St Helens have only signed Salford prop Lama Tasi and half-back Theo Fages, as well NRL import Dominique Peyroux so far ahead of 2016 – but could they be about to add a fourth signing to that list?
A report in the St Helens Star has linked recently released Widnes youngster Jack Owens with a move to Langtree Park in 2016, and TotalRL.com understands that interest is genuine.
Owens was let go by Widnes earlier this week with the Vikings possessing plenty of strength in depth in the backs, and a move to the Saints is believed to be on the cards.
Owens had a deal until the end of the 2016 season, but was let go a year earlier than the expiry of that contract.
“Having looked at the balance of our squad we felt that Pat Ah Van, Paddy Flynn, Stefan Marsh, Rhys Hanbury and Corey Thompson were ahead of Jack in terms of our back three options,” said Vikings coach Denis Betts at the time.
“In addition, in a salary cap managed sport we are tasked with making difficult decisions to facilitate improvement.
“We have already invested heavily in securing the signings of Setaimata Sa, Chris Bridge, Corey Thompson and Charly Runciman. In addition there are a number of contractual upgrades within the existing group of players which further increases the financial investment by the Club into the playing group.
“In order to manage these costs within the constraints of the salary cap it is necessary to make difficult decisions such as this. We therefore agreed to an early release for Jack to allow him to pursue more regular playing opportunities.
“On behalf of everyone at the Club I would like to thank Jack for his contribution to Widnes Vikings and wish him the best of luck in his future career.”
