GEOFF Toovey has given his biggest hint yet that he could return to the NRL in 2018.

Meanwhile, a Thomas Burgess rumour has been quashed.

All that and more from the Northern Hemisphere in this week’s edition of Exile Files.

TOOVEY TO MAKE NRL RETURN?

Geoff Toovey says his coaching future remains very much up in the air beyond 2017.

The former Manly player and coach is currently in charge of struggling English outfit Bradford who sit last on the Championship ladder.

The Bulls will be relegated to the third-tier competition next season and Toovey told English publication League Express he may not be at the helm.

Former Manly coach Geoff Toovey. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

“I’m really committed to this year and I was hoping we could get off the bottom where we were situated but that hasn’t been the case,” Toovey said.

“It has been an enjoyable year and like the players I am looking to finish on a high, but I don’t know exactly where or what I’ll be doing next year.”

Toovey’s been mentioned as a contender for the Gold Coast job should Neil Henry get the sack.

BURGESS NOT ENGLAND BOUND

England-based website TotalRL reports Castleford won’t be signing South Sydney’s Tom Burgess.

The England international was rumoured to be linking with the Tigers next season, but with another year to go on his contract, the move has been quashed.

Thomas Burgess of the Rabbitohs in action. Source: AAP

Meanwhile, the Tigers have signed Joe Wardle from Newcastle from next season.

Wardle has been struggling with homesickness since moving from England to the Knights this year.

Ben Ikin, Nathan Ryan and Ben Glover are joined by player manager Steve Gillis to discuss the Eels’ incredible season just 12 months on from salary cap disaster.

You can also subscribe via iTunes or for Android users, listen on the iPP Podcast Player app.

MORE TIME FOR MOORS

Former Melbourne forward Junior Moors has extended his contract with Castleford until the end of 2020.

The 31-year-old moved to England following the 2014 NRL season and has played 65 games for the Tigers to date.

Junior Moors in action during his time with the Storm. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

“Junior Moors is a high-quality player who has continued to get better during his time at the club,” Castleford coach Daryl Powell said.

“His ability as a ballplayer in the middle of the field is outstanding, as is his ball-carrying strength.”

Live stream the 2017 NRL Premiership on FOX SPORTS. Get your free 2-week FOXTEL NOW trial and start watching in minutes. SIGN UP NOW!

MANUOKAFOA TO FRANCE

Remember Manase Manuokafoa?

The former South Sydney, North Queensland and Parramatta prop has been plying his trade for English clubs Bradford and Widnes since 2015.

The 32-year-old is set for another change of scenery, however, after agreeing to play for French outfit Albi from 2018.

KR PROMOTION HOPES GIVEN BOOST

Tries to Daniel Mortimer and Atelea Vea were not enough as Leigh went down to Hull KR 20-16 in the Super 8s qualifiers.

The Tim Sheens-coached Rovers snatched victory with just minutes remaining to give their Super League promotion hopes a massive boost.

“It’s another foot in the door. To win two out of two and one against a Super League side certainly helps, there’s no doubt about that,” Sheens said.

Daniel Mortimer in action during his time at Cronulla. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

Meanwhile, Mortimer revealed how close he came to joining Sheens at Hull KR last season before he made the move to Cronulla.

“I was about as close as you can get,” Mortimer told TotalRL of the proposed move.

“It was a couple of weeks before the relegation that it got pulled. In the end it was a blessing in disguise because they suffered relegation and now I’m at Leigh and really enjoying my time at the club.