When Widnes confirmed they had parted ways with Danny Tickle, it didn’t take for speculation to come from all angles.
Some had suggested the 32-year-old may retire, however that was a rumour quickly dismissed by the player’s agent Karl Harrison, who confirmed he was in talks with a number of Super League clubs.
That admission has had speculation go into overdrive, with fans of many clubs linking their team with a move for the back-row.
But which clubs are most likely to be after his services for the year? Here are our thoughts on Tickle’s next probable move.
Huddersfield Giants
A move to the Giants is more than feasible. Although the Giants signed Ryan Brierley earlier this week, Paul Anderson will still have plenty of space under the cap after never replacing Brett Ferres, with Brierley coming in to take the space of the retired Luke Robinson.
Although the likes of Oliver Roberts have impressed in the back-row, Anderson is thought to be keen on adding a bit more experience, something Tickle obviously has in abundance after his spells at Wigan, Hull FC and the Vikings.
Tickle is obviously an astute goal-kicker too, and with Jamie Foster’s future still not finalised, there might be a need to bring in Tickle on numerous levels.
Hull Kingston Rovers
The Rovers were a club thought to be keen on Brett Ferres before his move to the Rhinos, so it would appear they are keen on a back-row.
Like Huddersfield, James Webster’s side are understood to have space on the salary cap and are keen to boost their pack while players are available in the market.
With Maurice Blair currently playing in the halves due to another injury for Terry Campese, Rovers could do with a bit more cover in the pack.
The Championship
While Tickle has proved he is capable of playing in Super League, a career change might be on Tickle’s mind as he approaches the latter end of his career.
Bradford Bulls and Leigh Centurions would surely be keen on his services ahead of their journey through the Qualifiers, and they are probably the only realistic destinations in the second-tier.
Beyond that, Halifax are looking for a second-row following the departure of Ross Divorty, and Tickle has history with Fax after making his professional debut there as a teenager.
Even Sheffield Eagles would be keen to add his experience to their young full-time squad.
