Eels’ Mossop bid as Powell lands

[josie andrews]

LEE Mossop is eyeing a return to Super League action this weekend – as speculation over his future intensifies.

The Cumbrian prop is wanted by Parramatta Eels for next season.

And they are thought to be preparing an offer to lure Mossop – and Wigan’s Gareth Hock, who is on loan at Widnes – to the NRL.

Mossop is under contract until the end of 2014.

And while the Warriors could resist any offers for him, they may be willing to release him for a fee – rather than lose him for nothing 12 months later. It’s thought the 24-year-old is keen to test himself Down Under, after seeing how much success Gareth Ellis, James Graham and Sam Burgess have enjoyed.

Parramatta, rebuilding under Ricky Stuart, also want Hock.

And with the second-rower’s relationship with Wigan untenable, it would make sense to cash in when his season-long loan at Widnes comes to an end later this season. The deal for Mossop, though, has not been completed.

And the fact discussions are still taking place may explain why Wigan have yet to announce the capture of his long-term replacement – Wales rugby union star Andy Powell.

His club Sale Sharks yesterday confirmed he was heading to the DW Stadium at the end of their season in three weeks.

“Andy won’t be with us next year,” said chief executive Steve Diamond.

“He’s signed for Wigan for three years, although I don’t know the in-depth details of the contract.” The No.8 is seen as a prop by coach Shaun Wane, and his signing will fit in with Wigan’s link-up with Wales rugby league.

Meanwhile, Mossop could make his return from a six-week lay-off in Sunday’s match at Bradford.

Mossop said: “I’m over with watching now. If I had been unlucky and had to be out another eight weeks I don’t think I’d have lasted.

“I’d have been right for the Wakefield game (last Sunday) but I got a bit of flu last week and it’s put me back a bit. It was nothing to do with my shoulder why I was out on Sunday.”

Mossop was sidelined by a dislocated shoulder, but confirmed it was the different one which caused him problems in the past.

“It was the good one this time,” Mossop smiled.

“But hopefully it will still be good, when I had the scan the specialist couldn’t believe there was no damage to the joint whatsoever.”

Wane is also hoping to welcome back Harrison Hansen (wrist) and Sean O’Loughlin (ribs) from injury. Josh Charnley (ankle) has a chance of playing and Pat Richards is available again, but Chris Tuson (hamstring) is set to miss out

http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-w ... -1-5565783

[josie andrews]

It appears this topic doesn't want to go away :exc:

[Kittwazzer]

Shouldn't it be in the Rumour Mill until it has been confirmed by the club?

[yokozuna]

I really hope Mossop stays and gets a new deal. He's a great talent, with loads of potential and I think he's growing into a fantastic player. If he leaves now, we miss out on his best years.

[josie andrews]

Shouldn't it be in the Rumour Mill until it has been confirmed by the club?

I did put it in the Rumour Mill at first, but after several paragraphs, the rest of the report is covering players returning from injury.

Meanwhile, Mossop could make his return from a six-week lay-off in Sunday’s match at Bradford.

Mossop said: “I’m over with watching now. If I had been unlucky and had to be out another eight weeks I don’t think I’d have lasted.

“I’d have been right for the Wakefield game (last Sunday) but I got a bit of flu last week and it’s put me back a bit. It was nothing to do with my shoulder why I was out on Sunday.”

Mossop was sidelined by a dislocated shoulder, but confirmed it was the different one which caused him problems in the past.

“It was the good one this time,” Mossop smiled.

“But hopefully it will still be good, when I had the scan the specialist couldn’t believe there was no damage to the joint whatsoever.”

Wane is also hoping to welcome back Harrison Hansen (wrist) and Sean O’Loughlin (ribs) from injury. Josh Charnley (ankle) has a chance of playing and Pat Richards is available again, but Chris Tuson (hamstring) is set to miss out

[cpwigan]

Perhaps Mossop wants to go to Australia? When you seen how well George Burgess has developed for the benefit of Great Britain / England is make you wonder if we should be encouraging rather than discouraging players from going to Australia for stints?

Why not alter Mossop's contract? Allow him to go to Aus for 2 seasons and then have the option in our favour for him to return and complete his contract?

[markill]

Perhaps Mossop wants to go to Australia? When you seen how well George Burgess has developed for the benefit of Great Britain / England is make you wonder if we should be encouraging rather than discouraging players from going to Australia for stints?

Why not alter Mossop's contract? Allow him to go to Aus for 2 seasons and then have the option in our favour for him to return and complete his contract?

We need to start taking this into account when drawing up contracts and include a clause that relates to this issue. A problem with in contract players is Aus clubs (and RL clubs in general) don't tend to pay transfer fees. Indeed in Aus, it has an impact on thier cap space I think, so what you're suggesting is a good idea, or include an amount in each contract that the player can pay the club to buy themselves out for moves to NRL clubs at an amount that is maybe less than free market tarnsfer value but ensures the club gets something in return for them reneging on a contract early.

Players should be encouraged to go to Aus where possible - its only the same as saying footballers should look to play for champions league clubs in a way, and it means they stay in the sport and hopefully come back the better for it.

[butt monkey]

Most of this newspaper "story" could have originated from this very forums Rumour Mill :tong1:

[butt monkey]

LEE Mossop is eyeing a return to Super League action this weekend – as speculation over his future intensifies.

The Cumbrian prop is wanted by Parramatta Eels for next season.

And they are thought to be preparing an offer to lure Mossop – and Wigan’s Gareth Hock, who is on loan at Widnes – to the NRL.

I always concentrate on what I call "doing" words. This comment "thought" practically means nothing whatsoever. I can think I am going to win the lottery, or own Wigan Warriors or marry some super model. When I come down to Earth it all boils down to nothing more than idle speculation...... again

When it is announced Paramatta HAVE or WILL, or are CURRENTLY in the process of doing anything, then any thoughts, might likes, would or shoulds and other broad generalisations can be ignored

[butt monkey]

Mossop believes he should be in the top 3 earners....the club dont think so.

I don't think so either, good prop he may be. Injury prone he is also and offering to make him one of the top earners when he is not exactly one of our star players would be financial suicide