
The biggest rumours and gossip from the world of rugby league over the past week.
NRL scrum-half set for UK move
Newcastle Knights scrum-half Mason Lino (above) is set for a move to the UK but may struggle to secure a Super League club. Lino is one of a raft of NRL players offered to English clubs for 2020, and is understood to have attracted the attention of several Championship and League 1 clubs.
One potential destination is Newcastle Thunder, who are thought to be looking for a new scrum-half. Nick Newman, who was nominated for League 1 Player of the Year in 2019, is considering a move back to Australia, leaving Thunder light that area.
Warrington chase NRL winner
Warrington are reportedly keen on signing Sydney Roosters prop Zane Tetevano for next season, according to the Warrington Guardian. The 28-year-old is set to leave the Roosters due to salary cap pressures after spending the past three seasons at the club.
Tetevano has made over 100 NRL appearances and would be a quality addition to the Wolves pack, creating better competition for places. Steve Price is looking to plug the gap left by Lama Tasi, who has returned to Australia after just one year with the Wolves.
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Leigh eye Ellis
Leigh have emerged as contenders to sign Castleford Tigers halfback Jamie Ellis. The 30-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Tigers, with the signing of Danny Richardson all but confirming his exit from the club.
Leigh are in the market for a halfback, with the loan spells of Josh Woods, Kevin Brown and Ryan Brierley all ending and Martyn Ridyard also set to leave. That leaves Ben Reynolds as their only recognised half, and he could be paired with Ellis in 2020.
Salford considering double swoop
League Express have reported that Salford are considering moves for Hull KR centre Jimmy Keinhorst and Huddersfield prop Sebastine Ikahihifo. German international Keinhorst was named as one of three players who will likely leave Rovers on loan and could be a solid, cheap option for Ian Watson.
Ikahihifo is reportedly being shopped around to free up salary cap and overseas quota space at the Giants and could be brought in to replace Ben Nakubuwai, who will now leave the club at the end of this season. Salford have already seen a huge overhaul of their squad, with nine players leaving and 10 new faces coming in.
Ex-St Helens centre unsure on future
Former St Helens’ centre Ryan Morgan is still pondering his future, after being released by Saints. The 29-year-old was replaced by Kevin Naiqama at the start of last season and was loaned out to London Broncos but he is yet to secure a club for 2020.
A move back to Australia is currently his best option, however it would probably mean signing for a Queensland or NSW Cup side, with most NRL clubs remaining strict with their spending during this off-season. He may yet be able to get a deal to stay in England, but again he’d probably be looking at a Championship or League 1 club.
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