Battlers join three-club race to sign 'brilliant' young gun

Three NRL clubs are set to fight out a battle to sign boom English superstar Jack Welsby.Welsby, who became England's youngest ever Test captain at 22 in the current series against Tonga, is on the radar of the Tigers, Dragons and an out-of-Sydney club.Welsby starred in St Helens' upset win over Penrith in the World Club Challenge earlier this year.The brilliant fullback is the hottest name in English league at the moment and under contract to St Helens.But the Saints may be willing to allow Welsby to test himself in the NRL if they get a hefty transfer fee for his services.The Tigers already have a superb fullback in Jahream Bula but Welsby can play virtually anywhere in the backline.The Dragons also have a talented fullback in Tyrell Sloan, although he has had his ups and downs over the past couple of years.Welsby already has three Super League premiership wins to his name and may be tempted to step up to the NRL.Welsby has won a fan in former Test halfback Cooper Cronk, who said when he was in Australia earlier this year, "I think he has that ability to predict where the ball is going to be. There was a line break through the middle (in a trial against the Dragons) where he knew the play was coming back this way and he hit the accelerator."The guy has been unbelievable in Super League and had a really good World Cup."He has that rare ability as a fullback to create tries through his passing game but also bob up for the offloads as well. He is very impressive."

Awkward Radley reunion looms after bust-up

One of the most fiery forwards in English rugby league has attracted the interest of several NRL clubs.Leeds' Irish international James Bentley - who was embroiled in an off-field fight with Roosters hardman Victor Radley during the 2022 World Cup - is off contract at season's end and exploring his options.A hard-running edge forward, Bentley is renowned in Super League for never taking a backward step and like Radley, has often had his issues with referees.But his take-no- prisoners style has attracted the eye of Aussie clubs and he could well be playing in the NRL next season.Bentley has a temper on the field and rival forwards have baited him - but if he can control his aggression, the 25-year-old could be a real asset.Bentley is also versatile - he can play hooker and front row and that will only add to his value.

Clever Clause For Raiders

Some Raiders fans weren't happy when the club released promising halfback Brad Schneider to English Super League Club Hull KR last week.But all is not lost, Raiders supporters.I'm hearing that if the Raiders suffer an injury in the halves in the next couple of months, there is an agreement that Schneider can come back to the club for the finals.The 22-year-old, who has played international football for Germany, has played a dozen top grade games for Canberra since making his debut in 2021 and looks the goods.

Thomas Mikaele On The Move

The Tigers have all but lost giant prop Thomas Mikaele to English club Warrington for next season.Wolves officials were at Magic Round last weekend and held talks with Mikaele's management.The 24-year-old is off contract at season's end and the Tigers are keen to keep him.Mikaele made his NRL debut for the club in 2019 and his best football is clearly still ahead of him.But the Tigers will find it hard to match the three-year deal that Warrington has put to the Kiwi-born forward.Warrington has been desperate to bolster its small pack for next season and has already signed one of the biggest men in the game - massive former Bulldogs prop Sam Kasiano from Catalan.

Brian Smith's son lands big coaching job

The son of former long-time NRL coach Brian Smith has been appointed coach of English Super League club Leeds.Rohan Smith, who worked on his dad's staff at the Roosters and also coached Tonga, will join the English club immediately.Smith, 40, has an extensive coaching resume and most recently coached Norths Devils to glory in the Queensland Cup.He has signed a three and a half year contract only hours after his uncle, Tony Smith, announced he was parting ways with fellow Super League club Hull KR beyond this season.Wide World of Sports revealed yesterday that Hull KR had decided on a change in direction, with former Broncos and Souths coach Anthony Seibold one of their main targets.Rohan Smith will replace Richard Agar at Leeds. Club boss Gary Hetherington was in Australia recently hunting for a new coach and spoke to several ex first grade coaches including ex Sharks boss Shane Flanagan.But ultimately he went for a coach on the rise, with Rohan Smith seen as a bright new star in the coaching ranks.

Seibold set for stunning league return

Former Rabbitohs and Broncos coach Anthony Seibold could be making a return to rugby league - with English club Hull KR.Currently a member of Eddie Jones' England rugby union coaching team, Seibold is on a list of possible coaches for the Super League club.Fellow Aussie Tony Smith is coming off contract at the end of the season and Hull KR officials are considering a change of direction, with Seibold high on their wish list.The team is currently in seventh spot on the 12- team ladder with four wins and four losses.Seibold has had a roller coaster ride in his brief time in the NRL. He was named Dally M coach of the year in his debut season in 2018 but then switched to Brisbane, where things went pear-shaped and his contract was terminated mid-way through his second season.Seibold has done good work with Jones and the England rugby team but may be tempted to make a return to league.