Three potential destinations for free agent Luke Gale

Former Man of Steel Luke Gale departed Hull FC at the end of the season after another year of mixed fortunes at the Black and Whites.

Injuries hampered Gale’s time at the MKM Stadium, with the former England half-back still producing flashbacks to the form that once saw him named Super League’s best player and captain Leeds Rhinos to Challenge Cup glory in 2020.

Now 34, former Castleford favourite Gale possesses superb leadership and kicking qualities that could still be extremely valuable to a Super League or Championship club.

As teams continue to explore the market for 2023, free agent Gale could be an astute pickup for someone, providing he can stay injury free – but where exactly might he end up?

Featherstone Rovers

The drop to the Championship is one Gale might not be hugely keen on, but it’s a move that makes perfect sense on paper. He would undoubtedly be one of the key men whom the side is built around, and he would be able to lead the team as he’s become accustomed to at the top level. The competitive nature of the division means that he could help be part of history in bringing Featherstone to Super League, as well as the chance to play under Sean Long, one of the best halves in recent memory. It ticks all the boxes for Gale, and at 34, could be a last hurrah for the former England international.

Warrington Wolves

Gale knows the Wire coach Darryl Powell well, having reached the Grand Final under his stewardship in 2017, the season he of course won his Man of Steel. With Wolves no.7 George Williams having an excellent World Cup, Gale could potentially have to settle for being more of a six than a seven at the Halliwell Jones, but the chance to reunite with the coach he played some of his best rugby under could be an offer too tempting to refuse. Plus, with Gareth Widdop departing for Castleford, his experience and ability could make him a real coup if Warrington can sort the deal. He may not be number one on Warrington’s list, but he could be at worst be very useful backup.

Wakefield Trinity

When you look at individual impacts of players on teams, one of the names that comes to mind is that of Jacob Miller at Wakefield, as one of those players you always look to. With Miller joining Widdop at the Mend-a-Hose Jungle, it leaves a hole in the Trinity side that craves a brave, experienced leader to partner Mason Lino in the halves, and Gale fits the bill. He would fit well into the Miller build, again however playing at six. He can continue to play at the top level likely playing a pivotal role in any success the club has.