League Express – The Lowdown: December 3rd Edition

Another bumper issue of League Express hit the stores today, with all the latest Rugby League news and features, available in-stores or online at totalrl.com/le. Here, to give you a flavour of some of the exclusive content, we begin a lowdown of the new issue.

Cougars Director Demands Facts

Former Keighley Cougars director Simon Harrison urged the current board at the club to lay down the facts to those involved. The crisis club have had a number of players depart already, head coach Craig Lingard has already left the club and directors have also resigned from the club. Harrison laid out his concerns in League Express while there is also a fresh update on another player yet to receive payment from the club.

All Change at Widnes?

Widnes Vikings are set for a big change with their prospective sale, after chairman Steve O’Connor confirmed the club are up for sale. CEO James Rule also tendered his resignation last week, but Luke Backhouse has come to the fore as a potential suitor for making a takeover. League Express have the latest on his intentions, with Backhouse quoted as saying: “I think the fans seem to think it’s like buying a car. You don’t just say you’ll like it and you’ll have it.” There is also an interesting development on Anthony Gelling’s confusing future that involved him turning up at Catalans Dragons, with a move to Widnes still up in the air.

Giants and Tigers to make swap deal?

Castleford and Huddersfield have been in talks for a rare sight in Rugby League, a swap deal! Joe Wardle and Sebastine Ikahihifo are the players in question, with the two clubs discussing the possibility of a straight-swap deal that would see both line up for their new clubs ahead of the 2019 season. League Express has the latest on the current situation for both clubs to facilitate the move.

Drinkwater to become a Robin?

Hull Kingston Rovers are close to securing the signature of former Catalans Dragons halfback Josh Drinkwater, who has been a free agent since his release from the Challenge Cup winners at the end of last season. His much-discussed future seems to have finally been decided, but as reported in League Express, there is one stumbling block for him signing on the dotted line with the Robins.