Rumour Mill #44

The biggest rumours and gossip from the world of rugby league over the past week.

Mitchell to Toronto?

Several reports in Australia are suggesting that Sydney Roosters have approached Toronto regarding a move for NRL star Latrell Mitchell. The 22-year-old’s future is up in the air after a well-publicised contract dispute means he is unlikely to be a Roosters player in 2020.

He has been linked with clubs including Wests Tigers and North Queensland, but now the likes of WA Today and the Sydney Morning Herald have reported that Sydney are trying to push a move to the Wolfpack. Discussions, if any, are still in the very early stages, with a move currently looking unlikely but Toronto head of rugby Brian Noble is almost certainly aware of his availability.

Leeds still in the market

Leeds Rhinos could still bring in new signings, following the departure of captain Trent Merrin. The Australian forward re-signed for St George Illawarra Dragons last week, with the Rhinos bringing in Cronulla forward Matt Prior.

Prior was set to sign for the club regardless of Merrin’s future, leaving the door open for at least one further recruit. Former Australian international prop Shannon Boyd has been mentioned as a possible target but is currently on an expensive multi-year deal with Gold Coast so could be tough to afford.

French forward’s future unclear

The future of young French forward Lambert Belmas seems unclear, after he wasn’t given a squad number by Catalans. The 22-year-old signed a new one-year deal mid-way through last season and has been part of the Dragons’ senior squad since 2017, however, the number 20 shirt he held in 2019 has now been handed to Lucas Albert.

Catalans are yet to comment on his future, while no other club has confirmed his signing. One plausible solution could be that he will begin the year in the Dragons’ reserve team, where he played for the majority of last season.

Lamb to sign NRL deal

Former London Broncos halfback Brock Lamb is set to sign for Parramatta Eels, according to The Mole. The 22-year-old spent that back end of last season in the capital after signing from Sydney Roosters, scoring three tries in six games for the eventually relegated Broncos.

He only signed a short-term deal with the club and was not retained for the 2020 season. He was a rumoured target for Castleford before they signed Danny Richardson and it now seems Lamb will head home to link up with the Eels instead.

Wigan trio heading to Leigh?

Leigh are interested in signing departing Wigan halfback Jarrod Sammut, according to League Express. The 32-year-old confirmed he is on the market after just one year with the Warriors, with the Centurions apparently keen to provide competition for current halves Ben Reynolds and Martyn Ridyard.

Wigan Today journalist Phil Wilkinson has also reported that Leigh have taken young Wigan backs Josh Woods and Craig Mullen on season-long loans. Woods, 23, was on loan at the club last season and made 25 appearances, while Mullen, 21, has spent time with Swinton and London Skolars in the past two years.