Widnes Vikings say they are considering their options following speculation linking Anthony Gelling with a move to Catalans.
The maverick centre, who agreed to join the club before their relegation from Super League, is due to link up with his new club this week having travelled to Europe.
However, reports from France claim the former Wigan ace is set to join the Dragons and even trained with Steve McNamara’s side on Tuesday ahead of his expected move.
But the Championship club are adamant the Cook Islands international is still contracted to them for 2019 and is due to report to the club in the coming days.
In a bizarre series of events, Gelling is thought to have travelled late last week. However, the former Grand Final winner claims he has yet to travel to the UK due to visa issues with his family. However, he went on to confirm on social media that he is in France – but only on holiday.
Unfortunately my reason for not being in Widnes isn't as skandulous and exciting as people might be hoping lol. It's simply a Visa complication for my family (partner & kids). They are not eligible for residency in the U.K. It's nobody's fault it's just one of those things.
— Anthony Gelling (@AnthonyGelling) November 27, 2018
I played at Wigan with a normal work permit/visa.. me and my partner were not living together then. I'm in France on a holiday. If I wanted to work here I'd have to apply for a work permit/visa
— Anthony Gelling (@AnthonyGelling) November 27, 2018
This goes against the reports coming from French publication L’Independent, whiled other media outlets in France have received documentation showing Gelling as a member of the Catalans squad next season.
Gelling nor Catalans have yet to comment on those reports, while Widnes released a statement that read: “The Vikings can confirm that Anthony Gelling is a contracted member of the playing squad at Widnes Vikings, and is expected to report for pre-season training ahead of the 2019 season.
“The club are currently taking advice on the matter and can make no further comment at this time.”
A colourful character, Gelling has made a name for himself not only on the field but off it too. He has become a viral hit online with several hilarious videos while he once attended a BBQ hosted by Wigan fans following a game.
But this latest plot is undoubtedly the most bizarre, and confusing, of them all.
