Hull KR
Key takeaways from the RFL contract list include Wakefield’s turnover and Hull KR’s hooking dilemma.
Last week, the RFL distributed details of all off-contract players to clubs, providing insight into the futures of over 150 players.
The absence of certain players from the list, exclusively revealed by Love Rugby League, suggests that they have received contract offers elsewhere. For some players, their futures remain uncertain, while for others, they have already been informed that they will not be retained by their current clubs beyond 2025.
This release of information has raised more questions than answers, and here are some key takeaways that we have learned.
Hull KR are shopping for a hooker
The decision to allow Matt Parcell to depart wasn’t a significant shock for Hull KR supporters. With Jez Litten established as their primary hooker, Parcell’s opportunities appeared limited, and reports indicate he will return to Australia.
However, the release of Reiss Butterworth may have come as more of a surprise. With only Litten on their roster, it’s evident that Rovers need to address the hooker position before the end of the season. They are undoubtedly in the market for a hooker.
Mike Cooper will command huge interest
One of the most surprising stories on the off-contract list was Mike Cooper’s inclusion.
Cooper has been a solid contributor to the Wigan squad, which has achieved success in both the Super League and the World Club Challenge over the past year. Despite his contributions, it appears that he will be moving on to new opportunities in 2025.
At 36 years old, Cooper still seems to have gas left in the tank, and it’s likely that he will attract interest from several clubs looking to bolster their squads.
Leigh are going to have a big turnover
One of the most notable aspects of the off-contract list was the decisive approach taken by the Leigh Leopards. They have informed five players that they will not be offered new deals for the 2025 season, with Ricky Leutele being among them.
The list also includes Ed Chamberlain, Jacob Gannon, Jack Darbyshire, and Jacob Jones. While there is still a possibility that Leigh may reconsider offering Leutele a new contract, the departure of players such as Oliver Holmes and Zak Hardaker confirms significant turnover within the squad at the Leigh Sports Village.
It’s expected that the Leopards will undergo significant changes and aim to rejuvenate their squad with a younger look for the upcoming season.
The Senior twins will be at Castleford in 2025
The expectation that both Innes and Louis Senior will become Castleford players together beyond this season is steadily growing, and recent developments have only reinforced this belief.
Last week, it was confirmed that Hull KR would not be extending a contract offer to Louis. Additionally, with Innes set to become off-contract at Huddersfield at the end of this year, it’s reasonable to assume that Castleford would be considering a move for both players.
Wakefield could have plenty of cap to play with
While all 12 Super League clubs disclosed their stance on their off-contract players, Championship leaders Wakefield Trinity, as a full-time outfit, were also required to do so.
Trinity’s plans revealed that only two off-contract players, Luke Gale and Thomas Doyle, were absent from the list, with the rest of the players in that category listed as not yet determined. This indicates that Daryl Powell and his team have some important decisions to make in the second half of the season.
If Wakefield secures a spot in the Super League for 2025, they could potentially have significant cap space if they allow players like Matty Ashurst and Jermaine McGillvary to depart. This could result in an expanded shopping list for Trinity, and they may become even more active in the market.
-
OTHER NEWS4 months agoBREAKING: The Utah Utes has finally landed another high-profile player
-
Ohio State Buckeyes2 months agoA former Ohio State starting running back has entered the transfer portal.
-
Ohio State Buckeyes2 months agoRumors suggest that the Ohio State football program may be facing the departure of a quarterback to the transfer portal.
-
miami dolphins1 month agoA Dolphins player makes a candid admission about their loss to the Chiefs.
-
Pittsburgh Steelers3 months agoGREAT NEWS: The Steelers are bringing him back
-
Chicago Bears3 weeks agoTyson Bagent has broken his silence regarding the Chicago Bears’ selection of Caleb Williams in the draft.
-
Oklahoma softball2 weeks ago“2024 NCAA Softball Tournament Bracket: Results and Upcoming Schedule for the Women’s College World Series”
-
OTHER NEWS4 months agoGREAT NEWS: Steelers are reportedly in talks over a top class QB to bolster roster