AN English rugby league outfit are preparing to make a huge play for Melbourne star Cooper Cronk, even though it’s likely to fail.

Meanwhile, a Dragons’ flyer is reportedly on the move and a huge blow for Jake Mamo.

All that and more from the northern hemisphere in this week’s edition of Exile Files!

UK PLAY FOR CRONK

Even though Cooper Cronk is moving to Sydney in 2018 to be closer to his fiancee Tara Rushton, it hasn’t stopped Warrington from reportedly making a play for the Australia Test star.

League Express reports the Wolves are keen to throw plenty of cash Cronk’s way, but it’s highly unlikely he’ll make the move.

Warrington have also been linked to Gold Coast playmaker Tyrone Roberts and Newcastle’s Trent Hodkinson.

Cooper Cronk in action. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

GIDLEY CONTENT

Former NRL star Kurt Gidley says he’s content with his decision to hang up the boots at the end of the season.

Gidley, 35, played 251 games for Newcastle before moving over to the Super League last year to play with Warrington.

Kurt Gidley runs out for Warrington. Source: The Sunday Telegraph

“When I left Australia I’d always planned to be over here for two years,” Gidley said.

“I only signed a one year deal with Warrington to start with and extended for another year. I guess I always had that two years in my mind.

“I was always open to staying longer, but deep down I knew after getting a couple of months into this season that mentally and physically I’m ready to finish up and I’m happy with that decision.”

MAMO BLOW

Huddersfield flyer Jake Mamo has suffered another blow after the former Newcastle player was ruled out for the rest of the season with a Lisfranc (foot) injury.

Mamo missed the start of the season following a separate foot injury suffered while on holiday in Bali, but went on to score 12 tries in eight appearances for the Giants.

“It basically binds the two major bones in your foot and, when that ruptures, you don’t have the same support or ability to push off on the foot,” Giants coach Rick Stone said.

“It keeps you motionless for a while and it’s going to take a long period of recovery to get him back.”

🎥🏉 Huge blow for @Giantsrl as coach Rick Stone reveals full-back Jake Mamo has been ruled out for the rest of the season! pic.twitter.com/7MVdmxmkDX — James Deighton (@rlwithjd) July 4, 2017

BYE BYE FAIFAI LOA?

Reports have emerged St George Illawarra winger Kalifa Faifai Loa is set to sign a deal with the Toronto Wolfpack in 2018.

The Canada-based third-tier outfit are set to be promoted next year and have already snared the signature of Faifai Loa’s Dragons teammate Josh McCrone.

Kalifa Faifai Loa of the Dragons scores a try. Source: Getty Images

With the Red V having re-signed Jason Nightingale, Kurt Mann and Tim Lafai while still having the likes of Euan Aitken and Nene Macdonald under contract, it makes sense for Faifai Loa to pursue other opportunities.

The Dragons also have young guns Reuben Garrick, Patrick Herbert and Zac Lomax working their way through the junior ranks at the club.

Ben Ikin and Nathan Ryan reveal the target areas and identify the strengths each Origin side should exploit ahead of Wednesday’s decider.

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CHASE SETTLES FUTURE

Ex-NRL player Rangi Chase has signed a permanent deal with Widnes for the next two years.

The former Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra playmaker joined the Vikings on loan from Castleford in May, but will now remain at the club.

Rangi Chase during his time at the Salford Red Devils. Source: Getty Images

“I have loved my time with the Vikings since day one,” Chase said.

“I’ve been welcomed here with open arms by the club, my teammates and the members.

“My experience here has been overwhelming so it was an easy decision to sign this permanent deal. I’m looking forward to working with Denis and my teammates over the coming years, to help it grow and enjoy success.”

TOMKINS CRITICISM

Former Wigan coach and current St George Illawarra recruitment boss Ian Millward has delivered a scathing assessment of Sam Tomkin’s second Super League stint.

Tomkins, who spent two years in the NRL with the Warriors, has struggled to recapture the form which saw him the target of southern hemisphere clubs.

Sam Tomkins in action during his time at the Warriors. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

“It’s time for Tomkins to stand up,” Millward told sportinglife.com.

“Wigan made him the player he was and paid massive money for him to return to the club.

“To this point, he’s delivered zero.”

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