Rumour Mill: Hull KR chase ex-Warrington prop, Bateman nears switch & trio offered to clubs

The Rugby League Rumour Mill is in full swing, with several huge moves for players and coaches in the works. Here is a round-up of the biggest Rugby League rumours and gossip from the last week.

Bateman set for Super League switch

Wests Tigers CEO, Shane Richardson, has reportedly flown into the UK with a mandate so offload some of the club’s under-performing stars. England International, John Bateman, is reportedly top of Richardson’s list to offload, with the Tigers reportedly willing to release him from the final two years of his contact.

Wests Tigers men offered to clubs

Alongside Bateman, two other Wests Tigers stars have been offered to Super League Clubs. The rumour mill in Australia suggest that livewire half-back, Jayden Sullivan, is available for transfer. This is despite only joining the club in the close season. Sullivan will depart to make room for incoming superstar, Jerome Luai. Versatile back, Brent Naden, is also available. The experienced Naden, can cover centre and on the wing.

Tom Amone confirms Leigh Leopards Exit

Leigh Leopards forward, Tom Amone, will leave the club at the end of the season. He will return to the NRL to join the Canterbury Bulldogs for the 2025 season on a two-year deal. Amone had been heavily linked with a move to South Sydney, however, they have missed out on the Leigh man. Adrian Lam discussed Amone’s potential departure in his press conference yesterday. He stated that the club were ready to deal with his departure.

Sam Burgess targeted for top job in NRL

Although Sam Burgess in under contract with Warrington until the end of 2025, his fast start with the club means he is being linked with an early return to the NRL. Having denied reports linking him with the job at the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Burgess is now being linked with the job at Parramatta Eels. Brad Arthur was sacked as Parramatta coach after a slow start to the season. Numerous Australian publications have reported that Burgess is on the Eels’ shortlist to replace the outgoing Arthur. Former Wigan Warrions man, Trent Barrett, will take charge of the Eels for the rest of the season. The Rumour Mill continues to swirl around Burgess’ future.

Huddersfield Giants man could be on the move

According to Love Rugby League, Huddersfield Giants half-back, Olly Russell, is set to leave the club. Russell has been linked with a move to Wakefield Trinity for 2025, however, it appears there are a number of Super League clubs interested in taking him on loan for the remainder of the 2024 season. Hull FC are reportedly interested in a temporary move for Russell, to support first choice half-backs Jake Trueman and Jack Charles.

Hull KR Chasing “best player in Championship”

Hull KR are reportedly keen on a move for highly-rated Bradford Bulls youngster, Eribe Doro. According to Hull Live, KR are interested in adding Doro to their squad for next season. Bradford Bulls head coach, Eamon O’Carroll has recently described Doro as the best prop in the Championship. KR are building a pack for the future, having also recently added talented youngster, Jack Brown, from rivals Hull FC.

St Helens star exits and set for France

St Helens legend Tommy Makinson confirmed he will leave the Totally Wicked Stadium at the end of the season. Makinson looks set to join French side, Catalans Dragons, for the 2025 season. Les Dracs have already confirmed the departure of Tom Johnstone, who will join Wakefield Trinity. Makinson will reportedly replace the English winger’s spot in their squad. Makinson departure brings a long association with the Saints to an end. This is one to watch in future Rumour Mill columns.

Super League PNG stars on notice

Several of Super League’s stars from Papua New Guinea are on alert. Reports from suggest that a new NRL franchise based in PNG is likely to enter the competition ahead of the 2028 season. Persistent rumours have linked PNG stars such as Rhyse Martin, Lachlan Lam and Edwin Ipape with a move to the franchise once it gets off the ground. With Adrian Lam signed on with Leigh until the end of 2027, could he be the inaugural head coach for the new franchise?

Hull KR Trialist poised for Championship move

Hull KR took a young French outside-back on trial recently. Mathieu Pons spent time with the Robins, scoring twice in their reserve team win over Leeds Rhinos. Now, Pons appears set for a spell in the Championship with Halifax Panthers, and could make his debut against Doncaster at the weekend. However, according to the Hull Daily Mail, the Robins retain an interest in Pons, and he may be a full time Robin before too long.