Rumour Mill #21

Salford secure Sarginson and Atkin

League Weekly have revealed Wigan centre Dan Sarginson and Hull KR half-back Chris Atkin have signed for Salford next season. Both are off-contract with the latter a possible replacement for the outgoing Jackson Hastings. Despite the impressive acquisitions, they won’t be announced by the Red Devils anytime soon out of respect for their rivals.

Salford Director of Rugby Ian Blease said: “We’ve got two new signings over the line already. But I just think, with what’s happened to us over the last couple of weeks, with people doing interviews and parading the shirt, I’m not sure it’s in the best taste, I’m a bit more respectful than that.”

Championship to expand in 2020

Aaron Bower and Matt Shaw have revealed in League Express that discussions have taken place to increase the Championship to 16 teams next season. They report that because of their breakaway from Super League, second-tier clubs are keen to add the biggest teams from League 1 to the division in a bid to secure a broadcast deal.

Hull KR set to land FC forward

Dean Hadley will move across Hull at the end of this season according to Hull LIve. The 26-year-old is off-contract with the Airlie Birds and was in negotiations to extend his stay. However, Lee Radford is unable to guarantee the back-rower regular first-team action and Hadley will now join their city rivals instead. Wakefield were also said to be interested, however the player favours a stay in his home city despite a loan spell at Trinity in 2017.

Wire close in on Widnes youngster

Highly rated Widnes youngster Keanan Brand will join Cheshire rivals Warrington Wolves. League Express report the 20-year-old was attracting interest from numerous Super League clubs, but it’s Steve Price’s men who have won the race for his signature. The skilful centre suffered a horrendous double leg-break just six minutes into his Super League debut for the Vikings in April 2018. After a long injury layoff, Brand made an impressive return and now looks set to join former teammate Danny Walker at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Castleford in hot pursuit of Feki

NRL Premiership winner Sosaia Feki is on the radar of Castleford Tigers. League Express say that the explosive winger could join Cheyse Blair at the Jungle after he was offered to Super League clubs last month. Daryl Powell has made it clear that they are still on the lookout for outside backs and Feki would be viewed as a quality signing having played nearly 150 games in the NRL since 2013.