Farah's bid for super league club falls

Former Tigers favourite Robbie Farah has revealed that he was in a group that was in negotiations to buy the London Broncos recently. Along with former Tigers boss Lee Hagipantelis, businessman Jai Ayoub and others, Farah looked into the possibility of taking over the running of the British club. "It all came about through (Broncos official) Tony Rea who I've known for years," Farah told Wide World of Sports. "He floated the idea to us and we looked into it but it didn't quite stack up, even though the potential is there."

Nathan Cleary's stunning Super League confession comes to light

Nathan Cleary's manager has dismissed claims the Panthers halfback is weighing up a move to the UK Super League to be closer to his partner, football star Mary Fowler. In a switch that would send shockwaves through the NRL, NewsCorp reported over the weekend that the Panthers star is weighing up making the switch to England so he can spend more time with the Matildas and Manchester City forward. The pair have been together since late last year and their relationship could now see Cleary move abroad to be by her side, in what would be a massive coup for the Super League. Veteran journalist Buzz Rothfield suggested that if the move did happen it wouldn't be for the remainder of his career but just for next year. However, Cleary's manager George Mimis and Panthers boss Brian Fletcher have shut down claims the star halfback could be on the move, stating it isn't something that has been discussed or that is currently on the table. Cleary is signed to the Panthers until the end of the 2027 season and NewsCorp reported in July the Panthers had opened talks about extending Cleary's contract even further as part of a $13.5 million super deal that would keep Nathan and father Ivan at the club. But while at face value a move to the Super League may seem far-fetched, in an interview with the Mirror earlier this year, it was something the Panthers halfback said he would definitely consider. "I'm not against it (a move to the Super League). I have a pretty open mind to that kind of stuff," Cleary said ahead of the 2024 NRL campaign. "I think just being able to experience different cultures and different experiences is something I enjoy doing. I'm not closed off to that idea." Fowler is based in the UK with club side Manchester City, meaning as it stands the couple's time together is limited. The 21-year-old came home to spend time with Cleary in the football off-season. Cleary also made the most of some unfortunate injuries this year to be with Fowler.

Warriors flyer Dallin Watene-Zelezniak chased by 'cashed-up' Super League club

The NRL is in danger of losing one of its biggest personality players in 2025 - The Flying Mullet. Speedy Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is the number one target of cashed-up Catalans Dragons in France. The Kiwi cult hero is a favourite with the fans in Auckland because of his fearless charges with the ball, his spectacular diving for tries - and THAT distinctive hairstyle. The 28-year-old - who began his NRL career 10 years ago with the Panthers - still has a year to run on his contract with the Warriors. But the Auckland team may well let him go if he can pick up the lucrative three-year deal Catalans are prepared to offer. "We were looking at Watene-Zelezniak and Daniel Tupou," a Catalans source told Wide World of Sports. "Now Tupou has re-signed with the Roosters, we will be going all out for Watene-Zelezniak."

'Classy' star snubs 'desperate' NRL clubs

Star English halfback Lewis Dodd is set to snub interest from at least four NRL clubs to remain with his Super League club St Helens. Several Aussie clubs are desperate to snare 22-year-old Dodd, rated the best young playmaker in the Super League. Dodd has left the door ajar for a move Down Under but sources close to the classy No.7 say he is likely to sign a long-term deal to remain with St Helens. Dodd wrote himself into Saints folklore in the 2023 World Club Challenge, kicking the match-winning field goal in golden point against Penrith. He also played in the Saints' 2021 Super League grand final victory over Catalans Dragons while still a teenager. There is a shortage of halfbacks who can take the game by the throat in the NRL, thus the interest in Dodd, and his decision is a major blow to the clubs after his signature.

Super League young gun emerges in Cowboys plan

One of the most promising halfbacks in England has joined the Cowboys organisation.Riley Dean, a 22-year-old playmaker, has come to terms with the Cowboys' feeder team Mackay Cutters with hopes of working his way into the top grade side.The youngster plays behind star halfback George Williams at Warrington and because of that, the Wolves have granted him a release.He will fly to Townsville next week and begin what will be a demanding off season with the Cowboys' top side."We will wait and see how he goes - we have heard good things about him," Cowboys coach Todd Payten said.If he makes the grade, Dean could prove the long-term successor to veteran Chad Townsend, who is nearing the end of his career.Dean confirmed the move on his social media on Thursday, declaring: "From joining the club at 14, fast forward all the years. Huge thanks to (Warrington) for everything and everyone involved from staff to best mates for life. Been a pleasure, but onto the next challenge and adventure."The youngster has played 10 top grade games for Warrington and had several loan spells with rival clubs.He also holds the distinction of being the first ever captain of an Ireland under 16 team and was a member of the Irish squad in the 2021 World Cup qualifiers.

Manly slugger weighing up Super League move

Manly's Samoan Test forward Josh Aloiai could be headed for the Super League next season.Leigh Leopards, coached by former Sydney Roosters star Adrian Lam, are showing interest in the 27-year-old prop.Leigh are on a high after winning the Challenge Cup Final this year and are looking to boost their playing stocks.Aloiai has over 130 NRL games to his name with the Tigers and Sea Eagles and has also played five Tests for Samoa.He played 16 games for Manly this season and is under contract until the end of 2025 but the club is prepared to grant him a release.The Sea Eagles are top-heavy with forwards after signing Aitasi James (Wests Tigers) and Corey Waddell (Bulldogs) for next season, and Josh Schuster is set to move into the pack from five-eighth.

Holbrook hunted by Super League clubs

Axed Titans coach Justin Holbrook could be back as a head coach within months - in Super League.Several NRL clubs are keen to sign Holbrook as an assistant coach after Gold Coast's shock decision to sack him last month - and not just because of the get-out clauses which could allow Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and David Fifita to leave the club.Holbrook is highly regarded in club-land despite his lack of success with the Titans - but is even better thought of in England.Holbrook had three years with the St Helens club, guiding them to the 2019 minor premiership by a staggering 16 points, before winning the grand final.Saints are just one of several Super League clubs believed to be keen to talk to Holbrook.

Monster ban for 'unacceptable' act to trigger sacking

The controversial career of fiery former Queensland Origin and Kangaroos prop Josh McGuire is almost certainly over after he was handed a 12-game suspension for using "unacceptable language" on the field in a recent Super League match.Warrington prop McGuire got a seven-match ban for a similar charge a few months back and club officials are seething about his behaviour.It is believed his latest comment was a highly offensive remark about a rival player's young relative.A polarising figure who often found himself in strife in his 14-year career with the Broncos, Cowboys and Dragons, 33-year-old McGuire moved to England this year hoping for a fresh start.But the tough prop's switch to Warrington has not been a success and the Wolves are believed to be on the verge of terminating his contract on disciplinary grounds.The tough forward missed last weekend's big Magic Weekend defeat to Hull, supposedly with a foot injury.A veteran of more than 250 top grade games, McGuire served two five-match suspensions while at the Dragons in 2021 and was fined $12,000 by the NRL and suspended for one game after breaching the game's COVID-19 biosecurity protocols for attending Paul Vaughan's infamous team barbecue.If Wolves do sack him, it is doubtful he will get another chance at a rival English club or back in the NRL.

Bateman behind Ofahengaue release

So why did the Tigers let consistent forward Joe Ofahengaue go to the Eels mid-season?Watch for a change in the way they play in-form Englishman John Bateman to learn the answer.Bateman has been an edge forward all his career but I'm hearing the Tigers are planning to turn him into a middle.After a couple of mixed seasons back in Super League, Bateman has been a great buy for the Tigers and his arrival has coincided with the team's upturn in form.

Panther Eyeing Overseas Move

Back-to-form Panthers utility Tyrone Peachey is the latest player destined to head to Super League.The 31-year-old is closing in on the 200-game mark in the NRL after a decade in the big league and is looking at one final contract in England.Peachey played well for the Panthers in Magic Round, making a linebreak and running for more than 100 metres in the 18-6 defeat of the Warriors.The versatile back isn't signed with the Panthers beyond this season and his name has been mentioned to several Super League clubs, who are showing some interest.