Rugby League Veteran Elliott Whitehead Considering Surprise Super League Comeback
(June 5, 2023 – SWpix)
Former England international Elliott Whitehead may be set for a remarkable return to the Super League, having confirmed he will not be staying with the Canberra Raiders beyond the current season. The experienced second-rower has been a mainstay for the Raiders in the NRL since 2016, amassing close to 200 appearances in Australia. However, his rugby league journey began in the Super League, where he represented his hometown club Bradford Bulls and the Catalans Dragons.
According to reports from the Hull Daily Mail, Hull FC have reached out to Whitehead in an attempt to lure him back to British rugby league. The 34-year-old is said to be open to a Super League comeback, as Hull FC undergoes a period of significant change. With head coach Tony Smith’s departure and the arrival of Director of Rugby Richie Myler, the club has already confirmed the signing of John Asiata for next season and secured the services of Tom Briscoe for the remainder of the 2023 campaign. It is expected that a substantial number of players will be leaving the MKM Stadium ahead of the 2025 season, creating room for a high-profile acquisition such as Whitehead.
Another of Whitehead’s former clubs, the Catalans Dragons, have also reportedly made contact regarding a potential return. The French outfit will be without Mike McMeeken next year, as he is set to join Wakefield Trinity. McMeeken has been a vital member of the squad since joining from Castleford Tigers, and the Catalans will likely be seeking a marquee replacement to fill the void he’ll be leaving at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
“I have kind of got something sorted with Canberra. Hopefully, I will go into coaching. I’m not too sure what that role will be yet. I will sit down with Ricky [Stuart, Raiders’ coach] towards the back end of the season and go through that with him, but I will definitely be staying in rugby league somewhere and most likely at Canberra Raiders.”
However, it is important to note that these are merely initial negotiations, and a Super League return for Whitehead is not yet a done deal. An additional factor that may complicate a potential move is the fact that Whitehead has already indicated he has a non-playing role agreed with the Canberra Raiders. In November last year, he told The Yorkshire Post about his future plans.
With time still remaining in the current season, there is ample opportunity for Whitehead to finalize his future plans. If a Super League comeback does indeed materialize, it would undoubtedly be a surprising and intriguing development in the veteran’s illustrious rugby league career.
🔗 Source
