Rugby League news Live: Leeds prop shuts down exit talk, Catalans half confirms retirement

Hello and welcome to Monday's Rugby League Live blog. Today's big story is Hull FC's chase of Brisbane Broncos flyer Tristan Sailor. The Black and Whites are keen to secure a deal, with one quota spot remaining.

Elsewhere, Jermaine McGillvary has confirmed he won't be staying at Huddersfield Giants, with Danny Ward sharing his relief after Castleford Tigers' win on Friday night.

There are just two rounds to go in Super League, with Salford Red Devils still in the mix for a play-off spot. The league leaders shield is also still to be determined with Wigan, Catalans, and St Helens all fighting for top spot. As always, stay with us for all the rugby league news and features throughout the day.

Hull FC's off-contract situation in full

Hull FC's outgoing players have two games to go before they move on to their new clubs or hang their boots up ahead of retirement. Similarly, the futures of others are still to be confirmed, at least officially, with a number still out of contract.

So far, three new quota signings have been announced, with Herman Ese'ese, Jayden Okunbor, and Franklin Pele joining for 2024, with Jack Ashworth, Liam Tindall, and Jack Walker also acquired, although they have not yet been officially announced.

Here, we take a look at those Hull FC players departing the club, who have already left, and those whose futures are still to be resolved.

Oldham's play-off heartbreak softened as another Super League star joins up

Current Leigh Leopards star Joe Wardle will be an Oldham player in 2024 after penning a two-year deal with the League 1 outfit. The deal will see Wardle become a player/assistant coach for the upcoming 2024 and 2025 seasons.

The Roughyeds saw their promotion hopes shattered by North Wales Crusaders on Sunday afternoon, but the feeling around Boundary Park is still positive due to the fresh identity led by Mike Ford with several high-profile signings already signed on for the next few years.

Hull KR's current crop on brink of surpassing great side of the past

2023: Currently played 25, won 14 = 28 points
2022: Played 27, won 12 = 24 points
2021: Played 20, won 10 = 50% win percentage
2020: Played 17, won 3 = 17.65% win percentage
2019: Played 29, won 10 = 20 points
2018: Played 23, won eight, drew 1 = 17 points
2016: Played 23, won six, drew 2 = 14 points
2015: Played 23, won nine = 18 points
2014: Played 27, won 10, drew 3 = 23 points
2013: Played 27, won 13 = 26 points
2012: Played 27, won 10, drew 1 = 21 points
2011: Played 27, won 14 = 28 points
2010: Played 27, won 14, drew 1 = 29 points
2009: Played 27, won 17, drew 1 = 35 points
2008: Played 27, won 11, drew 1 = 23 points
2007: Played 27, won 10 = 20 points

Sam Lisone shuts down Leeds Rhinos exit amid New Zealand Warriors reports

NRL legend and Catalans Dragons star Mitchell Pearce announces retirement

Pearce posted on his Instagram: "Hey guys - I've decided that this season will be last in rugby league. What a journey it's been. I finish the game knowing I have given every bit of my heart and soul for nearly 18 years. I've had some amazing times and leave the game with friends I know I'll have for the rest of my life. I still have a job to do with Catalan Dragons, and I'm all in to go after that trophy and make history for French Rugby League."

Hull KR supporters brace for emotional Craven Park farewells this weekend

Saturday's clash at Craven Park between Hull KR and Salford Red Devils carries immense significance as the Robins will secure their play-off spot with a victory. However, it may also be the final home game of the 2023 season for the Robins.

As things currently stand, Hull KR still have a chance to secure fourth place in the standings, but their fate lies in the hands of another team. Leigh Leopards, their closest rivals in the race for fourth, are set to face Wakefield Trinity the day before the Robins' game. If Leigh manage to defeat Wakefield, relegating them in the process, it would all but ensure Rovers will play away in the play-offs and as a result, ensure Saturday's game at Craven Park is the last this season. This scenario adds an emotional layer to the impending showdown. - FULL STORY

Rohan Smith's ominous Leeds Rhinos message after transition admission

Rohan Smith has admitted there is still a "lot to do" to get Leeds Rhinos through their current transitional period after they were hammered by Wigan Warriors 50-0. In what was their biggest ever home defeat in Super League, any lingering play-off hopes were brutally put to bed on a humbling, painful afternoon at Headingley.

Paul Rowley mentally exhausted after Salford Red Devils' Golden Point thriller

Following Salford Red Devils' dramatic 24-20 Golden Point victory over Warrington Wolves, their coach, Paul Rowley, offered insights into the thrilling encounter. Despite securing a crucial win to keep their 2023 playoff dreams alive, Rowley couldn't help but express his mental exhaustion.

Speaking in the aftermath of Sam Stone's winning try, he highlighted the pivotal role played by Joe Burgess in securing the victory, emphasising the importance of getting him involved when it mattered most. Rowley also acknowledged that his team had strayed from their typical playing style by staying in the middle rather than exploiting Wire's edges, but he commended their relentless effort throughout the game.

"I'm mentally exhausted," said Rowley. "That would be a fair comment. We were just getting the message out to Krissy Inu to get Budgie (Joe Burgess) into the game because Warrington was tired. Right on cue, the ball went to him, and he managed to skin Josh Thewlis and did the job.

"I think we were too eager to please. Warrington went very thick on the edges and sometimes was vulnerable in the middle. We stayed in the middle, which isn't Salford-like, and made metres easy. We conceded two soft tries from wingers dropping balls. We had to work hard all game to win that."

Franklin Pele shares his biggest quality as new Hull FC signing relishing move

Franklin Pele doesn't arrive at Hull FC for a couple of months, but he's already embracing his new challenge. The powerful prop, 6 foot 3 and weighing over 120kg, is gearing up to make his mark at the Black and Whites, with the club confirming the new signing on a two-year deal earlier this week.

Looking to bring some heat to Hull's pack next season, the 22-year-old grew up watching Feka Paleaaesina, actually living on the same street in Auckland and basing his game on the same traits as the former Kiwi prop.

Danny Ward's delight with Castleford Tigers on the brink of Super League safety

Danny Ward could not hide his delight after Castleford beat Hull FC 29-12 to take a huge stride towards Betfred Super League safety. The Tigers moved four points clear of neighbours Wakefield with just two games remaining after outscoring the Black and Whites by five tries to two.

Jason Qareqare scored a superb brace and Greg Eden also touched down in the opening period before second-half scores from Alex Foster and Jordan Turner confirmed the win.

Head coach Ward said: “It’s a pretty good feeling. We knew going into it that it was a big game after last week (losing at Warrington). This was our last home game and to get the win is a great feeling.

“We didn’t want to drop as much ball as we did, but there were some big defensive efforts out there for us tonight. It was scrappy and we made it a little bit tense towards the end, but in the scale of things it’s alright. It’s still not job yet done, although it’s another step closer. The young fellas were very good.

“Jason came up with a couple of big plays, Muizz Mustapha was sensational in the pack and probably our best middle. He added loads and it was the same for Cain Robb when he came on. Maybe we should have trusted the young fellas a bit earlier.”

Wakefield’s 18-10 home defeat to Catalans, coupled with Castleford’s victory, has left survival within touching distance for the Tigers. Ward said: “Someone told me about the Wakefield result at the back end of the game, but we can’t keep worrying about Wakefield’s results. As I said, it’s not done yet because there are still four points to play for.”

Hull KR's play-off path clear after Salford Red Devils' Golden Point victory

Hull KR will secure a place in the play-offs next week if they can defeat Salford Red Devils. Results across Super League mean the Reds are the only team outside the top six that can now catch Willie Peters' side with two rounds to go.

The Robins sit two points above Paul Rowley's side so victory at Craven Park next Saturday will give them an unassailable lead over their play-off rivals. Salford kept their top-six hopes alive with a Golden Point victory over Warrington Wolves on Sunday afternoon, leaving them level on points with the Wire, who are sixth.

NRL speedster remains on Hull FC radar

Hull FC are still in talks to bring Brisbane Broncos flyer Tristan Sailor to the club. The Black and Whites have identified the 25-year-old as someone who will bring some speed and x-factor to their spine and are open to finalising a deal.

Despite signing former loan playerJack Walker to add depth and competition to the spine positions, Hull Live understands that Hull are still perusing Sailor, who can play in the halves in the ‘six’ role but is primarily a full-back.

Huddersfield Giants legend Jermaine McGillvary confirms exit

Huddersfield Giants legend Jermaine McGillvary has confirmed he won't be donning the claret and gold jersey in 2024. This announcement marks the end of an era for the club, who have seen the hometown hero on their flanks for over a decade. McGillvary, a former England star, has etched his name in Giants history by making an astounding 310 appearances and scoring 207 tries since his debut against Bradford Bulls in 2010.

However, with a change in personnel happening at the John Smith's Stadium and injuries limiting his time on the field this year, coach Ian Watson hadn't offered the 35-year-old fresh terms. That is still the case for the veteran, who is now preparing for life after Huddersfield Giants.

"I think I'm gone," McGillvary said. "I don't think there is anything here for me. So, it's probably me done. I'd play somewhere else if it was full-time. It would be pretty hard for me to play part-time with my kid being in an academy in Manchester. Training in the evening wouldn't be doable for me. I've been looking for a year deal here or elsewhere, but I don't think that's going to happen.

"I'll never say never. From what I'm hearing, I'm done here. But, if there was an opportunity to go elsewhere as a back-up on a year deal to prove myself, maybe. Or help the younger lads. I'd be up for that."

On the Giants fans who have been a big part of his whole career, McGillvary added: "I'm so grateful. I'm from five minitues away from the stadium. To have these fans, from being a kid to having a family, means a lot. I'm a proud local guy, and I never dreamed of making it here. For them to stick with me through the thick and thin, I'm grateful for that."