Super League stars face uncertain future after major development

We have seen some big transfer announcements at Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull KR and Hull FC in recent times but we have seen these clubs tied to another.

Leeds and Wigan have both drafted in players from Catalans Dragons for next year who are set for a huge rebuild.

Leeds have signed Mickael Goudemand for 2024 whilst Tiaki Chan is headed to Wigan with the two replaced at Catalans by the signing of Chris Satae.

Wigan are also interested in Adam Keighran as the Dragons seem set for a huge rebuild with the likes of Mitchell Pearce and Tyrone May also set for moves but to the NRL.

Another star is set to leave but there has now been an interesting development at St Helens that impact them.

The Saints are set to give a new deal to Sione Mata’utia.

“Hopefully we can get that done as quick as possible,” Wellens said on Saints.

“I mentioned a few weeks ago that it was important that we gave not just Sione, but his family, time to have a think about whether staying in the UK was something that they wanted to do.

“Obviously he’s had those discussions now and it’s starting to look quite favourable on our part that he wants to stay around a bit longer.

“So hopefully – I’m due to see Mike Rush in a minute – so if we can get that sorted in the next hour, that’d be nice.

“The sooner the better because Sione is a brilliant person, wonderful player, and a really well-liked and valued member of the group.

“So you know we always want to. Keep those players around.”

Saints were expected to sign Matt Whitley for 2024.

In the press conference at the Magic Weekend, McNamara was asked about Whitley’s future as rumours circle and it was confirmed that he would be leaving the club at the end of the 2023 season to take on a new opportunity.

McNamara said he had “some big decisions to make” and had to think about his family.

Whitley meanwhile addressed his future on Sky Sports.

When asked, he said: “I am just focusing on playing for Catalans. I am more than happy with playing for Catalans week in week out and focusing on the season.”

However, it was seen as a done deal that he would sign for Saints but in 2024 it means they will have James Bell, Curtis Sironen and Joe Batchelor as well as Mata’utia and potentially Whitley.

So, does this raise questions about Whitley’s move or the future of Batchelor with Bell and Sironen signing new deals lately.