Three Super League clubs eye Aussie, ex-Huddersfield playmaker wants NRL move

Redcliffe Dolphins back-rower Jaron Purcell has set his sights on a move to Super League for 2027. Purcell spent half of this year’s season at Oldham, making 15 appearances for the Championship club. But the Australian was released in July because of injury, and headed back down under. The i Paper understands the 25-year-old, now back to full fitness and catching the eye in the Queensland Cup, wants a spot in Super League. Last weekend, Purcell helped Redcliffe win the Queensland Cup grand final as the Dolphins defeated the Sunshine Coast Falcons 28-18. It is believed Hull FC, Warrington Wolves and Leigh Leopards are all interested in the second-rower, but are struggling to find space for him in their quota of 10 overseas players. Half-back keen for NRL chance Former Huddersfield playmaker Adam Clune has been weighing up his future after being released by the Super League side. Clune’s departure from the Giants was announced in mid-September, after the half-back knocked back a new, reduced offer from the club. The i Paper understands the 31-year-old also has a deal on the table from the York Knights. Clune’s talent is well-known, but questions remain about his durability. The Australian only played 11 games for Huddersfield this year thanks to a hamstring complaint, and was restricted to just six matches in 2025, again because of injuries.However, it is believed the playmaker is leaning towards a return to Australia and a second crack at the NRL: Clune started his career at St George Illawarra in 2020, and then spent two years with the Newcastle Knights before his arrival in Super League with the Giants in 2024. If the experienced half-back can stay fit, he would be a handy addition for an NRL side needing depth. Centre left in limbo after drama Australian centre Cooper Howlett has had his Super League dream crushed and been left without a club after a transfer to Newcastle Thunder broke down. Howlett, who moved to the UK to join Workington Town in early 2025, spent this year in the Championship with Goole Vikings. The versatile outside back grabbed 10 tries in 28 matches for Goole, earning himself a move to the top flight. The i Paper understands Howlett signed a two-year deal with Newcastle in May, as part of their arrangement with York Knights, with the chance to crack into Super League: the two clubs have operated a dual registration system this season, which was led by former York chairman Clint Goodchild, where they share players. According to sources, Oldham hooker Cole Geyer also signed with Newcastle/York earlier this year under the same type of arrangement. But a dispute has arisen over the contracts of both players, and they have not been honoured. Complicating matters, Goodchild sold York to new owners in August. Read more Transfer news: St Helens close in on NRL hooker, Hull FC eye prop, Cas’s four-man shortlist Exclusive: Inside NRL’s £50m Super League plans – and two clubs opposing the deal Interview: Sam Tomkins: I nearly signed for Saracens – but my brother was cheaper! In September, Geyer was released from his Newcastle deal and has linked with Catalans Dragons for next season. But Howlett has been left in the lurch with no contract for 2027, with both player and his representatives furious. Richie Metcalfe, CEO of Newcastle Thunder, told The i Paper: “Clint Goodchild has never signed a contract on behalf of Newcastle Thunder, he was never authorised to do so as he was never a director of the club. “Cole Geyer has been released from his contract and a financial settlement agreed. I will not make any comment on the Cooper Howlett allegations.” Howlett has engaged lawyer Richard Cramer to represent him and they are seeking a tribunal from the Rugby Football League over the matter. The RFL declined to comment when approached.