The play-offs are providing a timely distraction from the rumour-mongering, but here a few snippets of transfer gossip doing the rounds this week.

Greg Bird, Catalans to Gold Coast
Gold Coast Titans say the result of Greg Bird's court case for recklessly wounding his girlfriend will determine whether they continue to pursue the troubled star. Bird, who is currently playing in France, is keen to join the Titans for the 2010 season. While confirming he had held talks with Bird, Titans CEO Michael Searle said any chance the utility would move to the Titans would be determined by his court case in November. Searle said he had no problem with signing a player with a poor behaviour record off the field, but said the game as a whole had to tread carefully with the matter. “I think I would be duplicitous if I said anything other than ‘the game should welcome a player back. We’ve done that in the past with other players who have had misdemeanours. If a player did want to come to the club and if he has had history and served his time, he deserves a second chance. He (Bird) has clearly got his own challenges at the moment.” (Source: Fox Sports)

Stanley Gene, Hull KR to Featherstone
Stanley Gene could be set to take a player-coach role at Featherstone after he was not offered a playing contract at Hull KR next season. The 35-year-old former Papua New Guinea international's deal ends this season but the forward may still be persuaded to stay at Craven Park by taking up a coaching role. Hull KR coach Justin Morgan said: "We would love for him to be involved in some regard but that will be his call." (Source: BBC Sport)

Semi Tadulala, Bradford to rugby union
Out of contract Bradford winger Semi Tadulala is being heavily linked with a switch to rugby union. Gloucester and Bath are reported to be keen. But an offer to stay at Odsal is on the table – and the Bulls are hopeful the Fijian international will commit himself to a third season. Talks are ongoing and chairman Peter Hood said: “Rugby union is an option for Semi and I know he’s had that interest in the past. But I think he would like to stay. He has told me he would like to stay, although I understand he has got other irons in the fire – and some of those might be in rugby league. I would expect it to be resolved by the end of the week and then we will know whether Mr Tadulala is going or staying.” (Source: Telegraph & Argus)

Dylan Skee, Harlequins to Whitehaven
Whitehaven have signed Aussie playmaker Dylan Skee on a two-year contract. The youngster, a regular for Super League Harlequins’ second-string this year, holds a British passport so will not count on the overseas quota. Coach Ged Stokes said today: “He was recommended to me by his agent, and I did some background work and I’ve seen some DVDs. He probably hasn’t had a chance at Harlequins due to import players coming in over the top of him.” (Source: Whitehaven News & Star)

Andy Ellis, Barrow to Celtic
Barrow hooker Andy Ellis, widely tipped to be named Championship Player of the Year, is being linked with a move to Celtic Crusaders. The Raiders are yet to offer him a deal for 2010 and Celtic Crusaders are among the sides believed to be interested in securing the former Hull KR man’s services, but Ellis said he was waiting for chairman Des Johnston to come up with the numbers for him to stay on at Craven Park. “We haven’t sat down, but I have told him I am happy to talk with him and he just has to make an offer for me to look at,” said the prolific number nine. (Source: North West Evening Mail)

Has your cousin's mate signed for St Helens? Maybe your milkman saw Israel Folau getting out of a taxi near the DW Stadium this morning? Have you heard a rumour? Share it with us below!