Rumor Mill: British duo keen to return from Australia, Leeds latest head coach and update on John Bateman’s future

VaselineJune 20, 2024

0 3 minutes read

Rumor Mill: British duo keen to return from Australia, Leeds latest head coach and update on John Bateman’s future

The Super League season has passed its midway point and teams are starting to look ahead to the big games. With an international break on the horizon, the teams are catching their breath before reaching the finish line. Here’s a rundown of the hottest news and gossip from the Rugby League Rumor Mill this week.

Leeds Rhinos are looking for a new manager and also short-term signings as a British duo prepare a comeback from the NRL.

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

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Leeds Rhinos are looking for a new head coach

Credit: Imago Images

Leeds Rhinos parted ways with head coach Rohan Smith yesterday after an inconsistent first half of the 2024 season. Speaking at a club press conference today, new sporting director Ian Blease confirmed the club will be looking for their new head coach both domestically and internationally, with chief executive Gary Hetherington saying he will leave no stone unturned unreturned. Blease have named Paul Rowley as a candidate and are understood to be interested in bringing former NRL coach Brad Arthur to the UK as their next head coach. One thing’s for sure, the Rhinos’ search for a head coach will dominate the rumor mill until it’s resolved.

The rhinos are interested in Connor

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Before news broke that Leeds had parted ways with Smith, word emerged that they had inquired about signing Jake Connor from Huddersfield Giants on a short-term loan. Connor, who in recent weeks has found himself at the Giants, is available on loan to maintain his fitness. Huddersfield head coach Ian Watson confirmed in his press conference that Leeds had asked to take Connor on loan this week, but the move could not be completed as Connor was set to travel with the Giants. But just because the move didn’t happen this week doesn’t mean it’s completely dead. This is definitely one to watch after the weekend.

Leigh Leopards to sign rising star

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Leigh Leopards are set to sign a rising Championship star, according to Yorkshire Live. Swinton Lions player Andy Badrock, who mainly plays as a centre, has won the admiration of Leigh coach Adrian Lam following a string of impressive performances for the Lions. Badrock, who spent time in the amateur game before joining Swinton, is a product of the Leigh Miners club. He finished the 2023 season as Swinton’s leading try scorer, having scored seven tries in 25 appearances. This earned him the club’s Young Player of the Year award. He subsequently started this season in impressive form, which caught the eye of the Leopards.

The British duo are considering a return from the NRL

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Reports from Hull Live suggest that a duo of talented young British players currently playing in Australia could be set for a return to Super League. Riley Dean and Robson Stevens currently play for Queensland Cup side Mackay Cutters where they have developed their budding careers. Former Warrington Wolves player Dean has been particularly impressive, creating 12 assists in total this season. Dean made his Warrington debut at the tender age of 17 before moving to Australia. Stevens, 22, had spells with Huddersfield Giants and Dewsbury Rams before moving abroad. Now rumors suggest both could be set for a return to Super League.

The Salford Red Devils man is set to sign for his new club after just two appearances

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Salford Red Devils had high hopes for David Nofoaluma when he joined the club from Wests Tigers. However, the former NRL star has failed to live up to expectations with the Red Devils, making just two Super League appearances in his short spell with the club. Nofoaluma was reportedly on the verge of leaving the club in May and now looks set to join another club. Nofoaluma will reportedly join semi-professional side Glebe Dirty Reds, who play in the Ron Massey Cup in the second tier of the New South Wales system. The move represents a significant fall from grace for a player who was once one of the best interiors in the NRL.

The latest on John Bateman’s future

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According to the Love Rugby League, John Bateman will NOT be a Wakefield Trinity player next season. Bateman had been linked with a move to ambitious Wakefield. However, the report suggests he will not be moving to the Championship side for 2025. Trinity have already signed two current England internationals for next season, with Mike McMeeken and Tom Johnstone set to join the club. Bateman, who currently plays in the NRL with Wests Tigers, would command a hefty salary as he currently earns the equivalent of around £300,000. That figure surpasses Wakefield despite their significant transfer spending so far. As things stand, Bateman remains a Wests player and has not agreed a deal for 2025.

VaselineJune 20, 2024

0 3 minutes read