Leeds Rhinos still hopeful of signing Robert Lui and haven’t given up on Jackson Hastings

Leeds Rhinos remain hopeful of signing Salford Red Devils stand-off Robert Lui in time for him to play against Catalans Dragons at Emerald Headingley on Sunday, but no deal has yet been done.
Robert Lui tries to prevent Leeds Rhinos' Adam Cuthbertson touching down as Matt Parcell looks on. Picture Bruce RollinsonRobert Lui tries to prevent Leeds Rhinos' Adam Cuthbertson touching down as Matt Parcell looks on. Picture Bruce Rollinson
Robert Lui tries to prevent Leeds Rhinos' Adam Cuthbertson touching down as Matt Parcell looks on. Picture Bruce Rollinson

Rhinos are also still chasing Lui’s Salford half-back partner Jackson Hastings, but face competition from Wigan Warriors and a move to Leeds is not imminent.

Lui is out of contract at the end of the season and Salford, who are up to fifth in the table and seem safe from relegation, are understood to be prepared to sell him now, rather than see him leave for free this autumn.

Shaun Lunt. Picture by Anna Gowthorpe/SWpix.comShaun Lunt. Picture by Anna Gowthorpe/SWpix.com
Shaun Lunt. Picture by Anna Gowthorpe/SWpix.com

A deal, though, hinges on transfer activity at other clubs.

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Leeds could make space on their overseas quota by releasing hooker Matt Parcell from the remaining 16 months of his contract.

But that depends on Hull KR, who are keen to sign the Australian former Dream Team pick, in turn opening up a spot in their squad for an import.

If they can find a club for Junior Vaivai the Parcell move will be on the cards, with fellow hooker Shaun Lunt heading in the other direction.

Lunt was a Grand Final winner for Leeds in 2012 during a spell on loan from Huddersfield Giants.

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Rhinos would like Hastings to join them immediately on a long-term deal, but have given up hope of him being available for this weekend’s game.

Hastings is understood to be reluctant to commit to a club who are in relegation danger, though Rhinos - on the other hand - feel his addition would make that an unlikely prospect.

Hastings is also believed to be keen on a shorter-team contract than the one offered by Leeds and Salford’s asking price is another stumbling block.