Diamond defends Sharks’ poaching of Denny

DENNY Solomona was offered to Sale and two other Rugby Union clubs, according to director of rugby Steve Diamond, who denies any wrong-doing in the signing of the recordbreaking Super League winger.

The Sharks confirmed the cross-code capture on Tuesday morning – weeks after Blindside broke the news – amid a likely legal battle after the 23-year-old Auckland-born player failed to turn up for the start of preseason training with Castleford.

Castleford say they rejected three offers during the season for the former London Broncos winger, who had two years left on his contract, and are set to take the matter to the High Court.

Diamond said: “We never wanted to go down the route of getting into legal battles. We just wanted the deal done and I’m sure the powers that be are getting on with that as we speak.

“I don’t think we’ve done anything wrong at all. Players have agents and agents put players up on the market place. There were two other Rugby Union clubs that I know of who were in the market to sign Denny Solomona.

“We’ve just got to bite our lip and get on with it and be candid. We’ve got nothing to hide.”

Solomona, who shot to prominence after scoring 42 tries for Castleford in 2016 has signed a three-year deal with Sale and will make his debut in today’s Champions Cup match against Saracens.

Diamond added: “I do understand Castleford’s perspective. He’s one of their star players.

“What has happened to Cas has happened to me, I had three players leave me in the summer, that’s the way it is. Denny’s attention was brought to me not by an agent but by fellow players, Samoan lads who play here who he’s friendly with.

“His desire was to get playing Rugby Union. If it wasn’t a club in England, he was going to go back to Auckland in the super franchises where he came from.

“The situation has been blown out of proportion. From day one Sale have done everything legitimately by the book. I think that will come out in the wash.”