.
FC in quadruple swoop
Reports are circulating that St Helens winger Adam Swift is the latest player linked with a move to Hull FC for next season. The Black and Whites are in the market for an outside back after losing Fetuli Talanoa to retirement and Hakim Miloudi to Toronto.
Swift has made over 100 appearances for Saints but has found himself out of favour in the past two years, following the meteoric rise of Regan Grace. He is one of four players strongly linked with a move to the KCOM stadium.
Salford back rower Josh Jones, as well as NRL stars Kane Evans and Alex Glenn could all be set for moves to West Hull, with the possibility of one being announced this week.
Wakefield to sign Manly star
Wakefield Trinity have signed Manly Sea Eagles forward Kelepi Tanginoa, according to The Mole. The 25-year-old will reportedly fly to England within the next week after signing a deal with the West Yorkshire side.
A hard-running back rower, Tanginoa has been on the fringes of the Sea Eagles’ side for the past couple of years but was recently given permission to talk to other clubs. And it seems Wakefield have won the race for his signature and will add his size and speed to their already formidable forward pack.
Cas in halfback trade
Castleford Tigers are keen on St Helens halfback Théo Fages, according to League Weekly. The French international has yet to sign a new contract at the Totally Wicked stadium, amidst interest from clubs in both Super League and the NRL.
And it seems Castleford are among those clubs, lining Fages up to partner Jake Trueman in the halves next year in place of current half Luke Gale. Gale has been the subject of interest from Leeds, Toronto and Warrington, with the Tigers citing his two recent long-term injuries as good enough reasons to move him on.
Magic on the move again
With fans gearing up for the upcoming Magic Weekend, it seems as if talks have already begun about where the event will be staged next year. Anfield was set to play host again in 2020 but, on the back of poor ticket sales, isn’t the RFL’s preferred destination.
Reports suggest that Tottenham Hotspur have offered their new new £1 billion, 62,062 capacity stadium as a potential venue, while there are whispers about the Nou Camp being a possibility in future after it hosted Catalans’ clash with Wigan at the weekend. The latter is probably a pipe dream for now but could have traction in the future. Spurs, though, is looking like a good candidate as it stands.
Wigan target duo
Wigan Warriors are keeping tabs on Salford winger Jake Bibby, according to League Express. The 22-year-old has scored an impressive seven tries in 11 games so far this season and has emerged as a potential target for Adrian Lam, with Wigan set to release a number of their outside backs at the end of the season.
The Warriors are also targeting NRL forward Corey Jensen in a bid to bolster their forward pack. Jensen, 25, broke into the North Queensland Cowboys squad in 2017 and has gone on to make almost 40 senior appearances, but has been told he can talk to other clubs ahead of 2020. With Gabe Hamlin’s future still undecided, Jensen is set to be a direct replacement.
Salford in for international prop
Salford Red Devils are chasing Parramatta prop Daniel Alvaro for next season. The Italy international headlines a raft of NRL players being offered to Super League clubs, with Ian Watson keen on acquiring his services.
The Red Devils are preparing to replace towering prop Ben Nakubuwai, who is one of a number of players yet to sign a new contract with the club. He’s already garnering interest from other clubs, potentially opening a spot in Salford’s front row. Alvaro, 25, has over 70 NRL appearances to his name and could be a shrewd signing for the Greater Manchester club.
