Rumour Mill: Hull chasing multiple stars, ex-Rhinos man on the move, Leigh close in on signing & SL side eye mid-season recruit

Although Super League is on hiatus this week, with the Rugby League world holding its breath for the Challenge Cup final this weekend, there has been no slowdown in transfer activity. Here is a round-up of the hottest news and gossip from the Rugby League Rumour Mill this week.

There has been a flurry of activity in Hull this week, with signings and departures confirmed for both Hull sides.

Here is a round-up of the Rugby League rumour mill from the last week.

Quiz: Can you name the 2022 Super League Dream Team?

Hull FC set for double NRL swoop

According to Hull Live, Hull FC are about to make two immediate signings from the NRL, to bolster their squad for the remainder of the 2024 season. Full-back, Treigh Stewart, and back-rower, Jed Cartwright will join Hull for the second half of the 2024 season and are going through the visa process as we speak. Jed Cartwright is the son of incoming head coach, John Cartwright, although Jed will have a few months to assess the lay of the land before his dad arrives for the 2025 season.

FC to raid Leigh again

The second in a run of FC-related stories suggests that FC will raid Leigh Leopards again. This time, according to Hull Live, they will snap up Ed Chamberlain, who spent two games on loan with Hull earlier in the season. Chamberlain will join John Asiata, Tom Briscoe and reportedly Oliver Holmes and Zak Hardaker as part of a growing contingent of ex-Leigh players at the MKM Stadium. The move is certain to inflame tensions between the clubs further, with Derek Beaumont already having called out FC on several occasions.

Ex-Rhinos man heading back to West Yorkshire

In the final update from Humberside, veteran centre, Liam Sutcliffe looks set to leave the club. Sutcliffe is two years into a three-year deal, however, Hull Live reports that he will be released from the final year of his deal to move to the Huddersfield Giants. Sutcliffe will replace the departing Esan Marsters in the Giants squad for 2025.

Burgess “couldn’t be happier” in face of NRL interest

There isn’t a week goes by where Sam Burgess isn’t linked with a return to the NRL, however, speaking to the Warrington Guardian, Sam Burgess has insisted that he “couldn’t be happier” in his role at Warrington and has no intention of an immediate return to the NRL. Burgess will lead out his Warrington side in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley this weekend. Burgess has the opportunity to lift his first piece of silverware as a coach at the first time of asking.

Top six side keen to strengthen with mid season recruit

The Catalans Dragons have struggled to keep pace with Super League’s leading sides in recent weeks as they have slipped back in the table. The Dragons face a major rebuild this summer, with several players such as Tom Johnstone, Mike McMeeken and now Jordan Abdull leaving the club at the end of 2024. Now, French paper, L’Independant, has reported that Les Dracs intend to bring in a mid-season signing in an attempt to revive their ailing fortunes. They also have as many as 10 players out of contract at the end of the season

Leigh Leopards set for new signing

Leigh Leopards are clinging onto their play-off hopes with their fingertips following their defeat at the weekend, and they have been rocked with the news that more players will depart at the end of the season. However, the club are expected to make an imminent signing to boost their stuttering season. According to the rumour mill, the signing is expected to be Aaron Pene who has been granted an immediate release by Melbourne Storm to take up an offer from Leigh.