Rumor Mill: Leeds Rhinos risk losing Rhyse Martin to rivals, Jake Connor on the move, Wests Tigers pair heading for Super League

VaselineJune 13, 2024

0 4 minutes read

Rumor Mill: Leeds Rhinos risk losing Rhyse Martin to rivals, Jake Connor on the move, Wests Tigers pair heading for Super League

The Super League season is set to return to life this weekend after the short break for the Challenge Cup final. However, there was no lack of transfer activity. Here’s a rundown of the hottest news and gossip from the Rugby League Rumor Mill this week.

Teams are vying for some of Wests Tigers’ biggest names, with Leeds Rhinos at risk of losing Rhyse Martin to one of their closest Super League rivals.

Here’s a rundown of the last week’s Rugby League rumours.

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Jake Connor is preparing for his exit from Huddersfield Giants

Credit: Imago Images

As first reported by Love Rugby League, Jake Connor is set for a short-term move away from Huddersfield Giants. Speaking earlier today, Ian Watson admitted Connor will be allowed to leave the club to regain fitness in a similar deal to that which saw Matty English join Castleford Tigers.

Tigers manager Craig Lingard has addressed a potential move for Connor, saying Castleford should check their available budget before deciding whether to make a move for Connor or any other player.

However, after falling out of favor with Watson in recent weeks, it appears that Connor’s immediate future is away from the John Smith’s Stadium. Fans will be watching the rumor mill with interest to see where it goes as there remains a player of great skill.

Leeds Rhinos risk losing a star to their Super League rivals

Leeds Rhinos' Rhyse MARtin runs with the ball against Castleford Tiegrs

Credit: Imago Images

Rhyse Martin has been a hugely influential figure at Leeds Rhinos since joining the club in 2019. However, according to Yorkshire Live, Rhinos are now at risk of losing Martin to a rival Super League side.

Martin’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season and despite Leeds saying they have begun negotiations over a new deal, no agreement has been reached. Now, according to the report. Leigh Leopards have submitted a contract bid for Martin and he could be set to leave Headingley.

Like Martin, Leigh’s coach Adrian Lam is originally from Papua New Guinea. Martin has been linked with a return to the NRL previously but now has a tempting offer from another Super League club. Whatever happens next, it’s safe to say Leeds face a battle to retain the services of the back rower.

The Super League team agrees with Jayden Sullivan

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Ever since Wests Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson was reported to be heading to the UK to offload some of his squad’s under-performing stars, Jayden Sullivan has been almost constantly linked with a move to the UK. Hull FC were the first name mentioned in the rumours, however, the move has yet to materialise.

Now, Examiner Live, Jayden Sullivan could be on his way to Salford Red Devils. The report states that Sullivan’s side have agreed a deal with Salford for the midfielder to move to the UK. However, there is one big obstacle. Sullivan has not yet decided whether he wants to accept the deal or stay and fight for his place in the West.

Sullivan still has four years left on his contract and has no intention of leaving the club. In a recent interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, he reiterated his desire to stay with the Tigers long-term.

Salford fans may have to wait patiently before they get their man, as it looks like Sullivan will need some convincing to leave the NRL.

The favorites for Brent Naden’s signature appear

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Also linked with a move away from Wests is utility back Brent Naden. Naden, who can play at center or on the wing, is another player on this list that Richardson was looking to transfer to Super League clubs, along with Sullivan.

Hull KR head coach Willie Peters previously distanced the club from a move for Naden. Now, as revealed in Love Rugby League, Sullivan’s current team-mate could be lining up against him next season. The report states that the Catalans Dragons are now in pole position to sign Naden.

Les Dracs lose both their insides in the close season, with Tom Johnstone moving to Wakefield Trinity and Tom Davies heading to Hull KR. They have apparently identified Naden as the perfect replacement alongside Tommy Makinson, who was announced for 2025 earlier in the week.

St Helens update on Hurrell and Mata’utia

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Following Makinson’s departure, St Helens appear to have shifted focus to retention as they risk losing a number of out-of-contract stars at the end of the season. Speaking during the week, head coach Paul Wellens gave an update on the futures of Sione Mata’utia and Konrad Hurrell.

The Saints have an option to extend Mata’utia’s contract, which they are keen to exercise. However, as Wellens explained, Mata’utia has a young family and as a result the Saints are keen to handle negotiations sensitively to ensure the best outcome is achieved for all parties.

As for Hurrell, Wellens has been impressed with his performances and application in training in recent weeks. He stated that if Hurrell continues to show the same level of commitment for the rest of the season, he hopes both sides can come to an agreement on an extended deal.

The coach gives an update on the player connected to Leigh Leopards

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Jack de Belin spent his entire career with St George Illawarra. However, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season and no extension signed, the Papua New Guinea international could hit the market for the first time.

De Belin is believed to have discussed a potential move to Super League and Leigh Leopards are said to be interested in signing him. However, St George stalwart Shane Flanagan today declared his desire to keep de Belin at the club.

According to Flanagan, negotiations for an expanded agreement will begin and he hopes an agreement will be quickly agreed between the two sides. Leigh fans will be hoping that Derek Beaumont can pull off another miracle, as he appears to have done with David Armstrong, to convince him to move to Super League with the Leopards.

VaselineJune 13, 2024

0 4 minutes read