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Monday, January 6, 2020
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Monday January 6, 2020
RIMMER’S 2020 VISION FOR RL RFL CEO talks Bennett future, Ashes victory plans, Wembley crowd hopes, North American expansion and more... 2020 WILL BE THE YEAR England win the Ashes, the Challenge Cup Final rediscovers its magic, and rugby league puts itself in the perfect position for a bumper new broadcast deal. Well, that’s if the Rugby Football League’s chief executive Ralph Rimmer hits his ambitious targets for the 12 months ahead. As the New Year gets into full swing, League Weekly editor PAUL BENNETT catches up with the Red Hall supremo to discuss a range of issues from Wayne Bennett to women’s rugby league, Wembley crowds to TV contract negotiations, and heartland club crises to brand new horizons in Ottawa and New York... LW: What are your headline aims for 2020, Ralph? RR: We’re aiming for a 75 per cent win record for the senior teams in the England Performance Unit, which obviously includes England in the Ashes series. We want to sell 95,000 tickets for the Ashes series, bring in £2m in commercial partnerships for the RFL and associated companies (up from £1.87m for 2019) and have 70,000-plus people at Wembley for the Challenge Cup Final. Clearly we want to be profitable. We want to progress within striking distance of our target to have 21,000 women and girls playing the game by the time of the Rugby League World Cup 2021 final, and (we want to put) another £7m into the community game for developing facilities on top of the £4m that’s already gone in. We also want 200,000 Our League members. We’re at around 135,000 at this moment in time, and it’s all about positioning ourselves for the next broadcast deal. The development of Our League is a big part of that. To have 135,000 members from a standing start is decent, there’s plenty of sports looking at us wondering how we’re doing it.
was in 2014, I don’t think. In 2014, basically there was a big bow around it and that was everything. It just won’t look like that. I’m pretty confident that by the time we’re done in 2021 we’ll look pretty good, but it will not be as binary as it has been in the past. That’s why we’re doing all the things we’re doing at the moment. I know Sky were pleased with what they had from Championship and League 1 last year, with the Summer Bash and the play-offs at the end of the year. That’s really significant when promotion and relegation is involved because it tells the story of whoever eventually emerges from the competition. So we have a very good relationship with Sky and clearly working alongside Super League will be key in all that. We’re in the middle of the last two years of a really critical cycle and at the end of these two years we’ll have a World Cup which is a huge lever for us; we’ll have done a broadcast deal in whatever form it takes; and we’ll have concluded another Sport England negotiation as well. All of those things come up at the end of 2021 and it’s my job and every executive’s job to make sure the sport is in the best possible condition for those negotiations.
At what stage do you expect proper negotiations to begin? I would imagine they will get some momentum towards the end of the year. That would be logical. That’s generally how these things work. All I want to do – and I know Robert Elstone, (RLWC2021 CEO) Jon Dutton and Chris (Rostron) and Rugby League Cares do as well – is make sure we look in great shape, are united and look like a force to be reckoned with. We’re in the process of doing that and a lot of last year was about that.
On that subject, as things currently stand, how confident are you of the Championship and League 1 competitions having their own broadcast deal beyond 2021?
On the subject of the Championship and League 1, 2019 was a year of turmoil for the likes of Widnes, Bradford and Keighley... how optimistic are you that there are no repeats of those experiences in 2020?
I’m confident, but I think it will be a really sophisticated and complex broadcast deal which will involve different elements. I don’t think it will be as straightforward as one single broadcaster. We’ve set up our own broadcast platform and clearly there’s a relationship with Super League and I speak to (Super League CEO) Robert Elstone every couple of weeks for updates on what they’re doing. The deal will not be as it
Well I’m not naive so they could happen at any point. Clubs are locally managed, and some things will go right and some things will go wrong. What I do think is that we had a very positive Championship and League 1 forum at the end of the year, with a huge wrap-up of the season and a vision for where we want to go. We have a return on investment mechanism that rewards clubs for doing the things
NOT NAIVE: Ralph Rimmer, pictured with Betfred boss Fred Done, admits there could be more difficult times ahead for semi-professional clubs that help us develop the sport and grow it. I think there’s genuine recognition that we’re in a different place to where we have been in the past. Clubs are looking at each other and seeing how they do certain things right and they swapped a lot of best practice at the forum. It was a very intense couple of days and I think we all came out of it in good shape. That’s not being blind to the fact that there may be some difficulties along the way, but the three clubs you mention are all in a lot better shape and have a really good future ahead of them.
Not everybody has been keen to draw a line under the Bradford Bulls saga, with some still calling for questions to be answered. Has that surprised you? What do you say to those people who still have concerns? I think it’s absolutely right we should draw a line under it. We’ve provided a massive amount of information to the press and to the clubs themselves, both at that Championship and League 1 forum and at Council. We opened the floor to anybody who wanted to ask questions and I don’t think we could have provided any more information without breaching commercial confidences. Everything else was on the table. At Council in particular, we put it on the agenda so everyone in the sport had the opportunity to ask whatever they wanted until they were satisfied with the answers. The outcome of all that was a limited amount of dissatisfaction, however the vast majority of people in
that room were satisfied with what they got and said we need to move on because this is a critical period for the sport.
What is the latest with regard to the proposed relocation of Hemel Stags to Ottawa and the bid for a new League 1 club in New York? When should we learn more about those? There will be some announcements early in the New Year.
Positive ones? There will be some announcements early in the New Year! (laughs) I know there are always going to be people critical of these things but, if you take Toronto Wolfpack as an example, they got crowds of 9,000-10,000 last year, have put the game out to a completely new TV audience, have signed Sonny Bill Williams to play in Super League and have had enormous cut-through. That journey in itself has elevated the sport. In the end, we judge ourselves against some very simple corporate objectives and they are participation numbers, viewing numbers, spectators, digital engagements, winning at international level and good governance. Those are our corporate objectives that are part of our strategy and if we hit all those objectives we’ll all be in a much better place. One of the things we’re often questioned on is whether it’s the RFL’s responsibility to develop the game in Spain or Italy or Canada or the USA? And the answer is no, it isn’t. However, if those clubs help
the RFL and Super League hit their corporate objectives then that’s what they are judged against. We’re not judging ourselves on the skill of our development of Canadian rugby league, we’re asking if a club helps us with our objectives. We’re not making it up as we go along, we’ve got a strategy and we know what we want to achieve. That’s how we get to those decisions.
Let’s talk about the Challenge Cup final. You’ve set an aim of 70,000 tickets, so you’re obviously expecting the new July date to make a bit of a difference? Yes. You’re always vulnerable to an extent to the teams that are involved in the final, we understand that, but our aim is always to sell as many tickets as we can in advance of the semi-finals. We also brought in the 1895 Cup Final to add to the occasion and I think in it’s first year it gave us something to work with, I think that gives us a future as well. We’ll be stepping up all the marketing activity again and, yes, trying to take advantage of that July date. We think we’ve got some opportunities to put the event back on the footing that we want it, with the support of Super League, RLWC2021 and Rugby League Cares. It’s to everyone’s benefit that the Challenge Cup is successful.
Have you decided whether the 1895 Cup Final will kick-off before or after the Challenge Cup Final? No, that hasn’t been decided yet but will be soon.
If the crowd doesn’t improve in the new July slot, does that open up the question about whether Wembley is the right the venue? I think it probably opens up all sorts of questions if I’m honest. Last year it’s fair to say ticket sales from the clubs that made the final were not as we would have hoped, but July gives us an opportunity and we’ll try to take advantage of it.
Will there be special plans for the 125th anniversary? Yes, for the whole year not just the Challenge Cup, though that will be a part of it. It all begins with the President’s Ball on Saturday. There will be some digital campaigns which will flow out throughout the year, highlighting historic dates, players, coaches and characters; there will be some videos, a special logo, a charity birthday party in August built around the date at the meeting at the George Hotel, there’ll be plenty of content on Our League, and of course we have the Kangaroos tour at the end of the year. It’s the 25th year of Super League too so we’ll be doing stuff in conjunction with Super League.
You mentioned the Kangaroos tour there so let’s talk about international rugby league now. Where are you up to with the review of the Great Britain Lions tour, and at what point will you be reporting to the board? The review is well progressed and we’re on schedule. We gave plenty of information to the board in December, with more to come, and they interrogated what we’d done. The meeting
Monday January 6, 2020
League Weekly
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THE NO.1 READ IN RUGBY LEAGUE
BIG DECISION: The future of Wayne Bennett (left) is due to be decided on February 6. Meanwhile, Rimmer has high hopes for the Challenge Cup final in its new July slot. PHOTOS: SWPIX.COM where all the key decisions are made is scheduled for February 6. It’s a complicated piece of work and we’ve looked at everything in some detail, as you’d expect. It’s a big decision to be made for the next two years. But the review wasn’t just about on the field, it was about ticket sales, the Lions brand, logistics and all the other things.
Let’s concentrate on the ‘sexy’ stuff though... should we expect to know who will be England coach in the days after that February 6 meeting? I would expect that to be the case. We haven’t decided how we will announce anything or roll anything out but that would be logical.
Does Wayne Bennett still want to continue in the job? Yes.
And have you had any other expressions of interest from others?
mingled with the fans as I always do. We shared plenty of feelings. But it’s always best to take the emotion out of it and analyse everything very scientifically. It’s hard to do in the heat of the moment and easier when you’ve taken a step back.
How close are you to finalising plans for a mid-season international? It’s part of the review. We have got some options. At this moment it’s in the diary and I would expect it to happen. The Super League clubs are all aware of that and all the owners I’ve spoken to are very supportive of the national team and understand the importance of the World Cup and our preparations for it.
But, as I’ve said to the players, coaches and staff of all the teams – not just the men – we set the England Performance Unit together in January 2018 and it was never, ever going to be a straight line. We were never going to whiz through to the 2021 World Cup final and win it. That was never going to be the case. You have to put something very testing in front of you, and I worked very hard with Kevin on doing that. You set yourselves some big tasks, see how you come out of them and then redirect yourself and go again. At the end of the day, in a World Cup competition, the team is going to have to win with what it’s got on the day, regardless of who the opposition is, so that means
‘I understand how fans feel about results. It would be naive to not feel people’s frustrations and the height of stupidity to ignore it...’ - Ralph Rimmer on the future of Wayne Bennett
Yes.
So it’s not a closed process? No, it’s not closed. What I would say is – and this is not to give you a lead in any direction – Wayne, Kevin (Sinfield) and the rest of us all agree we didn’t achieve what we wanted to on the field prior to the tour, but nevertheless prior to that we’d had some real success in winning the Kiwis series the year before. It’s very easy to be dismissive of that because a couple of results went wrong, but it’s a big picture we’ve got to look at – including the head coach, how the structures work underneath, the preparations, logistics... all the elements that go into making a tour a success or not.
Did you understand the reaction from fans and the clamour for change? Of course. I was a chief executive of two Super League clubs for 10 years, I understand how fans feel about results. It would be naive to not feel people’s frustrations and the height of stupidity to ignore it. But we’re there to make the right decision, a holistic decision. I was on the tour for six weeks and I felt everyone’s frustration; I stood there and made the speeches and
Are New Zealand still your preferred opponents? I couldn’t say. There are some options and that’s an option, but there are one or two others as well.
You’ve set a target to the England national teams to win 75 per cent of their games, so clearly that means winning the Ashes. How are our chances? I think we can do it, absolutely I do. The reason I put these targets out is I want people to understand that I want to be big, I want to be bold, I want to put targets up there that are ‘stretch’ targets. People would say winning the Ashes is a tough target to hit but at least we’re being open, transparent and honest at the start and the end of the year. People might say we didn’t achieve what we wanted but we can’t be accused of not being open and transparent. So yes, absolutely, the target is to win the Ashes.
Are England on course to win the World Cup in 2021? I think we will be after the review. We set a difficult playing programme and we knew it was going to be tough. Really honestly, of course we didn’t expect to go away (on tour) and not come away with a win. So that sets you back a bit.
we’ve got to learn a bit from any losses, adapt and move forward. I’m certainly not going to sit here and say those results were ideal, but it gives us another springboard.
What are your ambitions for the women’s game in 2020? Well, as I’ve said, we’re aiming to grow the playing pyramid so we get to that target of 21,000 women and girls playing the game by the 2021 World Cup. We’re on target for that; we’re at around 17,500-18,000 now and our goal is to increase by 10 per cent each year. It’s been fantastically successful so far; the launch of the Women’s Super League has been a huge boost and there’s plenty of work gone on. I think people like Lois (Forsell), Jodie (Cunningham) and Caitlin (Beevers) are fantastic role models for girls who may not have thought of playing rugby league in the past. Now they see those great athletes with loads of ability and think ‘I want to be like that’. It’s a real tidal wave at this moment in time and it’s a pleasure to be involved in it. The England women of course played in the World Cup 9s and then went to PNG and they are life-changing experiences – for the people
in PNG too. It was a groundbreaking tour and it shattered some ceilings over there. That’s bigger than rugby league, to be honest. This year we’re trying to get the Australian women over to play at the end of the year and that would be a big test for them, of course it would. The Australians are great players and they are a bit further along than we are, but I think they (England) are beginning to believe it’s not out of reach anymore. And it absolutely isn’t.
In terms of the big women’s finals, the Challenge Cup final was part of a triple-header with the men’s semi-finals at Bolton in 2019 while the Grand Final was at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium. Are you looking at doing that again? Yes, the same kind of thing. The women’s Grand Final will be at Headingley. We want to make those occasions bigger every year and having the Challenge Cup final at Bolton was fantastically successful; we had 3,000-4,000 people there watching that game, which was massive. We’re going to increase the coverage with the help of the BBC and Betfred, and on Our League, and we’ll endeavour to make all their finals bigger and better. We’re on a journey with them and they understand that, and I think they’re as excited as we are.
THISWEEK
Hat-trick at Headingley?
MATT PRIOR won Premierships with difference clubs in the NRL and now wants a third with Leeds Rhinos as the Richard Agar revolution gathers pace at Headingley...
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DANNYLOCKWOOD
‘What remains paramount in rugby league is our duty of care towards today’s players, and especially the young people still coming into the sport...’ Locky calls for headgear all-round
ANDREWVOSS
‘I can sadly bring a rugby league element into the story. One of our greatest ever players and gentlemen, Ron Coote lost his home...’ Vossy on Australia’s wildfire disaster
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STEVEMASCORD
‘The sun is beating down heavily and I’m applying sunscreen as I buzz the apartment of the man who fought back when Rupert Murdoch came calling...’ Steve travels through night to meet Ron
NOSEYPARKER More good news for Rovers owner on back of ground deal
To wrap up, what’s your New Year’s resolution? Well if I smashed all those targets I’d be over the moon! The targets are there and visible because I know they take us in the right direction. It’s all about World Cup readiness and what this World Cup can do for us as individuals and as clubs. Going back to the point about how confident I can be about the sustainability of clubs, well we’re working with everyone to make the sport bigger and better. The sport, continually I think, punches above its weight and it needs to continue to do so as well because the world becomes increasingly competitive and we need to be innovative. It’s all about getting to that place that prepares us for all those negotiations to come and takes us into a new era beyond 2021. If we can hit those targets then I know we’ll be on course.
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THEFORUM Praise for RL community in wake of shocking Rob Burrow revelation
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CONTACT US League Weekly, 31 Branch Road, Batley, West Yorkshire, WF17 5SB Phone: 01924 666433 Email: editor@league-weekly.com Publisher: Danny Lockwood Editor: Paul Bennett Amateur rugby league correspondent: Dave Parkinson Commercial manager: Mike Smith Photography: SWpix.com, Bernard Platt
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League Weekly
DANNY
Monday January 6, 2020
LOCKWOOD
PUBLISHER SHOOTS STRAIGHT FROM THE LIP
@danlocky1
Lessons to be learned on safety S THIS the first time that Super League will have started in January, during the so-called ‘summer era’? I ask, because I have to admit my memory isn’t what it once was (sorry – what newspaper is this I’m writing for again...?) Editor’s note: It isn’t. With the touring Australians again taking the season into midNovember, it means that for some players, the season will comprise of the thick end of 10 months of highimpact rugby. Mindful of Ian Millward’s insightful observation (a good few years ago now) that rugby league is no longer a contact sport, but a collision sport, now seems a good time to consider just how much we’re asking of elite athletes. I say that Ian Millward made that comment, but it might have been Tony Smith ... like I said, the recall isn’t at its sharpest these days. As the entire sport – and beyond – recoiled from the tragic news of Rob Burrow’s motor neurone diagnosis, a lot of people were talking about the potential health repercussions of playing this beloved sport of ours. Indeed, after my own musings on the subject, I got into an email conversation with former Wakefield MP and Parliamentary RL Group chairman David Hinchliffe on the subject. David remains a trustee of the RFL Benevolent Fund.
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Regarding those previous couple of references I made to my memory not being quite what it was – I’m sure it’s just an ordinary, passing-ofthe-years thing, the sort of thing that befalls most people eventually. Well, I say ‘sure’... I’m actually not sure that’s something any of us can take for granted these days. What remains paramount in rugby league – despite assertions from relatively grizzly old sods like me giving thanks for the times and memories rugby has given us – is our duty of care towards today’s players, and especially the young people still coming into the sport, who are and forever will be the lifeblood of League. Remembering my own days being a dad on the sideline, I was always impressed that wearing headguards seemed universal amongst juniors, although I confess to not knowing whether it was – or is – compulsory, and if so up to what age groups. So now I’d like to raise the prospect or possibility of making the wearing of protective headgear mandatory at all levels of the sport. After all, if it’s a great idea for youngsters, at what point does it stop being a good idea for all? Is it enforceable (obviously it is) – but would it be resisted? It would take a bit of getting used to for some players, clearly, and I don’t doubt that many of our (self-imagined)
SAFETY CONSCIOUS: Jonny Lomax of St Helens has always worn protective head gear indestructible athletes would scoff at the need for them. Neither do I doubt that a few of our more vain players would resist attempts for them to cover their flowing locks or mask their handsome visages. It’s not scaremongering to wonder whether they might think differently 30 or so years down the line when they’re stuck in a conversation and can’t for the life of them remember what they started saying; or perhaps find themselves in a room looking absently around, wondering what the hell they came in here for. And that is just the
mildest of starts for people developing a range of dementiarelated conditions. In America’s NFL, when the governing body had to settle a billion-dollar claim from ex-players with life-limiting conditions brought on by their head injuries, debate centred around whether their rigid helmets had helped or hindered the situation. In ages past, players wore leather headgear. The move to today’s lightweight but rigid helmets might have been meant as precautionary, but what hindsight showed was
that the helmet became a defensive player’s offensive weapon. Going missile-like, head first, into high-impact contact was until only recently a staple of American Football ‘tackling’. It’s now strictly officiated, but for many athletes that’s too little, too late. The false sense of security the headgear imparted became, for many, a lifeshortening sentence that players, and the sport itself, only realised the gravity of many years later. There’s almost a sense of pride amongst the rugby fraternity that our players – of both codes – take to the field with not much more than a gumshield (and some fools not even that) while an NFL star has more protective cladding than a medieval knight. Just in writing this, I’ve started wondering if those big Joan Collinslike shoulder pads that were such a feature of League in the 70s and 80s begat that same false sense of security, with players throwing themselves headlong into tackles for a king hit, more recklessly than they might today. I don’t know if making the headgear favoured by such as Chris Hill and Jonny Lomax mandatory would be helpful – although if it’s good enough for the great Johnathan Thurston it can’t be said to impede performance! – but I would suggest it is worth exploring at least. For some players, it might be a case of shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted. But there’s the welfare of many more generations of rugby players to consider and surely every possible preventative avenue should be explored. It’s the very least our players deserve.
I like Toronto... it’s not all bad, guys! OU can’t read, watch or tune-in to everything in the sporting firmament, even with the best will in the world. As such, while catching up on current Bradford but former Toronto exec Eric Perez’s comments about the obstacles the Wolfpack have had to overcome, I have to confess to not having seen much more than the ‘Union tried to destroy us’ headlines. I’m not sure if that extended to planting IEDs under the Lamport Stadium in-goal areas, or that Canada’s protective Union hierarchy just demonstrated a sulky lack of public cooperation. But pair it with the two Brians’ ‘nobody loves us, everybody hates us’ mantra, and it paints a bit of a picture. Guys – it’s a competitive world out there; that’s kind of how sport works. You wanted everyone to fall in love with the threats you pose – whether that be to Union’s
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THE OUTSIDERS: Toronto captain Josh McCrone celebrates promotion to Super League pre-eminence in north America, or the possibilities of clubs being displaced in the Championship/Super League? Get real. More likely, this is a pretty
rudimentary ‘we, the underdogs’ cod-psychology, with which to arm players, fans and backers alike as the Wolfpack market their exciting first Super League
campaign as being ‘them against the world’. The fact is, lots of us love you and wish you well guys. Just don’t overplay the tear-filled hankies gig.
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‘JERRY’ PAYS PRICE OF LOYALTY Winger could have won trophies elsewhere... but he’s no regrets about sticking with Giants JERMAINE McGILLVARY admits he will be “disappointed” if his career finishes without more silverware. But Huddersfield Giants’ loyal England winger doesn’t regret his tag as a ‘one-club man’. There have certainly been offers to tempt the popular 31-year-old away from the John Smith’s Stadium. Jerry’s performances at the 2017 World Cup, scoring seven tries in six games, led to links with a switch from Super League to the NRL. Through any speculation though, McGillvary remained in West Yorkshire and on Sunday launches his testimonial season with a game against Championship side Halifax (kick-off 3pm). “There have been teams who have won Super Leagues and Challenge Cups which, had I left, I would have been part of those,” he told League Weekly ahead of his big day. “So I have had opportunity but the Giants have always been loyal to me, even when I first arrived at the Academy. “Not many teams would let a kid from nowhere come down and allow them to train with our Academy. “I had played for nobody. The previous time I had played rugby was when I was 12 years old. “And everytime I wanted a deal
By Trevor Baxter for some kind of security; maybe to buy my next house, the club has always looked after me with a fouror five-year deal. “Even with my last contract (in 2018) when I was 29, I signed for five years so I am just trying to show a bit of loyalty. “I have not won anything major with the exception of the League Leaders’ Shield, which is probably disappointing. “But I have got four years to try and put it right. I am not looking any further than that. And the journey has been amazing.” Huddersfield’s 2019 season was all about fending off relegation rather than challenging for honours. McGillvary finished with 17 tries, boosting his Super League career tally to 161, but missed the start of the season with hamstring trouble. This time he’s fit and raring to go for the new season opener at Catalans Dragons on February 1. “I had elbow surgery when I finished the GB tour and had three weeks off,” he explained. “But I came back in early December to get the fitness I haven’t perhaps had in the last few years, to make sure I am ready to go this year. “In other years I have had ankle surgery and other operations, so I haven’t been able to run fully.
“But I have only had my elbow done this time. It was my choice to come in early and rip in with the boys so hopefully we can have a better season as a whole. “I wasn’t great last season. But physically I have started off better. I am ahead of schedule.” McGillvary made a two-try Super League bow against Bradford Bulls in 2010. “It only seems like yesterday,” he recalled. “Now I am looking at lads in our squad who are 10 years younger than me. “It has gone really quickly and been more than anything I could have dreamed of. “I didn’t even think I would play Super League at first, nevermind spending a decade with my hometown club. “When I was a kid, I wanted to be a professional footballer not a rugby league player. “But when I was working I just wanted to do something that would make me some money and have a future with. Rugby league has given me that. “The life I have had in rugby league and with Huddersfield Giants I would never have got in any other walk of life. So I am grateful for it.”
LOYAL: Jermaine McGillvary turned down offers from trophy-winning clubs to stay PHOTOS: SWPIX.COM with Huddersfield
Testimonial boy Danny keeps himself honest By Trevor Baxter DANNY BROUGH will join a select group of players when he pulls on a Wakefield Trinity shirt in Super League this year. Evergreen Broughy will be 37 when Trinity launch their 2020 campaign at Hull KR on January 31. The 2013 Man of Steel would have been the top flight’s oldest participant had it not been for ‘Father Time’ Gareth Ellis. But Brough, who celebrates his landmark birthday on January 15, is still going strong after the retirements at Warrington and Leeds last season of Benny Westwood and Jamie Jones-Buchanan. About to kick-off another season with his testimonial against Rovers this Sunday, (kick-off 2pm), the former Scottish international is raring to go. “I have said it before but if I feel I am not offering something to the team I will probably ping myself,” said Brough. “I am not one of those who will try and carry on to get a pay cheque. “If I am offering something and I am playing well I will do it. If I am offering nothing and it is not working out then something will have to change.” Brough is in the final year of his current Wakefield contract but you wouldn’t bet against him going around
‘HUMBLING’: Danny Brough marks his long career when Trinity take on Hull KR this Sunday
once more in 12 months’ time. He credits cutting out the booze as one of the reasons for his longevity plus a love for the game that has seen him represent Dewsbury, York, Hull FC, Castleford, Huddersfield and of course
Trinity in a career spanning two decades. He has made more than 300 Super League games, scored 63 tries and booted over 1,000 goals. “It is humbling to be granted this testimonial,” said the feisty half-back. “You
want to be a professional when you are a kid and I play the game because I love it. So to have 20 years in the game has been great for me and the family. “But I wear my heart on my sleeve and try to give 100 per cent every time. “There is no real secret. It is all about training hard and playing hard that ensures you keep going. “The body still feels good, I have had a full pre-season, not missed any training and I am looking forward for the season to start.” Brough was 22 when he made his Super League bow for Hull, going on to win the Challenge Cup with the Black and Whites in 2005. “Winning the Challenge Cup was a big moment in my career,” said the playmaker, whose goal earned John Kear’s side a 25-24 win over Leeds. “Getting Castleford back into Super League by winning the National League final was another special moment,” he said of a 42-10 over Widnes in 2007. “Representing Scotland in some big games was memorable, including reaching the quarter finals of a World Cup and then drawing with the Kiwis in the Four Nations.
“Getting relegated with Cas was one of the lows and leaving Hull FC wasn’t one of the greatest moments of my life. But I bounced back and hopefully now we can have a good season at Wakefield.” Trinity looked certain top five contenders at one stage last season but then had to fight an end of term relegation scrap. “We had it tough with 12 people missing for part of the season,” Brough recalled. “But that is what you have a squad for. “Hopefully, we can find some consistency in most areas, win our home games and try to break into the top five.” Brough’s testimonial will be a chance for both clubs to run the rule over each other before the real thing three weeks later. “I am sure both teams will play different styles if I am
being perfectly honest,” said the man of the hour. “The result is not the key thing. It is about getting match fitness, try to control the ball and work on things we have done in pre-season.” New signing Josh Wood is 13 years Brough’s junior but tipped by the old master for promising things in 2020 after his move from Salford. “Young Josh is probably a bit unknown in Wakefield parts,” says Brough of the Wigan-born hooker. “But he has trained well in pre-season and looks sharp from dummy half. “I am sure he is one to watch and hopefully as a team we will be too.” Tom Johnstone (knee) is in line to feature in Brough’s testimonial, though Tinirau Arona (ACL) and David Fifita (foot) are out and remain doubts for the start of the season.
THIS WEEK’S FIXTURES FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 Coventry Bears v London Broncos SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 Salford Red Devils v Leigh Centurions Newcastle Thunder v Whitehaven SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 Wakefield Trinity v Hull KR Huddersfield Giants v Halifax Hull FC v London Broncos Hunslet v Batley Bulldogs Keighley Cougars v Dewsbury Rams Leeds Rhinos v Bradford Bulls Rochdale Hornets v Oldham Widnes Vikings v Castleford Tigers
7.30pm 12pm 3pm 2pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm
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League Weekly
Monday January 6, 2020
MATT’S PRIOR EXPERIENCE Two-time Grand Final winner hunts third title with resurgent Rhinos By Ross Heppenstall
LOAN DEAL: Rhys Evans
Evans to push for Rhinos run-out LEEDS loanee Rhys Evans could make his Rhinos debut against parent club Bradford on Sunday as the West Yorkshire rivals raise money for Rob Burrow. Gate receipts from the 3pm pre-season derby clash at Headingley will be split between the Rob Burrow Fund and recently -retired club legend Jamie JonesBuchanan, who is celebrating his testimonial with one last run-out for the Rhinos. Organisers are aiming for a sell-out crowd for the fixture, for which more than 10,000 tickets have already been sold. The Bulls are donating all their gate receipts to the fund, which has already brought in more than £250,000 to support Burrow and his family in the wake of him being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The game is the Rhinos’ second pre-season work-out, with Richard Agar’s side having already beaten Wakefield 30-4 on Boxing Day. It will come on the back of a warm-weather training camp in Spain and could well see a first appearance in amber and blue for Evans, who last week joined Leeds on a season-long loan. The Welsh international centre last played Super League in 2017 with Warrington, for whom he scored 45 tries in 105 games. Evans, 27, stepped down to the Championship with Leigh the following year before featuring 15 times for the Bulls last season, scoring three tries. Leeds director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said: “We are pleased to have brought a player of Rhys’s undoubted experience to the Rhinos to bolster our squad. He can cover a number of positions in the outside backs. “Last season we were able to bring James Donaldson during pre-season to increase our quality in depth and we hope that Rhys will have a similar impact in 2020. “He will immediately join up with the group and will join the squad for the pre-season camp in Spain next week.” Bradford boss John Kear said: “Rhys had a release clause in his contract so he was entitled to move to a Super League club. By agreeing the loan proposition with Leeds he now has an opportunity to establish himself. “As part of the agreement the Bulls will also get a couple of Leeds players, which will be announced later in the month. “Rhys is a smashing lad, with a strong Super League pedigree. On a personal level I am pleased for him that he has this opportunity.”
MATT PRIOR won two league titles during his lengthy NRL career – now he wants to complete a hat-trick of Grand Final victories with Leeds Rhinos. The 32-year-old forward, who has joined Richard Agar’s side on a two-year deal with an option for a third season, enjoyed successful spells at St George Illawarra and Cronulla. In 2010, Prior came off the bench to help the Dragons to the NRL title with a 32-8 win over Sydney Roosters and in 2016 he was part of the starting Sharks team who beat Melbourne Storm 14-12 to take the premiership for the very first time. Prior told League Weekly: “I’d love to be able to hold the Super League trophy up at the end of the year – that’s my number-one priority and my number-one goal. “I thought I would play for a number of years in the NRL and then finish my career in the Super League. Experiencing the English culture and living abroad is something that has always appealed to me. “I’m really glad it has worked out that way and I get the chance to do it, so hopefully we can have a successful year. “I’ve won two Premierships, which is amazing, and it would be awesome to win a third with the Rhinos. “Hopefully it comes true. If we work hard, who knows what is out there for us?” Prior, who also helped St George Illawarra lift the 2011 World Club Challenge trophy with victory over Wigan at the DW Stadium, had one year remaining on his contract at Cronulla. But, as he explained: “They had salary cap pressure, so they needed someone to go. They asked if I wanted to leave and, if I had any offers, whether I wanted to take them. “I got the offer from Leeds and kind of grabbed it with both hands.” Several conversations with director of rugby Kevin Sinfield helped Prior make up his mind. While Leeds have fought relegation in three of the previous four seasons and have sacked two coaches – Brian McDermott and Dave Furner – during the past two campaigns, the eight-time Super League champions clearly feel better times are just around the corner. “This is a club that is definitely hungry for success and when you have that success, you always want to get back there,” Prior said. “The way Kev speaks, that’s his motivation I guess. He wants this club to be great again and, after having a couple of not-so-good years, they are ready to be pushing for those honours again. “I spoke to Kev on the phone and whatever questions I need answering, he would answer them. “He’s been super helpful and, even when I was back in Australia, he was helping to take care of things for me. He’s been really good.” Prior is widely seen as a replacement for his old St George Illawarra teammate Trent Merrin, who has rejoined the Dragons after just one year at Headingley. But the new arrival is more of a prop than a back-rower. He said: “My best position is front row. That’s where I’ve played in the past five or six years and where I’m best suited.”
‘TOP NOTCH’: Matt Prior admits he didn’t quite realise how big a club Leeds Rhinos are Prior could make his first appearance in a Leeds jersey when Bradford Bulls visit Headingley in a pre-season friendly this Sunday. “The facilities here are unbelievable – I’m pretty surprised,” he said of his new surroundings. “I knew Leeds was a big club but I didn’t realise how big and how good the facilities actually are. I’ve been shown around the training ground and the stadium and everything is top notch.
‘I heard Trent Merrin played some great football over here, so hopefully I can do exactly the same, help us get off to a good start and win some games...’ - Matt Prior “I’m ready to play whenever they want me to play, so if I’m picked against Bradford then I’ll be happy,” he added. “I heard Trent Merrin played some great football over here, so hopefully I can do exactly the same, help us get off to a good start and win some games. Hopefully everything rolls smoothly.” Prior has spent the past weeks acclimatising to his new surroundings with his partner and their little girl. “We’re in the middle of settling in and it’s a beautiful city,” said the Aussie, who is living in Roundhay. “I didn’t expect it to be so big and so busy. There are many people about shopping and it’s really cool. “There is a big soccer team here as well in Leeds United. I used to follow
football and would play a lot of FIFA and stuff like that. “Since having a kid I haven’t had any time for that, but I’ve still got a soft spot for it. “I’ve heard Leeds United are top of the league and they might go up if they continue like they have been doing. That would be great.” Unlike Merrin, Prior is not a marquee signing. However, he has been impressed with the number of big-name players who are flocking to Super League from the NRL. Blake Austin proved a major hit last season after joining Warrington Wolves and the likes of George Burgess, James Maloney, Gareth Widdop and Sonny Bill Williams are all gearing up for their debut campaigns in Super League. The opening round will see Leeds host Hull FC at Headingley in a double-header that will also involve a clash between Castleford Tigers and Toronto Wolfpack. Prior enthused: “There are a lot of big names coming over who could continue their careers in the NRL but they want to come over here. “Super League is a good, tough competition as well, so everyone feels they can come over here, play some good footy and enjoy the overall experience. “The double header will be very exciting and they have told me it should be a massive crowd. “It will be awesome for my first game over here to be in a packed Headingley, hopefully we can get the win. “I played against Sonny Bill a couple of times in the NRL when he was at the Roosters,” he said of the Wolfpack’s massive marquee recruit. “It was a great experience and he’s
PHOTO: LEEDS RHINOS
such a talented athlete. I’m sure he’s going to have a huge impact in Super League. “His profile is massive, not just in rugby league and union, but sport in general. Everyone in the world knows who Sonny Bill Williams is.” Prior also played with new Castleford winger Sosaia Feki for several years at Cronulla. Indeed, they won the 2016 Grand Final together. “I rate him highly – I think he will go really well over here,” said Prior. “He’s probably a bit underrated in the NRL but I played with Feki for five years and he was one of the best wingers in the competition in my opinion. “I’m good friends with him and my partner and his partner are also friends, so I’m sure we will catch up at some point soon. “I haven’t watched much Super League but since I signed I have been going on YouTube and watching games on there to get a feel about the players here. “I think every year it’s close in the top four with teams like St Helens, Warrington and Wigan, plus Leeds have had that unparalleled record of winning Grand Finals.” Prior is one of seven siblings and revealed his driving force is his mother. He said: “I grew up about an hour south of Sydney in a little coastal town called Thirroul, near Wollongong. “My mum pretty much raised my three brothers and three sisters by herself. She gave me every chance to succeed in footy by taking me to games and to trials. “She’s a massive supporter of mine and I’m sure she will be watching my games on the TV back home.”
Monday January 6, 2020
League Weekly
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Anticipation growing as Maloney leads the way By Denise Brady CATALANS DRAGONS supporters are hoping that the dawning of the New Year will herald a renaissance period for the club with an all-Aussie dynamic duo at the helm for Super League 2020. French fans have seen a succession of half-back partnerships come and go at Stade Gilbert Brutus but rarely has there been so much anticipation about a six-seven pairing in Perpignan. In stand-off James Maloney, Catalans can argue they have the most experienced and successful player in the competition. And with the return of prodigal son Josh Drinkwater – the half-season hit who took the Dragons all the way to Wembley glory in 2018 before linking with Hull KR – expectations are high that this combination could be the missing link for the most inconsistent side in Super League. “I can sense the anticipation,” said coach Steve McNamara. “There is a real sense of excitement about what these two players could do for the club. “Super League is a squad game of course but having a successful partnership in the halves is fundamental to any team’s performance. “In Jimmy we have a proven winner who has been there and done the lot. In Josh we have a player who so obviously suits our club and he was a big success last time around for us. “We’re looking forward to seeing these two out there in the middle of the pitch.” The Dragons resumed pre-season preparations on Thursday, and over the past two months have taken training sessions on the road to allow supporters outside Perpignan the chance to see the players up close. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Maloney has been the one to watch, with the off-season signing from NRL club Penrith Panthers consistently among the front-runners in the physical challenges. “Pre-season’s pre-season, you’ve got to do a bit of hard work and that’s how it always is,” Maloney told League Weekly. “It’s good to start feeling fit and healthy again and I think the group
‘HARMONY’: Samisoni Langi is confident about Catalans’ chances
Langi: We’re in top shape
FIT AS A FIDDLE: Veteran half-back James Maloney has been one of the Dragons’ top performers in pre-season has progressed a long way in the past seven weeks. “(There’s) plenty of work to do yet of course but I’m pretty comfortable with where we’re at if we keep progressing.” Impressed by the Dragons squad so far in pre-season, Maloney said: “They’re a really good bunch of guys. “I knew a few of the Aussies beforehand and one or two who played NRL so it’s been pretty easy to fit in. “I know a few of my teammates already, obviously Rémi Casty who came out to the Roosters... I’ve played with him and Samisoni Langi. “(There’s) Jason Baitieri who played at Parramatta... I’ve run into a few of them in the past, but I’m looking forward to getting to know some new faces. “I also spoke with Greg Bird, Trent Robinson and Sam Moa before deciding whether to make the move to Catalans and they were all very positive. It’s a club with massive potential and I hope I can play a part in their future success. “The one thing you can tell about good sides is their work ethic and the boys have worked pretty hard over the past two months. “It doesn’t mean too much at this stage but it’s a good sign and we’re definitely on the right track. “It’s difficult to say whether Catalans are in a better position than the previous season because I don’t really have a yardstick of where this club was at this stage last year or
ANTICIPATION: Steve McNamara says excitement is growing in Perpignan ahead of the new Super League season
how strong other teams in Super League are. “But there are a lot of familiar faces lining up in the competition next year, I’ll feel pretty much at home with all the ex-NRL players and it’s a sign of the strength of Super League that such players are being attracted. “We want to face good sides and strong opponents, that’s why we play the game. “The stronger the challenge the better it is for the competition and hopefully it will encourage more supporters to come along to games.” Maloney is one of the game’s most experienced professionals having played for five NRL clubs – Melbourne Storm, New Zealand Warriors, Sydney Roosters, Cronulla Sharks and Penrith Panthers. He is a two-time Grand Final winner (first with the Roosters in 2013, then the Sharks in 2016) as well as a State of Origin and Kangaroos representative. At 33, he admits he is heading towards the latter stages of a glittering career with a three-year contract in the south of France, but he hasn’t lost any of his hunger. “It’s all brand new to me,” he said. “I’ve always been up for a challenge but this is another level. A new country, a new competition with a new club, I feel like a kid again.” The transition has been made easier by the fact that his wife and four children have settled quickly into life in France. “The language is obviously still a challenge but we are all really enjoying the experience, the kids are settled in school and my family’s happy – life’s good.”
Maloney has had a whirlwind introduction to life in the south of France. As the new poster-boy for the Dragons he has attended every club function and public event in the build-up to the new campaign. He recently jetted to Paris with club officials to meet bankers, businessmen, the Australian ambassador and junior players at rugby league outpost clubs in the French capital. He said: “I’d been to Paris briefly with Cronulla Sharks when we stopped off for the World Club Challenge on our way to Wigan in 2017 but it was fantastic to spend more time there meeting people. “The place is incredible and to see such enthusiasm for the game there was really inspiring. “It’s quite clear that the game has some work to do to re-establish itself in France. If there’s anything I can do to help raise the profile of the sport I’m only too happy to help. “At the moment there is only one team representing France in Super League and I’d love to be able to help them develop the game here. “The potential is there, it’s a bit of a minority sport at the moment and I’d love to see it become more established.” Catalans fans get their first chance to see Maloney in action on Saturday, January 18 when the Dragons face Championship outfit Toulouse Olympique in a pre-season friendly at Stade Albert Domec, Carcassonne. His first competitive run-out in the blood and gold will be the round one home clash against Huddersfield on February 1, when the Giants will have their own ex-NRL half-back on display in Aidan Sezer.
SAMISONI LANGI believes Catalans Dragons are in peak condition to start Super League 2020 following 11 weeks of pre-season preparation. “It’s been a long build-up and I think we are seeing the benefits,” the 26-year-old Tonga international told League Weekly. “You can never have too much training. I’ve been here a couple of seasons now and I think this is the best preparation we’ve had. “There’s a real harmony about the side and a cohesion this year. “We’ve had some new recruits with James Maloney, Joel Tomkins and Tom Davies plus the return of Josh Drinkwater so it’s a new look side but we’ve been training together now for 11 full weeks and we have got to know each other very quickly. “The squad’s been building up nicely. One of the biggest things that is being stressed to us is that we will not be allowed to repeat the collapses of last year. “With all due respect to London and Salford, two great teams, they shouldn’t be allowed to come here to Perpignan and do what they did to us last season. “When Salford smashed us 46-0 at home it had a massive impact on confidence and we didn’t seem to recover. “We seemed to lift ourselves for certain games but when things went against us we just fell apart. “The reasons for that have been analysed and explained to us and changes have been made. We’re under no illusions, we will not be allowed to let that happen this time around.” Meanwhile, Langi has had no qualms about giving up his number six shirt and switching from stand-off to centre following the signature of NRL superstar Maloney from Penrith Panthers on a three-year deal. “There was a lot of mixing around in the halves last season and I ended up at centre for most of the time, and I’m more than happy there,” he said. “I was at Sydney Roosters with Jimmy in 2013-14 and I was second or even third string behind him so moving out to centre to accommodate him here isn’t a problem. “Jimmy’s shown he’s a top, top player and I can’t wait to be lining up alongside him this year. “I’m fully aware of what he brings to any club and he’s an incredible signing for Catalans.”
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League Weekly
Monday January 6, 2020
LONG TRIP WAS WELL WORTH IT Book research leads to the man pivotal to the historic 1997 season MASCORD MEETS Each week, Steve Mascord catches up with a leading figure in rugby league to get a unique insight into ‘the greatest game’... THIS WEEK:
Ken Arthurson, former ARL chairman OR ME, New Year’s Eve never fails to disappoint. The years have taught me the less planning you do, the more likely you are to have a good time. As you read this, I am preparing to return to the UK after spending the entire off-season in Australia. I’m working on a book about the 1997 season, the one where there were dual competitions Down Under, and one of my key assignments was to get hold of former ARL chairman Ken Arthurson. Ken lives on the Gold Coast now and I spent Christmas with my sister and her family at Maryborough, three hours north of Brisbane. When Ken said he would be available on “Wednesday morning” I was happy to have finally tracked him down. But “Wednesday
F
morning” was New Year’s Day. A look at the bus time tables between Maryborough and the Gold Coast soon revealed an awful truth – I was going to have to catch a bus one hour and 20 minutes into the new decade in order to meet my appointment. So it was two hours at the sparsely populated Old Sydney Hotel in Maryborough with my sister, her partner and my niece celebrating the New Year, then being dropped off at the bus station for the long journey to Brisbane. I had an hour to kill so I managed to knock back a pint in the RSL club over the road; at 1am it’s still very much t-shirt-andshort weather. On board the Greyhound, it’s difficult to sleep. All these days later my neck is still sore from leaning
HAPPILY RETIRED: Legendary Australian RL administrator Ken Arthurson and the view from his balcony in Queensland against a constantly vibrating window. My first meal of 2020, at a truck stop, was a
potato scallop and a Gatorade. Then, at Brisbane’s Roma Street, it was a weary one hour wait for another coach onto Surfers Paradise. I slept most of the way there, as my sore neck can attest, before we pulled into the bus station at 8am on New Year’s Day. Even the nightlife capital of the country was hushed, with few on the street, the temperature already nudging 20 celsius. But there I was, hoeing into some bacon and eggs in a shopping mall, paying a 15 per cent holiday surcharge for the privilege. Ken responded to my text while I was eating and after my orange juice it was an uber to a towering apartment block half-way between where I was and Southport. The sun is beating down heavily and I’m applying sunscreen as I buzz the apartment of the man who fought back when Rupert Murdoch came calling in 1985. Ken quit early in the year in question, 1997, as did his CEO, John Quayle. They wanted to pave the way for peace. Arthurson – now 90 – ushers me up to the 28th floor of the tower and greets me at the door with a hug. After all, I estimate that when I was at the Sydney Morning Herald, I called him – on average and taking off-seasons into account – every second day for five years. The view from the apartment Ken shares with his wife Barbara is nothing short of spectacular. The pool, which I can see from two balconies, seems the size of a small lake and all the furnishings and fittings in the apartment are top-of-the-range. I am obviously not going to include the entire interview for the book right here but I will delve into the aspects of the conversation as they relate to Britain.
The Rugby Football League’s decision to side with the breakaway competition back in 1995, bringing about the summer era and the ‘Super League’ moniker which we still have today, was a bitter blow to Arthurson, who for years attacked Maurice Lindsay over what he saw as a betrayal. “They were totally influenced by money” says Arthurson, sitting across from me in a sunny kitchen. The Rugby Football League signed with News for £77million. “I’d always had a very, very good relationship with Maurice Lindsay and I had a high regard for his ability too. “But we did fall out for a long time because he was involved with Super League and I was very much against it and we probably said a few things about each other from time to time. I can’t recall now. “But since then, Maurice has been out here. I’ve been out with him and we’re quite good friends again now, which I’m very pleased to say because I was really disappointed we were on opposite sides of the fence. “I had a high regard for him as an administrator and we were always quite good friends and we still are now. “All that is water under the bridge.” Arthurson has travelled widely since his retirement but says he’s “knocked that on the head” now with his advancing years, meaning we won’t see him in Britain again. During my research for the book, I came across a letter from News Corporation heavy Ken Cowley to the RFL, two years into Super League, complaining that they had not done enough to spread the game. You have to look at how
that £77 million was spent and whether any new investment coming into Super League during the coming year will be spent more wisely. In any case, I can’t share any more of our conversation because it’s for the book. Barbara, who must have answered the phone to me 100 times but whom I’ve never met, brings out some Tim Tams and tea and we discuss all manner of memories, stories and personalities for the best part of half an hour. Then I have another appointment: Paul Broughton, who played for St George in 1954 and set up the Gold Coast Chargers 40 years later, is now trying to start the game in China. He and his wife Bev are running a Nines tournament in Samoa in June for full national teams – without NRL or Super League players – in Samoa. Paul is responsible for so many things in our game over such a long period that he should be knighted. He and Bev join me for coffee in Main Beach, after a discarded champagne bottle from the night before pierces my trainer and draws blood on my foot as I find my way to the cafe using Google Maps, drowning in sweat. Paul presents me with bound programmes from the 1997 season to help me with my book research. And even though they live in the opposite direction and I, no doubt, smell, they insist on giving me a lift to Coolangatta Airport where I have a five-hour wait for my flight. And as I place my hand luggage under my head and pass out on the floor of the departures lounge for a power nap, it occurs to me that if I was Andrew Johns, someone would film me and claim I was on drugs.
Monday January 6, 2020
League Weekly
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STARS ALIGN FOR SL TV TALKS Best-ever recruits tipped to dazzle in 2020 season By Paul Bennett SUPER LEAGUE’s best-ever bunch of recruits is set to ‘strengthen the hand’ of competition bosses ahead of critical TV contract talks. That’s the view of Warrington CEO Karl Fitzpatrick as 2020 gets underway and a brand new season edges ever closer. New marquee signing Gareth Widdop reported for pre-season duty with the Wolves on Thursday having flown in from Sydney at the beginning of last week. Fitzpatrick is predicting the England international will have a “massive” impact after switching from St George Illawarra on a three-year deal – on and off the pitch. But Widdop is just one of a raft of high-profile acquisitions from the NRL that have the Wire chief excited ahead of the new campaign. And with the current £40m-a-year broadcast deal with Sky Sports set to expire at the end of 2021, Fitzpatrick admits the star additions come at the “perfect” time. “Gareth has been a leading halfback in the NRL for a prolonged period and to have him running around in Super League in the primrose and blue is massive not only for the club but for the game as a whole,” Fitzpatrick told League Weekly. “Looking wider, if you look at the quality of recruits for next season I think it’s a really exciting time for Super League. “There’s been some really impressive recruits right across the board; George Burgess, Sonny Bill Williams, James Maloney, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Manu Ma’u, Aidan Sezer. “Without going through the archives, I don’t remember a better group of signings. This could be the
WELCOME TO SUPER LEAGUE: Gareth Widdop and his family are greeted at Manchester Airport by Warrington coach Steve Price and the club’s operations manager Kylie Leuluai PHOTO: WARRINGTON WOLVES best cohort of talent that’s come into the game. “When you look at the quality that’s come to Super League, I think 2020 is going to be a really exciting competition with a real plethora of talent. “Discussions around the broadcast deal will certainly commence in 2020, so to have a cohort of players of world class ability running around in Super League certainly strengthens our hand. “That’s what attracts the audiences... the top players.” Fitzpatrick also hopes the new
signings can also have a major positive impact on attendances when the new campaign kicks off in style later this month. The Wolves get the action underway on Thursday, January 30 when they travel to Wigan, who are also expected to challenge for the title. The opening weekend also features a mouth-watering doubleheader at Headingley in which Sonny Bill Williams should make his Toronto Wolfpack debut against Castleford prior to Leeds’ round one clash with Hull. The excitement continues into
February with another Thursday night television game involving Warrington – this time at home to reigning champions St Helens – followed the next night by the first Hull derby of the season. “We’d hope attendances will be up,” said Fitzpatrick. “Every year we strive to increase them and certainly at Warrington they increased last year on our regular season fixtures. “Our memberships are now tracking five per cent above where they were last year so hopefully we’ll see an increase again.
Wolves bide time over ‘flying’ Ben WARRINGTON will hold off contract talks with Ben Currie until after the big Super League kick-off – despite the forward making a “flying” start to the last year of his current deal. The Wolves back-rower’s existing arrangement at the Halliwell Jones Stadium expires at the end of 2020. But, given the 25-year-old’s history with injuries, Wire will bide their time before tabling an offer of an extension. “We’re going to monitor Ben,” CEO Karl Fitzpatrick told League Weekly. “He’s been absolutely flying in pre-season. He started back early with the young kids and he’s looking really good. “He’s out of contract at the end of the year and that’s a bit of a movable feast; we’ll see how he performs early doors.” Having scored 40 tries in 64 games over the previous two seasons, Currie then managed
By Paul Bennett just 13 appearances for Wire across 2017 and 2018 combined. He bounced back from a pair of serious knee injuries to play 28 games in 2019, and hopes are high he can recapture his best form on the back of his first full pre-season in years. Coach Steve Price has predicted Warrington fans will see “a new Ben Currie” in 2020. Meanwhile, the Wolves continue discussions with another offcontract forward – Ben MurdochMasila. The Tonga international caught the eye of NRL clubs with his outstanding performances in historic test wins over Great Britain and Australia. However, the Challenge Cup holders remain confident they can hang on to the 28-year-old, who they snared from Salford at the end of 2017.
“It’s still ongoing but we’re having really positive chats at the moment,” revealed Fitzpatrick. “He’s really enjoyed his time at Warrington and hopefully he’ll remain here beyond 2020. “I’m not sure how long it will take... how long is a piece of string? “But he’s come back in really good shape, he was outstanding for Tonga at the end of the season and he’s looking really trim and really fit in pre-season training. “We’re excited about seeing him play this year. We’ve probably not seen the best of Ben Murdoch-Masila over the course of a season. “We’ve seen at different times how good he can be, but he’s had a couple of niggling injuries which he looks to have got on top of now. “On his day he is absolutely devastating, as we saw against Australia when, in my opinion, he was the best player on the field.”
Warrington still want to add another prop to their pack but appear increasingly likely to wait until at least part-way into the new season. “At this stage we’re keeping our powder dry,” Fitzpatrick confirmed. “It’s well-documented we’re looking for a middle but if it means we start the season with that quota spot available we’re not concerned. “It’ll leave us with a little bit of salary cap space to enter the market at some stage.” Stefan Ratchford, Mike Cooper, Jason Clark, Declan Patton and Matt Davis are the other Wolves first-teamers off-contract come the end of 2020, while Wire have an option on Hull KR loanee Harvey Livett for 2021.
‘ABSOLUTELY FLYING’: Ben Currie appears to be feeling the benefit of a full pre-season PHOTO: SWPIX.COM
“I think the fixture list is a really exciting one; the opener away at Wigan and then the second game at home to Saints. “You have the Hull derby as well that week so I think there’s going to be a massive spike in interest and hopefully attendances in the first two rounds. Hopefully we can then carry that momentum on right through the season. “I think the Easter period is one to really look forward to as well, a real festival of rugby league from Thursday to Sunday with every game on TV,” added Fitzpatrick. “Then you look at Magic; sales so far are really encouraging for the return to Newcastle. “We’ve listened to the supporters and gone back to St James’ Park and I’m a big believer in Magic, I think it really works for the game and promotes everything that’s great about rugby league. “I think there’s loads of things to be excited about in 2020.” Warrington, as ever, are determined to make it ‘their year’ by winning a first league title since 1955 – and Fitzpatrick believes the addition of Widdop gives their chances of doing so a major boost. “He’s been a world class half-back for a number of years and he knows what it takes to win Grand Finals,” he said. “One of the reasons Gareth wanted to come to Warrington was the fact we’d not won a Grand Final. I know that’s something that really appeals to him personally. “So he’s obviously going to be doing all he can to ensure we deliver our first Grand Final. “If Gareth was Australian there’s no doubt he would have played State of Origin numerous times. He’s been a top performer for a consistent period. “Ever since breaking onto the scene as a young player at Melbourne he’s been a sensation and to have him running around in Super League amongst other great talent is really exciting for the competition.” Widdop could make his first appearance for the Wire in Mike Cooper’s testimonial game against Salford on January 23.
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ROBY TO MISS BIG KICK-OFF Groin surgery rules Saints hooker out of round one Salford showdown INJURY BLOW: Joe Keyes
Robins lose Keyes on eve of first friendly HULL KR have suffered a blow on the eve of their first pre-season friendly, with half-back Joe Keyes hurting his knee in training. The problem will definitely rule the Ireland international out of Sunday’s warm-up clash with Wakefield Trinity. And Rovers fear the off-season arrival from Bradford Bulls could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines, with medical staff anxiously waiting on the outcome of scans. With Jamie Ellis also recovering from a knee injury, Jordan Abdull, Ryan Brierley and Mikey Lewis are left vying for the starting half-back spots ahead of the trip to Belle Vue this weekend. Mitch Garbutt, Matt Parcell, Nick Rawsthorne, Dean Hadley and Anesu Mudoti are also out of the 2pm kick-off. Meanwhile, coach Tony Smith has revealed he is yet to make a call on who will captain the Robins in 2020 following Joel Tomkins’s departure to Catalans Dragons. Smith told the Hull Daily Mail he would use the friendlies with Wakefield and Featherstone to assess his options, though he could even wait until after the big kick-off to make a decision for the long-term. “We’ll nail that in the next week or two,” he said. “We might even play our first game without necessarily naming the captain for the year. “We want to see how they go under that sort of pressure. We may even have a couple of captains in the friendlies and see how they each function and go about it. “It hasn’t been a priority because of the number of candidates. I can understand the interest and to give you the honest answer, we’re looking at a number of different options.” Smith is also keeping an open mind as to his likely line-up for the first week of the season having made major changes to his squad over the winter. “We’ve got some ideas about who will play in certain positions but we haven’t really nailed down a team,” he said. “We’ll do that as a coaching staff next week. There will be a number of changes and combinations during the match (against Wakefield).”
JAMES ROBY is set to miss the start of St Helens’ title defence. The veteran hooker was forced to have more surgery on his groin just before Christmas, and new head coach Kristian Woolf has confirmed Roby will miss the big season-opener against Salford on January 31. However, Woolf painted a positive picture of the 34-year-old’s recovery in an interview with the St Helens Star. “James Roby is coming along how we would like him to,” Woolf said. “He has a little bit of a hiccup in that groin area and needed to get an extra bit of work done in the period before Christmas, but nothing has changed in the timescale of when we expect to see him back. “He is not likely to start the season, but he will not be too far behind the start either.” Meanwhile, Woolf offered positive updates on the fitness of Tommy Makinson, Morgan Knowles and Matty Lees. Makinson and Knowles have both
had shoulder surgery since October’s Grand Final win, while Lees – who missed the victory at Old Trafford – continues to recover from a perforated bowel. “The couple of guys who had off-season surgery are coming along really well,” Woolf said. “Morgan Knowles and Tommy Makinson are really diligent, and they work really hard with their rehab as they do with their footy in general. “Matty Lees has been back in full training since the two weeks before Christmas break. “A big task with him with the type of injury he had is that he was ready to do contact, because he’s a tough fella, but we wanted to give him chance to recover physically and put some weight back on as well. “We have probably held him back from things he wanted to do, but he is in full training now.”
‘HICCUP’: James Roby had surgery on his groin just before Christmas
Hastings: I’ll give my all for Warriors JACKSON HASTINGS vowed to “wear the badge with pride” after arriving at Wigan last week. The reigning Man of Steel reported for training on Thursday after an extended break following international duty with Great Britain. Warriors fans were left worried before Christmas when national newspaper The Sun reported Hastings was having second thoughts about his move to the DW Stadium. But the former Salford star has promised to give it his all for the cherry and whites in 2020. “I don’t feel pressure, I feel a bit of pride actually, to know that I’m playing for one of the greatest teams in either hemisphere,” Hastings told Wigan TV. “Wigan Warriors are so highly regarded, not only in England but in Australia as well. “They’re one of those clubs that, when you talk about rugby league, they’re always mentioned... and obviously some of the great players who played for the cherry and white. “I put an expectation on myself. Am I going to be a 10 out of 10 every game? No, but what I can promise is that I’m going to put my heart and soul on the line every week, that’s how I’ve been raised by my parents to play... play the game hard and fair and whatever happens, happens. “One thing I can promise is I’ll put my body on the line for this club and wear the badge with pride. I’m really looking forward to it.” Hastings is expected to make his debut on Sunday, January 19 when Wigan host
PRIDE IN THE JERSEY: New arrival Jackson Hastings has vowed to put his body on the line for Wigan Leeds Rhinos in Liam Farrell’s testimonial game. His first competitive game for the Warriors will be the big round one home clash against Warrington on Thursday, January 30.
Flower powered by contract hopes BEN FLOWER is determined to prove he’s worth a new contract at Wigan. The Wales international prop’s
current deal at the DW Stadium expires in November, by which time he’ll be 33. But Flower is due a testimonial in 2021 and is keen to hang around at the club he joined from the Crusaders at the end of 2011. “My goal is to get a new contract and stay at the club,” Flower told the Wigan Post. “I’ve got a family to look after, there’s not long left in my rugby career so I want to make the most of it and play every season as it comes. “My contract is up after this
year, that’s in the back of my mind but you get that by playing well week after week. “I’ve got a big focus on making sure I’m out there playing well.” Flower, a three-time Grand Final winner with the Warriors, has surrendered his no.10 shirt to new marquee signing George Burgess for 2020. But he insisted: “I still want to be my best, I’m hungry to be the best in my position.”
‘BIG FOCUS’: Ben Flower
PHOTO: WIGAN WARRIORS
Monday January 6, 2020
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Casty calls for unity amid fears for future of French RL By Denise Brady FORMER national team captain Rémi Casty fears in-fighting in the French game could threaten the future of rugby league in the country. Catalans Dragons skipper Casty is calling for unity following an ugly row between his teammate Jason Baitieri and the game’s ruling body, the French Federation. Baitieri walked out as skipper of the French national team during a recent tour of Australia citing “a lack of professionalism” from the FFRXIII and its President Marc Palanques. An ugly war of words broke out resulting in threats of legal action. Now Casty is calling for peace as the division is threatening to derail French plans for next year’s Rugby League World Cup. The 34-year-old prop forward told League Weekly: “We cannot move forward until we stop this in-fighting. There is a very real problem in our game and it needs to be sorted immediately. “We have major divisions. We have Toulouse and Catalans in the south of France, then there is a gap and there is the French Federation. Even at Elite One level there are a few teams who are divisive instead of working together. “It is urgent now for our game in France. If we don’t get together, we don’t survive. “It will be impossible to keep going like we are at the moment with just two good teams playing in an English competition and the rest of the game playing at a poor level in the French championship with small attendances. “We have to be on the same page if we are going to attract sponsorship and revenue into the game, which is what is needed to progress.” Casty said he didn’t want to make the situation worse by speaking out but felt time was running out and that preparations for next year’s World Cup were “being harmed” by the unrest.
‘IN GREAT SHAPE’: Toronto’s big signing Sonny Bill Williams
Mac’s praise for freak SBW
‘URGENT’: Rémi Casty has told figures in French rugby league that they must “stop this in-fighting” or face disaster He added: “It’s very important for us to bounce back after the last World Cup. Last time around we didn’t make the quarter-finals which was a real shame for us. “Unless we stop the in-fighting I’m afraid it could be the same again next year, or worse. “The last tour we had in Australia, following the World Nines tournament, wasn’t good and we need to answer the real question, which is ‘why?’ “Are we all working together, the French Federation alongside Toulouse and Catalans Dragons? Are we on the same page?
“It’s typical of French Rugby League that we talk a lot about the past, about how successful we were many years ago, but if we are going to have any future for our game we need to pull together. “We have to push the things that we are good at and work hard at resolving the things we struggle with. “I don’t want to point the finger at anyone because that will only encourage the division but it is a reality – a fact – that we are not good enough in what we are doing and we need to take action.
“We need a good French championship, it needs to be more professional. If we are going to attract the kids into the game we need better structures, improved facilities and better grounds to play on. “At the moment, it is only Toulouse and the Dragons where players can make their name in France. The standards at Elite One level need to improve or we will struggle to find the next star player. “We have to work on our communication with each other, we don’t talk enough.”
No extra expectation after 2019 – Sarginson By Trevor Baxter
WINNING START: Dan Sarginson with the Peter Smethurst Memorial Trophy, which he won as man of the match in Salford’s 52-4 win over Swinton PHOTO: STEVE MCCORMICK
DAN SARGINSON insists Salford have no extra responsibility to shoulder this year despite the club’s best ever Super League campaign in 2019. A third-place finish and debut Grand Final appearance have catapulted one of the competition’s previous underachievers into the spotlight for 2020. Indeed, the best was yet to come for Salford when Sarginson agreed a two-year contract at the AJ Bell Stadium last August. “We don’t feel any extra pressure,” he said speaking after his debut for the Red Devils in their 52-4 Agecroft Cup victory over Swinton. “If anything people are tipping us to be a bottom six team. So we will take that in our stride. We won’t get caught up in it and will just see where we naturally end up.” Sarginson was awarded the
Peter Smethurst Trophy for a man of the match performance against Stuart Littler’s Lions. “I don’t know if I deserved it,” he smiled. “I think Niall Evalds played pretty well and got a couple of tries. “But it was nice to get that recognition even though I have got lot more to give. “Pre-season has been a lot different. I feel a lot more powerful and more explosive, even riding contact a bit better. “I just need to up the skill and work on my relationship with Chris Atkin and Kev Brown. “I am still learning what my halves are doing because I have never played with them before. “But that will grow in the coming weeks on and off the field. “We are nowhere near where we want to be yet. But we looked okay against Swinton at times so there are some positives.” Sarginson won two Grand Finals in his two spells at
Wigan but has no regrets about his move. “I am excited and loving my rugby,” he said. “It felt a little strange walking into the (Salford) changing room and seeing my shirt hanging up. “I have not been at a different English club for five years. So it was different. “But I sent a photo straight to my family and they were buzzing for me.” Sarginson will renew acquaintances with the Warriors for the first time on March 13. “I looked for the Wigan game when the fixtures came out because I still get a few texts from the boys,” he explained. “They are always looking over their shoulder and I guess I am looking at where they are at.” Sarginson missed Wigan’s 28-4 defeat that sent Salford to Old Trafford last October through injury. He said: “I am sure they will want some revenge for that defeat. It will be great fixture.”
SONNY BILL WILLIAMS has been hailed a “training freak” by his new coach Brian McDermott. The dual code superstar has reported for duty with Toronto Wolfpack, taking part in his first sessions since his high-profile switch from rugby union. Williams hasn’t played rugby league since 2014 and, at 34, his best years are likely to be behind him. But head coach McDermott is optimistic the ex-All Blacks ace has plenty of gas left in the tank ahead of his first-ever season in Super League. “He’s come back in great shape,” said McDermott after Williams started work at the Wolfpack’s UK training base. “The guy’s a training freak, anyway, a gym freak. You can’t keep him out of the gym. He looks good.” However, McDermott admits he does have some concerns over the size of his squad ahead of their introduction to the top flight. The Wolfpack only have a 23-man roster and the former Grand Final-winning Leeds chief admits that might not prove enough. “Everybody is aware that the challenge this year is going to be significant,” McDermott said. “We’re near the end of the (salary) cap. We don’t have much cap space to buy any more, which is a real issue. “My squad is very exposed. If we get injuries, if we get two or three players injured on a 23-man squad, we start to look really skinny.” Meanwhile, the club’s director of rugby Brian Noble has struck a more positive tone in the past week, during an interview with NRL.com about the potential of the Canadian venture. “If we get half of a half of one per cent of the market in Toronto, you watch the Super League explode,” he predicted. “One of the pitchers at the Blue Jays (Toronto’s baseball team) is on more money than the entire Super League. “If we can just capture some of that enthusiasm and bring that across to the UK – that kind of money – then we go to the NRL and say ‘I’d like someone from the top shelf, not the bottom shelf’ and we can go back into rugby union like we used to do and say ‘I’ll have him, him and him’. All of a sudden you watch the bums on seats go up.”
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REDS RUN UP HALF-CENTURY Salford Red Devils Swinton Lions
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Trevor Baxter at the AJ Bell Stadium JACKSON HASTINGS was back at Salford as last season’s beaten Grand Finalists kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 10-try derby win. But there has been no startling late change of heart for the former Barton talisman. Wigan’s prized new playmaker just chose to run the rule over his former teammates after recently returning to the UK. Hastings saw Ian Watson’s men produce an impressive display in their first game since losing to St Helens in the Super League showpiece at Old Trafford last October. Not that Watson is dwelling on last season’s heroics. “That has been and gone; it is history,” said the GB assistant boss. “We have got 12 new players in the group now and it is all about them accepting the challenge and buying into the systems we do. “If they choose to do that we will be successful as a group again. “All the signs are the boys are buying into it and working hard to get a starting place in the team.” And Watto was satisfied with the initial run-out of 2020. “It was a really good hit out for us,” he added. “At the start of the game, it was a good arm wrestle. “We were just disappointed with some of our turnovers and the errors coming out of backfield. “This first game is all about going through certain processes and having a little bit of continuity. “That’s why we didn’t make too many changes in the first half. But when we did we wanted people to stick to the same processes.” Swinton coach Stuart Littler said: “I was a bit disappointed with the last try that gave them 50 points. “We started really well but we were also on the back foot because they had some big boys against us. “If we could have capitalised on the numerous line breaks we made in the first half who knows. ‘They also scored two gimme tries with the interception and the knock-on coming out of yardage. “Take that away and it is a 10-point game at half-time rather than a 22-point game. And if we capitalise on our opportunities it is a tighter game still. “But these are the fine margins, Salford were ruthless and clinical in their decision making, nailing that final pass. “We probably forced the ball too much and that’s what let us down. You can’t keep giving a quality team possession and field position. “In the end it is going to fatigue you. But every lad had ample game time so that was a positive and everyone is relatively fit. “We have some learning points to move forward with to see where we are.” Swinton started brightly and Frankie Hatton made a promising break. But with teammates either side he probably delayed his pass too long and Mitch Cox dropped the ball. Salford were peppering the Lions’ left flank and looked to have broken through when Ken Sio accepted Kris Welham’s offload. Instead, commendable scrambling goal-line defence kept out the former Hull KR man. Sio was the intended recipient of a Niall Evalds offload but the full-back threw out a wayward pass, such was the early season rustiness. Eventually, the Red Devils did get points on the board as Tui Lolohea’s drop-off pass was driven over by Welham. Krisnan Inu converted. Swinton responded with a promising move only spoiled when Richard Lepori couldn’t hold onto Oscar Thomas’s reverse ball. Indiscipline though was costing Lions territory and energy. So, after a fourth successive penalty against them, Swinton
ON THE CHARGE: Salford prop Gil Dudson gets back in the groove with a charge at Swinton’s Lewis Hatton couldn’t prevent Gil Dudson charging over after 28 minutes. Swinton though offered a spirited response and might have put points on the board after half an hour. Jose Kenga split the home cover giving Jack Hansen chance to make more metres. Only Lolohea’s tap tackle prevented the half-back reaching the try-line. Another Swinton sortie, however, ended with Salford’s third try four minutes from the break. Welham intercepted Fairclough’s pass, sped 60 metres before giving Sio an unopposed run-in. Inu missed his first conversion attempt. Salford punished more sloppy play by the visitors only this time 10 metres from Swinton’s whitewash. Welham seized on a loose pass and crossed unopposed. The tries kept coming at the start of the second period. Kevin Brown’s first touch in a Salford shirt was to set up Evalds from 10 yards though the Lions defence was sadly lacking. By now Watson had started to rotate his squad with Evalds one of the few constants. And last season’s top try-scorer bagged his second of the afternoon after 52 minutes. Swinton’s fight was being extinguished and their neighbours cruised through the final quarter with only the occasional blip. Former Lion Chris Atkin marked his Salford debut with a 63rd minute try and conversion with further scores from Rhys Williams, Ryan Lannon and Josh Johnson. Swinton’s efforts though were rewarded when winger Ryan Cray squeezed in five minutes from time.
Luke Waterworth 6, Lewis Hatton 7, Rhodri Lloyd 7, Frankie Halton 7, Will Hope 6. Subs: William Brickhill 6, Pat Jones 5, Louis Brogan 6, Jose Kenga 7, Oscar Thomas 6, Tayler Brown 5, Deane Meadows 5, Ryan Cray 5. Tries: Cray (75). Goals: Thomas 0/1.
PHOTOS: STEVE McCORMICK Ref rating: A. Moore 65/100 / Half-time: 22-0 / Penalties: 6-7 / Sin Bin: None / Sent-Off: None / Weather: Overcast, dry and chilly / Man of the Match: Dan Sarginson (Salford Red Devils) / Attendance: 1,747 / Match Rating: 3/5.
SALFORD: Niall Evalds 8, Ken Sio 7, Kris Welham 7, Dan Sarginson 8, Krisnan Inu 6, Tui Lolohea 6, Chris Atkin 7, Greg Burke 6, Joey Lussick 7, Gil Dudson 7, Ryan Lannon 7, James Greenwood 6, Luke Yates 6. Subs: Tyrone McCarthy 6, Sebastine Ikahihifo 7, Adam Walker 7, Kevin Brown 6, Mark Flanagan 6, Josh Johnson 6, Rhys Williams 6, Ed Chamberlain 6, Elliot Kear 6, Connor Jones 6, Jack Ormondroyd 6, Luis Roberts 5. Tries: Welham (23, 40), Dudson (28), Sio (36), Evalds (42, 52), Atkin (63), Williams (67), Lannon (70), Johnson (79). Goals: Inu 3/4, Lolohea 0/1, Atkin 1/3, Chamberlain 1/2. SWINTON: Mike Butt 6, Richard Lepori 6, Ben Morris 5, Mitchell Cox 5, Sam Grant 5, Jack Hansen 7, Rob Fairclough 6, Gavin Bennion 6,
WATCHING ON: Salford’s Kevin Brown monitors the progress of fellow new recruit Josh Johnson
Monday January 6, 2020
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Hunslet edge young Bulls Hunslet Bradford Bulls
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Tom Coates at South Leeds Stadium
POWER PLAY: Hunslet’s Ben Heaton sets up an attack
PHOTOS: TOUCHLINEPICS.COM
EXPERIENCE trumped enthusiasm at the South Leeds Stadium, where Gary Thornton’s new-look Hunslet side recovered from a slow start, and then survived a second-half fightback, to edge past a youthful Bradford. Bulls boss John Kear named an inexperienced squad largely absent of open age experience, while the Hunslet team on duty included a total of 14 new signings and trialists. The hosts enjoyed early pressure on the back of a penalty, but a sloppy ball inside from the ruck handed possession back to Bradford. At the other end, a poor kick on the last tackle from Matthew Race relieved pressure after the Bulls had laid a platform. The two sides exchanged errors in the minutes that followed, before a deft chip from Race laid a try on a plate for Murphy Smith to hand the Bulls the lead. Race added an excellent touchline conversion to make it 6-0 after 13 minutes and the young visitors’ energy continued to cause issues for their more experienced hosts. But following a triple interchange, the Parksiders sprang into life, and substitute prop Jordan Andrade laid the platform with a determined drive, allowing Danny Rowse to find a short ball that sent Josh Tonks crashing over on the next play. And the hosts hit the front on their kick-off restart, when former Bull Vila Halifihi darted over from dummy-half after Dom Brambani’s grubber had forced a repeat set. Rowse goaled both tries to make it 12-6 with 10 minutes of the half remaining. By now, all the momentum was with the hosts and, though Bradford were able to temporarily stem the tide, poor ball retention invited another opportunity, allowing trialist AJ Boardman to crash over on the left flank. Rowse’s conversion attempt this time dropped short, but the hosts were well in control. And they went further in front five minutes after the restart when Boardman strolled over following Rowse’s long pass left, after Brambani’s towering bomb had forced the error. But the Bulls were back in it, when Harry Shackleton showed a neat dummy while scanning the line, and darted through a gap and under the posts. Race’s goal made it 20-12 with half an hour to play. The gap was narrowed further when Race
converted his own try after breezing through a static Hunslet defence. But introductions from the bench once again galvanised the hosts and they went close to adding to their lead on several occasions as the game approached the final 10 minutes. Bradford scrambled to remain in the contest and ensure a tense finish, before Andrade powered over the line in the dying minutes to finally settle matters in favour of the hosts. HUNSLET: Kiedan Hartley 7, Ben Markland 7, Ben Heaton 7, AJ Boardman 7, Matty Chrimes 7, Danny Rowse 8, Dom Brambani 8, Zach Braham 7, Jack Lee 7, Jack Ray 6, Josh Tonks 8, Duane Straugheir 7, Vila Halifihi 7. Subs: Jack Aldous 7, Jordan Andrade 8, Lochlan McGill 7, Jimmy Watson 7, Zach Johnson 6, Danny King 6, Harvey Hallas 6, Liam Coplan 7, Arron Williams 7. Tries: Tonks (26), Halifihi (30), Boardman (37, 45), Andrade (79). Goals: Rowse 3/5. BRADFORD: Billy Jowitt 8, Murphy Smith 8, William Adams 7, Ryan Butterworth 7, Ryan Leadbeater 7, Matthew Race 7, Cobi Green 7, Keelan Foster 7, Cameron Berry 7, Ebon Scurr 8, Sam Smith 7, Dewi Billington 7, James McGurk 7. Subs: Harry Shackleton 8, Kian Oldroyd 7, Bradley Ho 7, Ethan O’Hanlon 7, Kieran Brining 7, Jacob Smilie 7, Isaac Coleman 7, Luke Littlewood 7, Layton Heywood 7. Tries: M. Smith (13), Shackleton (50), Race (54). Goals: Race 3/3. Ref rating: A. Sweet 75/100 / Half-time: 16-6 / Penalties: 6-10 / Sin Bin: None / Sent Off: None / Weather: Cloudy, cold / Man of the Match: Josh Tonks (Hunslet) / Attendance: 671 / Match Rating: 2/5.
PROBING RUN: Matty Chrimes looks for support
Hornets show promise but Widnes triumph Rochdale Hornets Widnes Vikings
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Ethan O’Gorman at the Crown Oil Arena A NEW YEAR, a new season and a new era got underway as Rochdale Hornets faced a new-look Widnes Vikings, who were under head coach Tim Sheens for the first time. The Vikings started the first half the stronger and Liam Cooper grabbed the first try of the game when he went over from short range on the far side of the pitch. However, the Hornets – coached by Matt Calland in his first game since the takeover by Andy Mazey
– got on the scoresheet soon after. Former Thatto Heath captain Andy Lea got his Hornets season underway and went over for Rochdale’s first try of the new era. The Vikings continued to show fight and passion, with Owen Buckley storming down the near touchline and diving over in the corner to give his side a 10-6 lead. Sean Penkywicz went over shortly after for the first of two tries from short range. Another three minutes passed and so did another Widnes try as Connor Dwyer sprinted over. There was just one more try in the first half and it went the way of
the visitors, with Buckley finding the try-line for the second time after a well worked wide attack by Sheens’s side. It took just five minutes for the first try of the second half to come, with Widnes playing direct and going down the middle using their pace and experience. The ball found Joshua Wilde who went over. Just two minutes later Oliver Brookes went over for another Vikings try. A man of the match performance from Penkywicz saw the former Wolfpack man go over for his second of the game. The Hornets continued to pile on
the pressure and Penkywicz went then from try-scorer to try provider with a well timed kick finding Adam Hesketh who jumped on the ball. Defence was strong by both sides for the rest of the half, while the conditions got worse with rain and wind. The referee blew his whistle to end an entertaining game with the Vikings coming away 34-24 winners. ROCHDALE: Sam Freeman 6, Daniel Nixon 6, Ryan Bradbury 7, Ben Calland 6, Shaun Ainscough 8, Lewis Sheridan 7, Adam Jackson 7, Callum Marriot 7, Sean Penkywicz 9, Adam Hesketh 6, Ben Forster 6, Jordan Syme 7, Adam Lea 9. Subs: Dec Sheridan, Luke Fowden, Sean Mulcahy, Munya Samantanga, Joe
Hartley, Seta Tala, Matt Whitehead, Alex Gannon, Liam Aspin, Wayne Bannister, Patrik Algun. Tries: Lea (15), Penkywicz (21, 50), Hesketh (55). Goals: Freeman 2/2, Whitehead 2/2. WIDNES: Connor Williams 7, Owen Buckley 7, Joe Edge 8, Jayden Hatton 6, Oliver Brookes 7, Bradley Calland 7, Jacob Dugdale 7, Callum O’Neill 7, Lewis Hulme 8, Dec Baker 8, Liam Cooper 8, Connor Dwyer 7, Jordan Case 8. Subs: Callum Wood, Billy Glover, Jordan Brown, Joshua Wilde, James Rutledge, Sean Findlow, Reece Storey. Tries: Cooper (6), Buckley (17, 33), Dwyer (24), Wilde (44), Brookes (46). Goals: Edge 3/4, Calland 2/2. Ref rating: T. Crashley 65/100 / Half Time: 12-22 / Sin Bin: None / Sent Off: None / Weather: Rain / Man of the Match: Sean Penkywicz (Rochdale) / Attendance: 1,021 / Match Rating: 4/5.
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Monday January 6, 2020
Halifax edge full-throttle clash with Hull Halifax Hull FC
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Keith McGhie at the MBi Shay TOTAL DETERMINATION: York surge forward in a close-fought match
PHOTO: CRAIG HAWKHEAD
Webster tries out plenty of options but York stand firm Featherstone Rovers York City Knights
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By Steve Slater at LD Nutrition Stadium BOTH coaches were pleased with their sides’ first outings of the season and weren’t too bothered with the result, highlighted by the fact that Knights coach James Ford was unaware of the score and didn’t even check the scoreboard when his side extended their lead early in the second period. Rovers’ new coach James Webster had almost a full side on the bench and he played every one of them, most of them in the second half, but they were mainly youngsters who initially struggled against a dominant York pack, although they defended gamely and came back strong towards the end to force the draw. Webster was impressed with the debuts of Craig Hall and Alec Susino plus the returning Ben Blackmore, but they were substituted along with most of his prospective regulars at half-time, although Jack Bussey and James Harrison played big minutes through necessity. A late Featherstone fightback levelled the scores at the death, although Rovers could have snatched it had Louis Jouffret converted either his own last-minute try or Sam Ottewell’s effort five minutes earlier but he was sadly out of practice since being a reliable place kicker way back in his Whitehaven days. However he showed up well in his debut, albeit somewhat overshadowed by the Knights’ star man Connor Robinson, who was outstanding throughout despite getting mild criticism from coach Ford. Ford said: “He was outstanding but his long kicking game could have been better, but it will no doubt improve up to last year’s standard.” The Knights boss was also pleased with new half-back partner Ben Johnston. “He looked very sharp in the first half and will make a good pairing with Robbo (Robinson).” The home side started the brighter, Jouffret sending Josh Hardcastle 30 metres to the line but he was stopped short. It didn’t take them long to cross the whitewash, however. Craig Hall entered the line
and his cut-out pass put Blackmore over in the corner. Dane Chisholm failed to convert from touch and it looked like there would be no further score in the first period as defences dominated, although Jake Sweeting made a fine break for Rovers and Will Jubb was denied on the line for the Knights, but in the final minute Robinson dummied near the line and dived over to give his side the interval lead after he converted his own effort. The Knights dominated the first 30 minutes of the second period against the many Featherstone interchanges and they quickly took the lead when Matthew Marsh brought them upfield with a fine break before Robinson’s clever play put Elliot Wallis over in the corner, and then almost scored himself but was held up. Rovers rallied late on, however, and after Ottewell went close after good play from Jouffret and Brandon French, he crossed with five minutes remaining after Gareth Gale went close from an outstanding 40-metre break in which he beat several would-be tacklers. Featherstone came downfield from the restart and Jouffret scythed through as the ball was being moved out wide. Although he wasn’t as impressive with the conversion attempt, and his miss ensured that both sides went home relatively pleased with their efforts.
A TOUGH, physical hit-out was what both coaches wanted from their opening pre-season fixture and, in typical January gloom, that was precisely what they got. Halifax boss Simon Grix can take encouragement from a game in which the hosts never trailed but opposite number Lee Radford was equally satisfied with the performance of a side comprising a huge chunk of the East Yorkshire club’s emerging talent. “We got out of it what we wanted,” announced Grix after an encounter in which his sole regret was losing Ben Kavanagh – taken to hospital after suffering a potentially serious hip injury just before the break. “Discipline and a bit of respect for what we have been doing in training and being able to transfer that into a match. “We were a bit rusty and bombed a few opportunities but we were trying and the shape was good for a first run-out.” Grix admitted the Kavanagh injury “took the wind out of me” while praising all four of his newcomers. “He (Kavanagh) went down under his own weight and when gas and air is called for immediately it’s not a good sign,” he commented. Radford, without many of his star names and with a benchload of youngsters, said: “I was pleased that we got what we asked for defensively, although we turned over a little too much football and gave away too many penalties around the ruck. What a Championship side may lack in skill and speed they make up for in ‘biff’ and that won’t do any of our young lads any harm at all.”
Halifax offered a run-out to most of their 2020 squad; with the notable exceptions of close season acquisitions Scott Grix, Jodie Broughton, and Keegan Hirst, plus the still suspended Brandon Moore, who was sent off at the end of last season. New signings Keal Carlile, Tom Gilmore, Matty Garside and Paul Brearley all started as Grix gave opportunities to a total of 21 players. Radford named a 23-man squad including new signings Jordan Johnstone and Joe Cator, plus recently injury-jinxed Andre Savelio and Matty Dawson-Jones. Savelio was playing his first game since last June, having made just seven appearances for FC after signing from Brisbane Broncos, for whom a knee reconstruction prevented him playing at all. Dawson missed the whole of last season after suffering an ACL injury in February. Josh Griffin donned the captain’s armband for the Black and Whites, who also gave outings to half-back Albert Kelly and former rugby union sevens star Ratu Naulago. Hull, playing in their new alternate strip of predominantly dark blue with pink trim, were forced to defend a lively early set from the hosts – with ex-Batley second-rower Brearley just failing to grasp the final pass as he made to go over in the corner. Quick out of the blocks Fax managed to keep Hull pinned in their own half for much of the opening 10 minutes without asking too many more serious questions. Dawson-Jones and impressive trialist Eldon Myers, who had been spotted playing for the Navy against Naulago’s Army side, did well to restrain James Saltonstall as he attempted to slide over. The deadlock was broken when Gilmore stabbed through for James Woodburn-Hall to
FEATHERSTONE ROVERS: Craig Hall 7, Ben Blackmore 7, Josh Hardcastle 6, Greg Worthington 6, Gareth Gale 8, Louis Jouffret 7, Dane Chisholm 6, Tyler Dupree 6, Jack Bussey 6, Alec Susino 6, James Harrison 6, Jarrod O’Connor 6, Dale Ferguson 6. Subs: Jake Sweeting 6, Bradley Wright 6, Sam Ottewell 6, James Beckett 6, Harvey Spence 6, Jack Richardson 6, Brandon French, James Lockwood 8, Liam Whitton 6, Loui McConnell 6, Nathan Wright 6, Daniel Waite-Pullan 6. Tries: Blackmore (8), Ottewell (74), Jouffret (79). Goals: Chisholm 0/1, Jouffret 0/2. YORK CITY KNIGHTS: Matthew Marsh 7, Will Sharp 6, Jason Bass 6, Liam Salter 6, Alwyn Towse 6, Ben Johnston 6, Connor Robinson 8, Jordan Baldwinson 6, Will Jubb 6, Jack Teanby 7, Joseph Porter 6, Sam Scott 6, Tim Spears 6. Subs: Danny Washbrook 6, James Green 7, Chris Clarkson 6, Marcus Stock 6, Elliot Wallis 6, Myles Harrison 6, Lewis Brown 6, Harry Bardle 6. Tries: Robinson (39), Wallis (54). Goals: Robinson 2/2. Ref rating: K. Moore 60/100 / Half-time: 4-6 / Penalties: 3-2 / Sin Bin: None / Sent Off: None / Weather: Mild / Man of the Match: Connor Robinson (York) / Attendance: Not given / Match Rating: 3/5.
INJURY CONCERN: Halifax and Hull medical staff assist Ben Kavanagh
PHOTOS: DEAN WILLIAMS
Monday January 6, 2020
League Weekly
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Full-back returns to haunt Barrow side full of amateur talent Barrow Raiders Oldham
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Paddy McAteer at Craven Park
MAKING YARDS: Hull back-rower Andre Savelio breaks a tackle in a hard-fought encounter in Halifax slide onto and cross the whitewash midway through the half, with Gilmore adding the conversion. A fine break out of his own half down the wing from Myers earned Hull their first attacking position since the opening exchanges but a timely interception of a stray pass meant the threat came to nothing. Liam Harris, a determined-looking Kelly and substitute Johnstone were all held up as the Black and Whites continued to strive to get onto the scoreboard. Saltonstall, after claiming the ball on the full in-goal, lifted the home supporters with a rousing run to near halfway before the game was held up following Kavanagh’s injury. Play was halted for over five minutes while Kavanagh, in obvious pain, was carefully treated by medical staff before being taken off on a stretcher. The second half began in similar fashion to the first with Halifax, aided forward by three quick-fire penalties, in the ascendancy. But a sparkling run from Jack Sanderson, helped on by Kelly and Myers, enabled Charlie Patterson-Lund to go over beside the posts with Harris levelling the scores with the conversion. Hull, spurred on by breaking their duck, almost immediately caused more chaos in the home defence when a seemingly mis-hit Harris cross-field kick struck the post and caused some alarm as it rebounded, ultimately safely, back into play. Halifax re-took the lead when Brearley used his power and momentum to crash over from close range. Tyrer, on the bench until half-time, added
the goal leaving a now much changed and very youthful visiting outfit to chase the game. The more experienced side, roared on by their own fans, gradually took control and a sliced kick, helped on by Steve Tyrer, enabled dual-registered Huddersfield winger Travis Corion to grab his first try in a blue and white shirt. Tyrer’s touchline conversion virtually sealed the result. A further blow for the hosts was seeing industrious prop Elliot Morris helped off the field with less than five minutes remaining before Academy product Jacob Hookem grabbed a late consolation try for Hull after a high bomb bounced free and was twice hacked forward.
DAN ABRAM came back to haunt his former club as Oldham were made to work hard for their victory against a home team that paraded no fewer than eight amateurs that will dual reg with the Raiders this season. Abram was to the fore as Oldham took the game to their hosts, crossing for two fine tries in the opening 15 minutes – and just for good measure he converted both. A 12-point advantage soon turned into 16-0 on the 20-minute mark as the visitors dominated matters. However, when finally coming into the frame, Barrow started to play flowing rugby and went in at the break two points adrift at 16-14. Both teams and supporters paid tribute to the passing of Frank Foster, who played for both clubs with a minute’s silence. One of eight amateurs in the home side was teenage hooker Joe Crarey who followed in the footsteps of his dad Paul, the Raiders coach, who played in the number nine shirt in the 1980s. Meanwhile Oldham, with virtually a full strength side, were worthy of their lead – a lead they could have lost in the closing minutes with Jake Carter being denied as he failed to touchdown correctly. The visitors took the game to Barrow in the early stages and were ahead five minutes into the action following a tap penalty on halfway. They moved the ball sharply and it was another former Raider in Lewis Charnock who prised open a gap for Abram to touchdown, he also tagged on the extra two points. Ryan Johnston then pulled off a fine tackle as Abram was about to cross the whitewash for a second time. At the play-the-ball the home side were caught offside and from the tap, the ball moved at speed into the arms of Abram who despite the attention of three defenders managed to slide over, he also added the goal and it was looking good for Oldham. The visitors were in total control and increased their lead on 20 minutes following a fine break from James Worthington. He tore downfield, putting in a kick to the corner which was forced dead by the covering Tee Ritson and Luke Cresswell as Declan Kay was about to pounce and score. From the drop-out Dave Hewitt moved the ball along the line to Abram who sent Harry Aaronson in for an unconverted try.
Barrow gradually came more into the picture and on their first real threat Johnston and Jake Carter worked the ball to Ben Garner who was held short. Within two minutes there were cheers at last for the home supporters in the 913 gathering. New prop Carl Forster took the ball up which resulted in Johnston crossing from close range, Jamie Dallimore tagging on the extras to make it 16-6. Dallimore almost added a second try for the Raiders when he swooped on a loose ball 30 yards out. He kicked on twice but just failed to gather cleanly when crossing the line. Further pressure paid off two minutes from the break. Crarey and Cresswell moved the ball well and Declan Hulme coasted over. The kick from Dallimore sailed between the posts to make it 16-12. Then on the hooter Oldham were caught offside and from half-way Dallimore halved the deficit via the boot. Five minutes into the second half Oldham were denied as Charnock swooped on a dropped ball from Sam Jones. Referee Brad Milligan ruled no try which resulted in Charnock going into the bin for dissent. Barrow’s amateurs were up for the task, working hard but there was no stopping Daniel Bridge who crashed over by the posts to give Oldham daylight. Abram added the goal to make it 22-14. A costly fumble by Kay 10 yards out with the home line open resutled in a counter-attack from the Raiders. And the ball moved swiftly to Hulme who broke on half-way but when approached by Abram, Ritson was in support to race clear and score but Dallimore failed to convert. A late rally saw Barrow just failed as Carter lost the ball, trying to roll over the line, and Oldham hung on for the victory. BARROW: Luke Cresswell, Tee Ritson, Declan Hulme, Perry Singleton, Ben Garner, Jamie Dallimore, Ryan Johnston, Carl Forster, Joe Crarey, Jordan Walne, Jono Smith, Jarrard Stack, Dan Toal. Subs: Jake Carter, Adam Ford, Connor Terrill, Tom Hopkins, Mark Tyson, Liam Saunders, Sam Jones, Carl McBain. Tries: Johnston (32), Hulme (38), Ritson (65). Goals: Dallimore 3/4. OLDHAM: Dan Abram, Declan Kay, James Worthington, Cameron Leeming, Harry Aaronson, Lewis Charnock, Dave Hewitt, Phil Joy, Gareth Owen, Jack Spencer, Danny Langtree, Dan Bridge, Liam Bent. Subs: Adam Brook, Ben Davies, John Hutchings, Danny Igbinedion, Ryan Johnson, Jode Sherriffe, Edward Smith, Matt Wilkinson. Tries: Abram (5, 15), Aaronson (19), Bridge (50). Goals: Abram 3/4. Ref rating: B. Milligan 90/100/ Half-time: 14-16 / Penalties: 7-7 / Sin Bin: Charnock (45, dissent) / Weather: Wet / Man of the Match: Dan Abram (Oldham) / Attendance: 913 / Match Rating: 3/5.
HALIFAX: Reece Chapman-Smith 7, James Saltonstall 8, James Woodburn-Hall 7, Ed Barber 7, Conor McGrath 7, Scott Murrell 7, Tom Gilmore 8, Dan Fleming 7, Keal Carlile 7, Elliot Morris 8, Matty Garside 8, Paul Brearley 8, Kevin Larroyer 7. Subs: Curtis Davies 7, Steve Tyrer 8, Ben Kavanagh 6, Jacob Fairbank 7, Will Calcott 7, Fraser Stroud 7, Alfie Copley 7, Travis Corion 7. Tries: Woodburn-Hall (20), Brearley (63), Corion (74). Goals: Gilmore 1/1, Tyrer 2/2. HULL: Connor Wynne 7, Matt Dawson-Jones 7, Eldon Myers 8, Cameron Scott 7, Ratu Naulago 8, Albert Kelly 7, Liam Harris 8, Masi Matongo 7, Joe Cator 7, Lewis Bienek 7, Andre Savelio 7, Josh Griffin 7, Brad Fash 8. Subs: Charlie Graham 7, Jack Sanderson 7, Jack Brown 8, Charles Patterson-Lund 7, Jordan Lane 7, Ben McNamara 7, Jordan Johnstone 7, Tom Goulding 7, Jacob Hookem 7, Kieran Buchanan 7. Tries: Patterson-Lund (50), Hookem (77). Goals: Harris 1/1, Sanderson 0/1. Ref rating: N Bennett 75/100 / Half-time: 6-0 / Penalties: 11-7 / Sin Bin: None / Sent Off: None / Weather: Overcast but dry / Man of the Match: Paul Brearley (Halifax) / Attendance: 1,327 / Match Rating: 3/5.
UP AND RUNNING: Ryan Johnston celebrates touching down for Barrow
PHOTO: BEN CHALLIS
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Monday January 6, 2020
League Weekly
BULLDOGS’ DUAL-REG HOPE By Ross Heppenstall
SIDELINED: Ronan Dixon
Dixon to miss out for York YORK CITY KNIGHTS forward Ronan Dixon is set to miss the first eight to 10 weeks of the season with an operation required on an injury. New signing Jimmy Keinhorst is currently recovering from a shoulder problem meanwhile and head coach James Ford has said that there will be an “outside chance” that he will feature in the final pre-season game against Bradford. Forward Josh Jordan-Roberts and hooker Kriss Brining are both targeting returns from injuries against the Bulls. Winger Perry Whiteley also missed yesterday’s friendly at Featherstone Rovers through injury.
Oldham land Igbinedion OLDHAM have strengthened their squad with a swoop for Dewsbury Rams forward Daniel Igbinedion. The Londoner (pictured) has played more than 50 senior games for Championship side Dewsbury Rams in the past three seasons. Aged 24, he has lived in the north for the past five years, having signed for Castleford Tigers and since played for Featherstone Rovers, Sheffield Eagles and Dewsbury. “He’s a good addition to the squad,” said Roughyeds coach Matt Diskin. “He’s a big, strong lad, very athletic and a player who can give us additional power and go-forward. He’s also got a good offload. “He’s got lots of Championship experience and I see him as a middle-channel man, who will complement the talents of our other forwards.” Igbinedion, who has signed a one-year contract, played 27 games for Dewsbury last season. He said: “I’ll be 25 next month and I’ve got a fair bit of Championship experience so I’m looking forward to a fresh start at Oldham.”
BATLEY BULLDOGS head coach Craig Lingard has revealed the club are battling with Championship rivals Bradford Bulls to establish a dual-registration partnership with Hull FC. Lingard and Bulldogs chief executive Paul Harrison recently met Black and Whites counterparts Lee Radford and James Clark and tabled an offer to partner with the Super League outfit. Yet Bradford boss John Kear has since also made a move to link up with his former club and a decision from Hull is expected to be made shortly. Lingard told League Weekly: “We’ve had discussions with Hull FC for the last five or six weeks but they have hit a bit of a stumbling block after Bradford came in with a late bid as well. “Their counter-offer has sort of scuppered our plans when we thought it was all done and dusted. “We’re hoping to find out within the next week if that’s going to go ahead – if it does, it will help us significantly. “Bradford were meant to be dual-registering with Toronto but that got pulled because of the size of the Wolfpack’s squad.” Hull have assembled a formidable squad for the coming season and Lingard remains hopeful a deal can be struck. He added: “It would be tremendous, given the quality of Hull’s 31-man squad, and I’ve no doubt that’s why Bradford have made an offer as well. “They can see the quality Hull have but only 17 players can feature every week, so there are 14 lads who aren’t playing. “The potential to give some of these guys first-team rugby, and obviously significantly strengthen us at the same time, would suit both parties. “For us now, it’s about trying to get it over the line because we’ve done all we can. “Paul Harrison and I met Radders and James Clark before Christmas and we expect a decision pretty soon
HULL LINK: Batley boss Craig Lingard has been in talks with Lee Radford over a dual-registration deal now because ourselves and Bradford need to know. “If it doesn’t happen for us, we’ll be scratching around and looking at other clubs and other targets.” Lingard is keen to bolster his squad due to being light in certain positions. He added: “There are some areas where we have cover for but have other positions where we are down to the bare bones. “We’ve only got two half-backs in Ben White and Danny Yates, and Ben has got a fractured finger so he might be out for three to four weeks and will impact our training as he can’t do any ball work.
“Therefore I need to bring another half-back in and we’ve only got two hookers in Alistair Leak and Shaun Lunt. If one of them gets injured, you’re expecting the other to do 80 minutes and, unless you’re some freak like James Roby or Danny Houghton, it’s unlikely that people can do that. “I know Alistair did that on Boxing Day (against Dewsbury) but it’s difficult to do and so we are looking to bring another hooker in. “We’ve only got two centres at the club and Lewis Galbraith has been injured since the second session of pre-season training. “It’s unlikely he will be back before
the start of the season, so as things stand we are going into the season with two half-backs, two hookers and two centres.” Against all that, Lingard believes his forward pack is a match for any side in the Championship. “Some of them have Super League experience and I’ve been really impressed with players like Toby Everett (ex-London Broncos),” said the Batley chief. “He’s always looking to improve and is constantly asking questions and wanting to learn. “I actually think we have one of the strongest packs in the division and that’s including the full-time sides.”
Addy up for Leigh challenge Featherstone trio LEIGH CENTURIONS’ new signing Danny Addy says he is enjoying a gruelling pre-season after joining the club from Hull Kingston Rovers. The ex-Bradford Bulls forward has played under John Duffy in the Scotland set-up and is delighted to be reunited with him at Leigh. Addy could feature in an opening friendly against last season’s surprise Super League Grand Finalists, Salford Red Devils, at the AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday (January 11). Leigh also host Wigan Warriors at Leigh Sports Village on Thursday, January 23 with a 7.30pm kick-off. Addy said: “If you don’t enjoy pre-season you shouldn’t be doing it. “You push your body to the limits so it’s important to do it with a smile on your face.
“We’ve been doing a lot of hill sessions and the lads just get up, turn up early and do as they’re told. It has been tough so far but I can’t wait to get started. “I know a lot of the lads and I’m looking forward to adding to what’s here already. “Every game is important in
the Championship and you have to peak at the right time. “The Championship has been growing each year in terms of stature and the quality is improving. “It’s good to be part of one of those quality teams in the division like Leigh.”
Williams delight at return to Broncos LONDON BRONCOS’ Jordan Williams is raring to go after returning to the club following a spell at London Skolars. The centre was nurtured in the Academy by head coach Danny Ward and his assistant Jamie Langley and is happy to reunited with old friends. Williams said: “It’s great to see so many faces I know from my academy days here and all the coaching staff too. “Wardy and Langers both
coached me in that Academy set-up and it’s nice to be working with them in a first team environment now. “It’s great to be back playing with lads that I called friends when I was here before. It makes the transition back into the club so much easier when there are so many faces that I already know. “Having trained and played with maybe half the lads here has made my life a lot more straightforward than it could have been.”
sidelined for start
FEATHERSTONE ROVERS will begin the season without three key players because of injury – including new signing Thomas Minns with a recurrence of the foot problem he suffered at his previous club Hull KR. Coach James Webster had around 12 of his squad unavailable for yesterday’s opening pre-season game at home to York City Knights. Webster said: “John Davies has had an ankle ligament reconstruction and he’s three months off. Thomas Minns has re-broken his foot; he has had an operation and he’ll be three months. “Brad Day did his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and he won’t play until July.” In addition, Dean Parata – a hooker signed from
Toulouse Olympique – has undergone ankle surgery, though Webster hopes he will play in pre-season. Dakota Wylie is still recovering from injury and Conor Carey remains on the casualty list after being hurt during last season’s play-offs. Dual-registration players have yet to be made available by Leeds Rhinos but Brett Ferres, signed from Rovers’ partner club, was due to begin running in training last week. Webster admitted: “We have been low on numbers, but it has been good to see the young kids who’ve stepped up from the reserves. “It’s the way it is, we’ll get through the friendlies as best we can and see how we go.”
Monday January 6, 2020
Eagles out to build on cup success SHEFFIELD EAGLES chairman Chris Noble believes last season’s 1895 Cup success has laid down a marker for the club to enjoy a strong 2020 campaign. Mark Aston’s side lifted the trophy in its inaugural season as they saw off Widnes Vikings at Wembley. Noble is optimistic they can now go on to continue to prosper in the months ahead. He said: “My highlight of last season and no doubt everyone’s was our trip to Wembley, defeating Widnes Vikings in the inaugural 1895 Cup Final. “When I voted along with fellow chairmen and clubs for the 1895 Cup competition to be introduced, I didn’t in my wildest dreams expect to lead Sheffield Eagles out at the national stadium, what a fabulous day and I’m sure a memory all involved will cherish forever. “What a marker that Mark and his players and backroom staff have laid down as we head into 2020. “May I wish everyone associated with Sheffield Eagles a peaceful and prosperous 2020 and thank you all again for you continued support. “This time next year we will be looking back at a completed Olympic Legacy Park and a secure and stable home and future for our Sheffield Eagles.”
Frustration for Haven in overseas bid WHITEHAVEN are still being held up in their efforts to bring an overseas player to boost their Championship squad. The Recreation Ground club is waiting for visa arrangements to be sorted out in order for the player – a talented half-back – to fly over to join his new teammates. Haven have two Papua New Guinea players on their books, with both Dion Aiye and Jessie Joe Parker fixtures at the Recreation Ground for several years. In fact, Parker did not fly home this winter but stayed in west Cumbria and is applying for British citizenship as he looks forward to a testimonial being confirmed by the Rugby Football League. The latest target has played in England before and Whitehaven are hoping to sort out the visa arrangements early in the New Year. They will hope he has arrived before the Ike Southward Memorial Trophy game against Workington Town on January 19, which is being staged at the Recreation Ground. Haven actually open their pre-season campaign on Saturday (January 11) at Newcastle, and complete the build up with a home game against North Wales Crusaders on January 26. That should have the squad in good fettle for the launch of their Championship programme on Sunday, February 2 against Swinton Lions.
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New Lions board up for the battle SWINTON LIONS’ board of directors have vowed to make the club a sustainable business as they prepare for the 2020 campaign. The Lions were caught up in the controversy of a potential rebrand last season with the name of Manchester Lions mooted as a possibility. That did not materialise and Andy Mazey has since moved on to take a key role in Rochdale Hornets’ new ownership structure. But Swinton say they are confident of moving forward under a new ownership board in a stable manner both on and off the field. A club statement said: “The second half of last season was set against deep political rumblings, and the proposal to re-brand the team as Manchester Lions. “This proposal came up against a strongly mixed reaction, and it’s fair to say that there wasn’t universal acceptance from Swinton supporters. “But whether it’s a gamble to stay as Swinton Lions and to continue our 153-year-old story without a name change, or whether it would have been
a gamble to re-brand, is now a largely irrelevant discussion. We are where we are, and we must seek to make the best of it. “The new board is not naive in this respect, but we remain tremendously optimistic. We are fully aware of the direction of the sport, and the challenges facing clubs like Swinton Lions – indeed you could rightly point out that we face some unique challenges – and quite obviously we need to carefully plan our strategic future. “However, please be rest assured that a safe, sustainable and successful direction for the club is the bullet point of highest importance on our agenda. “We wish to make it clear that we pay due respect to Andy Mazey and his departing director colleagues. “Nothing can alter the fact that they were absolutely fundamental to the turnaround of our off-field and on-field fortunes over the past couple of years, although let’s not also forget the efforts of those officials who still remain at the club, together with the significant contribution of our supporters.
“Since the sudden departure of the outgoing directors we have worked tremendously hard to maintain the club in a stable position, and plan effectively for 2020 and beyond. “Contrary to some opinions this most certainly has not been a walk in the park, but slowly but surely we have ticked off some major boxes and are making very good progress. “Quite rightly the RFL were nervous about the sudden director departures, but confidence in that direction is being restored. “Over the last three-and-a-half months, we have been working towards the future quietly, respectfully and diligently, alongside key partners such as our sponsors and the RFL. “We have also begun to assemble a new board, through the efforts of which we have already been successful in meeting our immediate commercial and administrative targets. “We will continue to expand our board if persons of the right calibre and shared ambition come to the fore.”
Our League step up live coverage LIVE ‘Our League’ coverage in 2020 has been extended and kicks off with the mouthwatering Betfred Championship opening round fixture between Toulouse Olympique and York City Knights at Stade Ernest Wallon on Saturday, February 1. The clash will be the first of 15 Championship fixtures available live to Our League members in the first five months of the season leading up to the Summer Bash in Blackpool at the end of May – eight of them in a Sunday evening slot (6.15pm kick-off) which has already proved a winner with fans. Five Betfred League 1 fixtures have also been selected for live coverage – including London Skolars’ home match against North Wales Crusaders on Sunday, February 29 which will be played at Allianz Park, the home of Saracens RUFC, as the first part of a doubleheader also including Toronto Wolfpack’s home Betfred Super League fixture against St Helens. The Skolars game will kick off at 3pm, and for the majority of weekends through the season Our League will cover two live fixtures, with the Sunday evening Championship matches complemented by Sunday lunchtime or afternoon games from either the Championship, League 1, the Betfred Women’s Super League, the Coral Challenge Cups or the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup.
The schedule also includes two fixtures from the second half of the Easter programme in the Championship – Whitehaven versus Leigh on Easter Monday afternoon, and Widnes versus Bradford on the Wednesday night. As previously announced, Our League’s 2020 coverage will begin with the Coral Challenge Cup first round tie between the RAF and Bentley ARLFC from Lincolnshire on Sunday (January 12). Mark Foster, the RFL’s chief commercial officer, said: “We’ve worked hard through the autumn, especially with our broadcast partners Sky Sports and the Championship and League 1 clubs, to find the best way to build on the progress we made with Our League last season. “So we’re excited to be able to announce such a comprehensive and attractive package of fixtures for the first five months of the 2020 season from January to May, covering six competitions also including the Betfred Women’s Super League, the Coral Women’s Challenge Cup, the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup and kicking off with the Coral Challenge Cup. “The Toulouse-York match is a great way to start – the teams who finished second and third behind Toronto Wolfpack last season, who are both confident of challenging for promotion again in 2020, and with the added attraction of Toulouse’s move to the
renowned Stade Ernest Wallon. “That game will be played in Toulouse’s usual Saturday evening slot which makes sense with Sky Sports showing the Betfred Super League double header from Emerald Headingley the following day. “But where possible we want fans to know that Sunday night is Our League night, starting the following weekend with Featherstone’s home opener against Halifax, and continuing with a series of attractive Betfred Championship fixtures which underline what a great competition it’s going to be again in 2020. “We also saw last season a growing audience for the Our League coverage of the Betfred Women’s Super League and Coral Women’s Challenge Cup, and we’ll be providing further details of that when the BWSL fixtures are announced next weekend.” OUR LEAGUE LIVE FIXTURES, JANUARY 12 – MAY 31 Betfred Championship Saturday, February 1 – Toulouse Olympique v York City Knights (5pm GMT) Sunday, February 9 – Featherstone Rovers v Halifax (6.15pm) Sunday, February 16 – Whitehaven v Oldham (6.15pm) Sunday, March 1 – Swinton Lions v Leigh Centurions (3pm), Dewsbury Rams v Widnes Vikings (6.15pm) Sunday, March 8 – Bradford Bulls v Sheffield Eagles (6.15pm) Sunday, March 22 – York City Knights v Featherstone Rovers (3pm) Sunday, March 29 – Oldham v York City Knights (3pm), Batley Bulldogs v Bradford Bulls (6.15pm)
Easter Monday, (April 13) – Whitehaven v Leigh Centurions (3pm) Wednesday, April 15 – Widnes Vikings v Bradford Bulls (7.30pm) Sunday, April 19 – Halifax v Widnes Vikings (6.15pm) Sunday, April 26 – Leigh Centurions v Toulouse Olympique (3pm) Sunday, May 3 – York City Knights v Widnes Vikings (6.15pm) Sunday, May 17 – Bradford Bulls v Leigh Centurions (6.15pm) BETFRED LEAGUE ONE Sunday, February 16 – Workington Town v London Skolars (3pm) Saturday, February 29 – London Skolars v North Wales Crusaders (3pm, Allianz Park) Sunday, March 8 – Rochdale Hornets v Keighley Cougars (3pm) Sunday, May 17 – Barrow Raiders v Newcastle Thunder (3pm) Friday, May 22 – Newcastle Thunder v Doncaster (tbc) CORAL CHALLENGE CUP Sunday, January 12 – Round One, RAF v Bentley (1.30pm) January 25-26 – Round Two tie tbc February 8-9 – Round Three tie tbc February 22-23 – Round Four tie tbc March 14-15 – Round Five tie tbc CORAL WOMEN’S CHALLENGE CUP Sunday, March 1 – Round One tie tbc Sunday, March 22 – Round Two tie tbc Sunday, April 5 – Round Three tie tbc Sunday, April 26 – Round Four tie tbc Sunday, May 10 – Semi-finals BETFRED WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE Fixtures to be published Sunday January 12 Sunday, March 29 – Opening round fixture tbc Sunday, April 19 – Fixture tbc Sunday, May 3 – Fixture tbc Sunday, May 17 – Fixture tbc AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Sunday, April 19 – Round One tie tbc Wednesday, April 29 – Round Two tie tbc Wednesday, May 13 – Quarter-final tie tbc
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND-UP
LOAN: Rhys Evans ✪ BRADFORD BULLS are set to be boosted by a number of Leeds Rhinos youngsters being made available to them on loan after Rhys Evans moved to Headingley. The Wales centre has joined Richard Agar’s side on a seasonlong loan following the activation of a clause in his contract. The 27-year-old became a Bradford player prior to the start of the 2019 season and made 12 appearances, scoring two tries. Bradford Bulls head coach John Kear said: “Rhys had a release clause in his contract so he was entitled to move to a Super League club, so by agreeing the loan proposition with Leeds he now has an opportunity to establish himself. “As part of the agreement we will also get a couple of Leeds players, which will be announced later in the month. “Rhys is a smashing lad, with a strong Super League pedigree. On a personal level I am pleased for him that he has this opportunity and the overall arrangement represents sound business for our club.” ✪ DEWSBURY RAMS have signed Welsh back-rower Rhys Davies on a one-year contract. The 23-year-old joins the Rams after impressing on a trial period with the Championship club. Dewsbury coach Lee Greenwood (pictured below) said: “Rhys fully deserves to be rewarded after working hard and impressing in training. “Through a combination of playing for us, Coventry Bears on dual-registration or for Hull KR reserves, he will get plenty of game time which will see him develop. “I’m looking forward to seeing him play at Keighley in our next friendly and he will be competing for a shirt in the 17 like everyone else. He has the potential to play at Championship level if he really wants it.”
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LEAGUE 1 ROUND-UP ✪ JORDAN WILLIAMS has paid tribute to London Skolars after leaving the club and rejoining city rivals London Broncos. The centre was nurtured in the Broncos’ academy and is happy to have returned to the club where he rose to prominence. But he described the Skolars as “a great club to both be at and play for”, and added: “Jermaine Coleman, the head coach, is tremendous and the former Broncos like Illiess Macani and Omari Caro are great guys. “They gave me all the opportunities possible to improve as a player and a person that they could and the way they have their environment set up gives you such scope to improve. “I loved my time there and it’s thanks to them that I can now make the jump to Championship and be back at the Broncos, but this time as a first team player.” ✪ WORKINGTON TOWN have signed local prospect Hanley Dawson on a two-year deal. Dawson was identified by Town with a number of other local players to spend a full pre-season with the club. After starring in the Tri-Counties series for Cumbria and with his impressive attitude and fitness in training, Workington coach Chris Thorman decided to offer Hanley a contract with the League 1 club. Dawson said: “I feel like now is the right time for me to step up and move my career forward. “My aim for the upcoming season is to make as many consistent appearances as possible and start to make a reputation for myself in League 1 and kick-start what will hopefully be a successful professional career. “It’s a proud time for me and my family. Those closest to me know what this opportunity means and I can only thank Chris, the rest of the staff and the board for committing to me.” ✪ WEST WALES RAIDERS have made two new signings ahead of the 2020 season in centre Bailey Liu and prop Christopher Davies. Samoan Liu arrives at the Raiders from the Central Queensland Capras while Davies has earned one cap for Wales and spent time in the Crusaders academy. Liu said: “It’s a great opportunity for myself to experience a different culture with a club that has massive potential to grow in the game. “I will hopefully bring a professional and serious approach to the Raiders this season. It’s great to be thrown straight into things and training on my second day in Wales, it was good to meet the squad and staff and I look forward to meeting more of the new recruits throughout this week.” Davies said: “I signed for West Wales Raiders because I wanted to get back into rugby league after playing it for years for the Celtic Crusaders. “I also am working towards getting back into the Welsh squad at the end of the season. I am nearing my prime now so if I don’t give it 100 per cent and my full commitment right now it will never happen so I’ve got to make it happen again this year.”
Monday January 6, 2020
League Weekly
Bears’ delight at new ground deal By Ross Heppenstall COVENTRY BEARS have signed a three-year deal to play their home matches at Butts Park Arena, cementing the venue’s place as the home of oval ball sport in the west Midlands. The new deal is an extension of what had been announced in December and will see the Bears play their home matches at Butts Park until at least 2022. Coventry Rugby’s investment into a new artificial surface has now been rewarded by Butts Park now being the home of three of the city’s main sports clubs, including Coventry United men’s and women’s teams as well as the Bears, along with a number of grassroots clubs and local schools. “We’re delighted that Coventry Bears has agreed a three-year tenancy to continue their commitment to play their matches in the heart of the city,” said Coventry Rugby’s Managing Director, Nick Johnston. “Butts Park is expanding all the time as a hub for sport, health and well-being and is now the city centre’s home for rugby union, rugby league and football, as well as the other sports such as
HOME COMFORTS: Coventry Bears will play at the Butts Park Arena for the next three years American Football which have been played on the new pitch. “Having the Bears return is another piece in the jigsaw that is coming together and will reinforce the venue’s place in the city’s community. “Hopefully the surface can give the Bears the platform they need to climb up the League 1 table.” Coventry Bears chief
executive Debbie Watson said: “The Bears are delighted to be back at the Butts Park Arena after a nearly nine-month absence. “The squad are excited to play on the world-class pitch and I know the fans are very much looking forward to our return. “Hopefully being back in the city centre will encourage any new and curious sports
fans to give rugby league a try in the new year. “It is a great spectator sport showing physicality and pace and we’re looking forward to getting under the Friday night lights against the Broncos.” The Bears’ first game back at Butts Park Arena is a pre-season clash with London Broncos on Friday (January 10).
Hesketh completes Hornets move ROCHDALE HORNETS have signed prop Adam Hesketh for the 2020 League 1 season. Hesketh arrives from National Conference League side Thatto Heath, and will join teammates Andy Lea and Adam Carr from the amateur set up. He has also represented Lancashire Open Age and England Community Lions. “I’m excited to test myself down at Rochdale this year,” he said. “It’s a good oportunity for me to take a step up. I’m very famililar with the coaching staff and the players have all been really welcoming. “I can’t wait to get on the pitch in League 1 this season.” On the latest addition, head coach Matt Calland said: “Another one from Thatto Heath who is a very tough, uncompromising player. “He has played internationally as an amateur and is looking to test himself at a higher level.” The Hornets have also announced the signings of Sean Mulcahy, Ryan Bradbury and Liam Whalley. Calland said: “Ryan Bradbury is a strong running second-rower, and can also cover the centres. He was at Leeds academy and Hopwood Hall rugby academy as a youngster and is very dangerous with ball in hand and hits hard in defence. “Sean Mulcahy is a former Hopwood Hall rugby academy player. He is very
PROP ADDITION: Adam Hesketh aggressive and is an awkward sort of player. He is training really well and has a lot to learn but is developing into a handy player. “Liam Whalley is another from Hopwood Hall rugby academy and is a very dynamic player.”
Thunder look to youth NEWCASTLE THUNDER’s player development scheme broke new ground shortly before Christmas when the club’s Under 16s academy united with counterparts from three Super League clubs for the first-ever Invitational Development Day. Kingston Park Stadium welcomed players and staff from the academy programmes of Huddersfield Giants,
Hull KR and Wakefield Trinity for games and a series of workshops. The event aimed to serve as a demonstration of how academies could work together and provide additional development opportunities for players and staff. Alongside the traditional adapted games, where points are awarded for a range of attributes being displayed by players on the field, the development day saw conditioning, contact and handling workshops take place to further enhance the experience for the youngsters in attendance. Academy manager Michael Heap said he hoped the day would serve to supplement the work already being done across all levels of the game. Heap said: “It was a really worthwhile day and something that we are definitely looking to continue doing in the future. “The initial feedback from staff, players and parents was very positive. We will now undergo a full review process in which we will seek the opinions of all those involved to gauge how successful different aspects were and how we can further improve in future. “We are really grateful to those that got involved with the day and Newcastle Thunder are looking forward to working with all concerned in future to continue to innovate and provide more opportunities for the development of future players for all levels of the game.”
Horne hails new forward capture Ollett DONCASTER head coach Richard Horne reckons new recruit Aaron Ollett will prove a shrewd addition to his squad. The 27-year-old forward (pictured) arrived after leaving Newcastle Thunder at the end of last season. Horne said: “He’s somebody we’ve been looking at for a while, he works hard and can cover a few positions. “He is comfortable in the back-row and at hooker, which is key because without the dual-reg we need players who can cover more than one position. “We’ve managed to pick him up quite late in pre-season and we’re pleased he’s decided to come down here.” With 23 players now signed up for 2020, Horne is pleased with the business he has done in retaining and recruiting personnel. He added: “We’ve got a good squad together for next season and I believe we’re stronger than last year when we just missed out. “Hopefully we can avoid picking up injuries and if we can do that with the squad we’ve got then we won’t be far off.”
Hunslet bring in prop Johnson HUNSLET have signed former Swinton prop Zach Johnson (pictured) for the 2020 season. The 28year-old, who has recently played for Thornhill Trojans in the National Conference League, made 31 appearances for Swinton between 2014-16. Hunslet coach Gary Thornton said: “Zach is very experienced, a big strong prop who will complement our younger guys. “We have a real mixture in the front-row which gives us lots of options. He knows that, having had a spell out of the pro ranks, he has to be on top of his fitness levels to push himself into the team but he has shown a great attitude to pre-season training and he’s chomping at the bit to show what he can do in the warm-up games. “He will provide a big challenge to the other front-rowers and we now have plenty of competition for places.” Johnson added: “I bring a lot of go-forward and aggression, plus I can help bring on the younger players in the side. “The spirit here is superb. Everyone’s bought into a collective unit, rather than us being a bunch of 17 superstars. We’re hopefully putting in building blocks for the long-term, and we’re aiming to return to the Championship.”
Monday January 6, 2020
League Weekly
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Support for Rob from darts champ
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RIP Johnny Ward JOHNNY WARD, the former Castleford and Salford front-rower, sadly passed away last week at the age of 78. ‘Wardy’ was part of the last Great Britain team to win the Ashes, in 1970. He made 262 appearances for Castleford and won two Floodlit Trophy titles (1965 and 1967) as well as the Challenge Cup in 1969. Tigers director of rugby Jon Wells said: “The club are saddened to hear of the passing of one of our greats in Johnny Ward. “He was a stalwart of the Castleford pack in the 1960s and is remembered by many as a tough and uncompromising forward, as a hooker and a prop who was both a Great Britain test international and a Challenge Cup winner in his time at Castleford. Johnny will be fondly remembered and sadly missed, and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Frank remembered STARS of the past from West Cumbria and Barrow were out in force among a congregation of over 200 mourners at the funeral of Frank Foster, who passed away recently aged 79. Pall bearers were lads who Frank coached in his 10-year stint as boss of Barrow, namely Steve Tickle, Andy Whittle, Malcolm Flynn, Peter McLean, David Cairns, Derek Hadley and Steve Hogan. Making the train journey from North West Cumbria were characters Howard ‘Smiler’ Allen and John ‘Spanky’ McFarlane along with Ralph Calvin, Arnie ‘Boxer’ Walker, Eddie Bowman, Alan Sewell, Keith Davies, Ralph McConnell and George Crayston. Former coach Tommy Dawes was among the large number of former Barrow-based players, along with present day coach Paul Crarey, which included Steve ‘Rip’ Kirkby, Phil Hogan, Frank Jones, Mike Sanderson, John Cunnigham, Eddie Symala, Ken Southward, Graham Lupton, Mick James, Terry Moore, Les Quirk, Harold McCourt and many others.
Passing of Steve STEVE LANE, the former Dewsbury, Hull FC, Tonneins, Hunslet, Kent Invicta and Sheffield Eagles half-back, passed away over Christmas.
Rovers in safe hands IN THE WEEK Hull KR have announced they are purchasing their Craven Park stadium and surrounding land for almost £2 million, Rovers chairman Neil Hudgell’s law firm, Hudgell Solicitors, have announced a big increase in profits. Figures to March 31, 2019 saw turnover up from £10.7m to £11.1m while pre-tax profits rose from £141,737 to £437,485. Hudgell Solicitors have also been named in the top 200 biggest law firms in the UK for the first time. The company is now going to focus on attracting better quality work through solicitor networks and less through agency spend. Rovers, meanwhile, are delighted that they will be able to turn land on the site into state of the art training facilities instead of begging and borrowing as in seasons gone by. Details of the transaction were revealed last week with the publication of the minutes from a pre-Christmas Hull City Council cabinet meeting. As it stands, the council owns the freehold of the stadium and adjacent land off Preston Road. The head lease on the stadium is currently held by private consortium Kingston Community Developments Ltd (KCDL), which worked with the council nearly 20 years ago to rescue the club from administration. Minutes reveal the council is buying KCDL’s leasehold interests for £2.5m plus fees. The council will then sell the freehold and adjoining assets, excluding an outdoor go-kart track, to the Super League club for £1.93m.
Hull and to introduce new incomeearning activity which will help sustain the operation of the community facilities and the professional rugby league club. “Without this the future of the stadium complex, the community facilities and the continuation of professional rugby league in east Hull is at risk. “The establishment of a joint steering group with ward member representation will ensure that local community interests are respected.” Meanwhile, the club have thanked the Rovers Supporters Group for their recent investment into the club’s Academy set-up. A transformation of the Robins Nest will see the lower section, on non-matchdays, become a new wrestle contact room for the club’s young prospects. Head of Youth John Bastian said: “This will make a significant difference to the progress and development of our junior players.”
CANNY OPERATOR: Neil Hudgell As part of the deal, the council will be leasing back part of the North Stand from Hull KR at a peppercorn rent for 30 years to continue the operation of a training and enterprise centre. The minutes say the proposal will “support the prospects for Hull KR to attract new investors and to work in partnership with the city council to develop Craven Park as a multi-use community sports facility for east
✪ ROVERS and Hull City fans are saying prayers for Simon Longstaff, 47, a lifelong fan of both clubs who is very ill in Hull Royal Infirmary. Simon collapsed last month at a Hull City match and has been in hospital ever since. Simon went to every Hull City and Hull KR game – home and away, first team, reserves, Academy etc – for years, and if Rovers and City games clashes he had a real problem unless both were at home at different times, when he’d try to get to both.
Fires force Raiders to train inside CANBERRA RAIDERS have been forced to start their pre-season training indoors because of the bushfire crisis which has engulfed large parts of New South Wales. The Raiders were due to have a field session today (Monday) as they returned to training after Christmas, but the smoke in Canberra turned toxic over the weekend and has been deemed too dangerous to train in. A spokesman for the club said they are due to make a
decision today on whether to relocate their training set-up away from Canberra for the next 10 days. The NRL will likely grant the Green Machine an exemption from the soft cap on football department spending – which goes towards training camps – given the extreme circumstances. Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said: “It’s such short notice, it’s one finding the right climate and then two finding the availability of grounds, gymnasiums and
✪ HUDDERSFIELD Giants’ Supporters Association stage their annual fans’ forum on Tuesday evening (January 7), with RL legend Garry Schofield OBE joining coach Simon Woolford and managing director Richard Thewlis at the event in the Fantastic Media Suite at the John Smith’s Stadium. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start and entry is free for HGSA members and Giants Season Card holders. Non-members will be charged £2.
accommodation. Then flights on top of that. We’ve got to take the best-case scenario because this will be the first week we’ll have our full squad back together after the Grand Final.” NRL CEO Todd Greenberg posted a message of support on Twitter to everyone who has helped battle the blazes. “On behalf of the entire rugby league community we send our thoughts to everyone across the nation who has been impacted by
✪ THIS Saturday (January 11) Huddersfield St Josephs will welcome all existing players, ex-players and anyone just looking for a bit of fitness to join them for their first training session of 2020. Coach Joel Hawkyard says they will be meeting at 9.30am at the now infamous Scammonden Dam steps, by the M62 eservoir. ✪ EVER fancied being a Super League mascot? Well, here’s your chance!
the bushfires. To all the fireys, volunteers, police, defence force & emergency services we extend our appreciation & thanks,” he wrote. “We’re working with all our Clubs, States & @NRL players & @RLPlayers & plenty of former players on a coordinated program to support our communities affected by the bushfires. “It will ensure the entire game and all our fans can be part of it and make a real impact – will keep you posted.”
Wakefield Trinity are looking for an “enthusiastic and energetic person” to be the new Daddy Cool for 2020. The main duties involve geeing up the crowd before the match and at half-time, meeting fans and helping out with on-pitch activities. The club say candidates must have an ability to build a rapport with people of all ages. For more information, please contact Jonathan Schofield at jsc@wakefieldtrinity. com.
NEW PDC World Darts Champion Peter Wright has added his support for Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow. Yorkshire Evening Post scribe and friend of League Weekly Pete Smith revealed a few days back how Wright has followed the Rhinos’ fortunes since meeting some of their players during a promotion at Emerald Headingley in 2016. The 49year-old Scot, nicknamed Snakebite, produced a sensational performance to defeat defending champion Michael van Gerwen at London’s Alexandra Palace on New Year’s Day. Now he has offered to provide a souvenir to raise money for Burrow who, as we know, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. “I was really shocked to hear about Rob Burrow and it’s great to see the reaction since then for him,” Wright said of the former Rhinos star and current reserve team coach. He added: “It was great to meet some of the (Rhinos) guys when we launched the Premier League in Leeds in 2016 and I’ve followed their progress ever since. “I did some filming with Jamie Jones-Buchanan too a couple of years ago and he’s brilliant. They are amazing athletes, but lovely guys too.” ✪ HEARING from Wollongong that former St Helens coach Ian Millward has sent his congratulations to his old neighbour and buddy in Liverpool, David Moyes, on his appointment for a second stint as manager of West Ham United. When Moyes was at Everton, Millward got the Scotsman watching rugby league and they even took each other’s squads for training sessions. There could be a little RL rivalry at the London Stadium, with mustardkeen Warrington Wolves fan Stuart Pearce in line for a role on Moyes’s coaching staff. ✪ SAM WALTERS will be one of the loan players heading from Leeds to Bradford as part of the Rhys Evans deal, and Bulls fans should get excited about the ex-Widnes forward according to one Vikings supporter who has texted me to say how the “massive” pack prospect will go far in the game over the next few seasons. Walters, who is 19 years old and stands at 6ft 5ins, was part of the England Academy team that beat the Australian Schoolboys 2-0. ✪ I FEEL we can now officially all forget seeing England and Leicester RU fly-half George Ford in rugby league before he retires after the contract extension he agreed to this past week. The former Saddleworth Rangers ARLFC youngster and Rishworth School, Sowerby Bridge student is now on £600,000-a-season plus international payments and bonuses from central funding. ✪ RYAN HALL is expected to be sidelined for around four months after undergoing a second operation on the knee he injured playing for Great Britain in November’s first test against New Zealand.
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THE AUSSIE SCENE
Monday January 6, 2020
SIVO TRAVEL BAN OVERTURNED ...but Eels flyer still faces charge of indecent assault in native Fiji MAIKA SIVO will resume pre-season with Parramatta today (Monday) despite still facing court action in Fiji. The Eels winger was initially barred from leaving the island following a court appearance last week at which he was charged with indecent assault. A second court date was scheduled for Tuesday, January 7. However, on Friday, Sivo was successful in having his bail conditions changed – allowing him to return to Australia to step up preparations for the new season while his case progresses through the legal system. An Eels statement said the decision had been made “following a number of commitments made by Maika and the Parramatta Eels club to the Fijian court”. Eels general manager of football Mark O’Neill and a member of the club’s welfare team had travelled to Fiji to meet with the local legal team and provide support to Sivo and his family. “Maika and the club are pleased with the outcome of today’s
proceedings and reiterate our respect for the Fijian legal system and its processes,” added the club statement. “Maika will return to Australia with our Eels staff and be ready for the commencement of Eels training next week.” Sivo – the NRL’s top try-scorer in 2019 – faces action over claims he harassed a female member of staff at a resort near Nadi. Having returned to his homeland to visit family during the Christmas holidays, the 26-year-old is alleged to have tugged on a bartender’s skirt in order to get her attention at a pool party. He was initially charged with ‘indecent annoyance’ but now faces a count of indecent assault. Sivo scored 22 tries in 25 appearances for Parramatta last season and went on to represent Fiji at the World Cup 9s and in their two Oceania Cup tests against Samoa and Papua New Guinea.
BIG BREAKTHROUGH: Maika Sivo’s first NRL season saw him top the try charts and earn international recognition
Bulldogs left shocked by suicide of talented young trialist Ziggie DESTROYED: Ron Coote shows how his home was reduced to rubble by fire
Legend Coote loses home in NSW bushfire RUGBY LEAGUE legend Ron Coote has lost his home of 38 years in bushfires on the south coast of New South Wales. The 75-year-old fought back tears as he described the devastation on the Channel 9 news. “Well, I get a bit upset but I feel all right,” said the former South Sydney, Eastern Suburbs and Kangaroos back-row forward. “I’m okay. I supposed we lived here for 38 years now and it’s a bit sad, I suppose. But we’ll build again and we’ll live again. That’s the main thing. We’re alive. I’ve got great kids and a great family.” Coote, who battled in vain to douse the fire which ravaged his home on New Year’s Eve, also revealed how his family was forced to jump into Lake Conjola to escape the flames. Wife Robin, daughter Natalie and a friend all leapt into the water for safety while Ron tried to tackle the conflagration with a fire hose. “My daughter Natalie helped them all down ... and they had to swim out and had to tread water,” revealed Coote, who won 23 caps for Australia between 1967 and 1975. His daughter’s house, next door, was also destroyed along with 50 other homes in Lake Conjola.
A YOUNG NRL prospect was “over” rugby league and “did not want to play anymore” when he took his own life just after Christmas. Up-and-coming talent Ziggie Vincent was found dead in Sydney on Saturday, December 28. Vincent, from Griffith in north-west New South Wales, had recently spent six weeks trialling for Canterbury’s Under 20s side. According to his best friend and former teammate Epeli Serukabaivata, Vincent was homesick and had lost his love of the game. “He was just over football ... he did not want to play anymore, that’s what people don’t know, he told me he didn’t even want to play for the Bulldogs,” Serukabaivata told Sydney’s The Daily Telegraph. “People always expected him to make it far and that’s all people knew of him, so he didn’t want to change his career because he didn’t know where to start.” Canterbury Bulldogs have offered counselling to players and staff in the wake of the tragedy. Serukabaivata said he hoped the tragedy would encourage people struggling
sympathies to his family and friends.” The incident was just one of two tragedies to hit the Griffith club last week, with 24-year-old player and coach Andrew Hoggart dying after a fall from a balcony while celebrating New Year’s Eve in Brisbane. “It’s flattened everyone, we just can’t believe it’s happened,” said the club’s president Craig O’Keeffe. “My main priority is that everyone is okay. “Everywhere I go (in Griffith) people who don’t even know me through footy say how terrible it is. “Personally I’m handling it okay, but there’s no textbook, so we’ve had to go to the professionals. This, to me, is right out of my league.”
TALENTED: Ziggie Vincent was a highly-regarded prospect who had been on trial with the Bulldogs with their mental health to speak up. “You’re never weak if you speak, when you bottle it up stuff like this happens,” he said. “It’s better to ask someone if they’re ok and have a 10-minute conversation, than to not ask them and never talk to them again.” Vincent had been staying at the home of ex-NRL star Anthony Mundine, whose son CJ recently signed for
South Sydney and was a close friend. Posting on social media, Mundine Snr said: “I let Zig know I was always there for him ... but a lot of these brothers feel like they’re a burden. “But they’re actually not. They’re just shy and don’t want to bring their problems on anyone else. “I wish he would have reached out to me or somebody.”
A statement issued by the Bulldogs read: “Although Ziggie was only around the club for six weeks as a triallist for our Jersey Flegg side, he had made a great impression on all those that had met him and had made some close friends in and around the club. “His passing has come as a major shock to everyone at the club and we offer our condolences and deepest
Sharks secure Blues prospect CRONULLA have secured rising star Teig Wilton until the end of the 2023 season. The 20-year-old back-rower is tipped to make his NRL debut this year having been a standout performer in the Canterbury Cup. Wilton also captained New South Wales’ Under 20s to a 36-10 win over Queensland’s youngsters back in July.
Monday January 6, 2020
League Weekly
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Let our man Down Under know what you think about his views email: vossy@ league-weekly.com
Catastrophe devastating millions HAVE to admit; this is my toughest week to tackle writing a rugby league column. I am sure you are aware of just how extraordinarily serious the bushfire crisis is across large parts of Australia but particularly in the state of New South Wales. Many lives have been tragically lost. Hundreds of properties destroyed. Wildlife and livestock have perished in the most heartbreaking manner. Brave firefighters, mostly volunteers, have been injured. In some cases, small country towns have been close to wiped out. Incredibly, some of the fires still burning started at the end of October last year. On Saturday, many described the conditions as the worst imaginable. We were warned the day would be just about survival. Temperatures in many towns were the highest ever recorded. Close to Sydney, Penrith in the western suburbs recorded a top of 48.8 degrees. Then there were the winds. First from the north west, and then later in the day a treacherous shift to a southerly with gusts up to 90 kilometres an hour. Ember attacks from fires skipped 20 kilometres in front of the actual fire fronts. Some towns had less than 30 minutes to evacuate so volatile were the changing conditions. I can sadly bring a rugby league element into the story. One of our greatest ever players and gentlemen, Ron Coote lost his home at Lake Conjola. His daughter’s house next door was also razed despite the valiant efforts of this 75-year-old man to defend them both from the out of control fire. How horrific the scene must have been is almost unimaginable. Ron’s wife was forced to take shelter in
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DEVASTATING: Australia RL legend Ron Coote and his home in New South Wales which has been destroyed by a wildfire the lake and tread water for an hour before being picked up by another resident on a jet ski. In the case of Ron Coote, there are few men who have done more for the sport in retirement. He has worked tirelessly in the formation of the Men of League Foundation, that over the years has raised millions of dollars to assist members of the ‘rugby league family’ in need. I hope he and his distressed family now get some support in return. And then there is the tale of my work colleague and good mate to
many fans across the north of England, Aaron ‘Wally’ Wallace. There are few bigger fans down under of British rugby league. A few years ago, Wally bought a house in the beautiful little southern New South Wales town of Batlow. This area is known for producing Australia’s best apples! He spends every spare minute there and if you follow him on social media you will see so many delightful images of country life mixed in with multiple shots of his rugby league adventures.
I have been in regular contact with Wally over the past week just to check how he was handling things with the threat of fires hitting his town so imminent. Last Thursday he said he had attended a meeting held by the rural fire brigade in Batlow where residents were told the town could not be saved. The fire was coming. By 10am the next morning he left his home, boarded up with corrugated iron over the windows; fire-guarded surrounding land as best as possible, and drove off
totally demoralised, leaving behind a ghost town. As I write this, Wally, and so many others from towns who had no choice but to evacuate, have no idea whether their homes were spared. The video footage posted by volunteer fire fighters amidst the chaos in Batlow on Saturday is terrifying. The forecast remains bleak, with further predictions of dreadful conditions to come over the next week. The army and navy have been called in to help. Hundreds of people were evacuated off beaches by naval ships to escape fire ravaged areas. This is supposed to be the holiday season. And tourism over summer in many cases is the lifeblood for these towns. What will happen next? I have no clue how the firefighters are finding the energy or resources to keep fighting day after day. Again from Batlow came this account from the rural fire service communications radio on Saturday night. The town fire captain had enquired would there be any chance his crew would be relieved that night. He was told a simple, “Sorry, no.” His response was a simple “Righto.” In the town of Bundanoon, a 90 minute drive south west of Sydney, the fire station there put out a request on Sunday morning if anyone could bring bottles of water or snacks to them to help an exhausted crew. How helpless we all are to assist. There is no safe way in or out of the town by road. I always say have a great week... but spare a thought for so many Aussies doing it tough in this extraordinary bushfire crisis.
Mitchell told to stay away
TIME FOR R&R?: Australian centre Latrell Mitchell appears to have played his final game for Sydney Roosters
LATRELL MITCHELL looks almost certain to leave Sydney Roosters after it was confirmed he wouldn’t return to training with the NRL Premiers. The 22-year-old centre was due back for pre-season last Monday for the first time since the Roosters pulled out of a deal for 2021 back in November. But the club announced this week that the New South Wales star would be granted a leave of absence. A statement released by the Roosters said: “In lead-up to the club’s return to pre-season, Sydney Roosters player Latrell Mitchell has been granted a leave of absence, excusing him from all training commitments.
“The club will be making no further comment at this time.” Reports in Australia suggest the Sydney club are fed up with the ongoing contract saga, which has dominated the off-season, and want Mitchell off their books. Off-contract at the end of 2020, the Kangaroos ace has been linked with the Wests Tigers, Canterbury Bulldogs, North Queensland Cowboys and South Sydney Rabbitohs. The Bunnies look like Mitchell’s likeliest destination, but they are still trying to lure Gold Coast Titans star Jai Arrow a season early and would perhaps need to offload Dane Gagai and Alex Johnston to make room on the salary cap.
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THELEAGUESCENE PENNINE
RESULTS – SATURDAY, JANUARY 4 DIVISION ONE: Drighlington 16 Almondbury Spartans 22, Sharlston Rovers 28 Upton 38, Hanging Heaton 44 Illingworth 16 DIVISION TWO: Fryston Warriors 32 Allerton Bywater 18, Eastmoor Dragons 14 Shaw Cross Sharks 28, S Yorkshire Eagles 28 Thornhill Trojans 20 DIVISION THREE: Crigglestone All Blacks 10 Methley Warriors 88, Stainland Stags 40 Sherburn Bears 26, West Leeds 22 Kinsley Raiders 8 DIVISION THREE ALLIANCE: Worth Village 14 Beeston Broncos 30, Almondbury Spartans A 16 Woodhouse Warriors 38, Hollinwood 26 South Yorkshire Eagles A 18 FIXTURES – SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 ANDREW BENNETT MEMORIAL TROPHY: King Cross Park v Allerton Bywater, Worth Village v Clayton, Thornhill Trojans v Eastmoor Dragons, Seacroft Sharks v Almondbury Spartans A, West Leeds v South Yorkshire Eagles, Methley Warriors v Kinsley Raiders, Crigglestone All Blacks v Shaw Cross Sharks PENNINE PRESIDENTS CUP: Drighlington v Hanging Heaton, Almondbury Spartans v Sharston Rovers, Illingworth v Mirfield Stags DIVISION THREE: Sherburn Bears v Stainland Stags
COLLEGE FIXTURES – WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8 PREMIER DIVISION: Wakefield College v Hull FC Development Academy, Salford Red Devils Development Academy v Huddersfield Giants Development Academy, Leeds City College v Furness College NORTH WEST DIVISION ONE: Cowley Sixth Form v The Rugby League College, Runshaw College v Carmel College, Salford Red Devils Development Academy A v Priestley College A, Priestley College v Wigan and Leigh College YORKSHIRE DIVISION ONE: Hull FC Development Academy A v Huddersfield New College, Wyke Sixth Form College v Wilberforce Sixth Form College YORKSHIRE DIVISION TWO: New College Pontefract v Kirklees College, Selby College v Greenhead College
WOMEN’S WRLA RESULTS – SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 DIVISION ONE: South Leeds 40, Oulton Raidettes 10, Odsal Sedburgh Sirens 10 Featherstone Lionesses 60 DIVISION TWO: W Leeds Eagles 67 Dearne Valley 2 FIXTURES – SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 DIVISION ONE: Odsal Sedbergh Sirens v Wigan St Patricks, Oulton Raidettes v Featherstone Lionesses
Monday January 6, 2020
League Weekly
Thatto Heath hit by blaze THATTO HEATH were rocked over the weekend when their indoor training facility was seemingly targeted by vandals. Fire services were called shortly after 5.30pm on Saturday evening after reports of flames and smoke from the training barn. A crew brought the fire under control but sadly there has been extensive damage done to one section of wall. Warrington legend Lee Briers, who has connections with the Crusaders, responded angrily to the news on Twitter, posting
pictures of the damage and of the blaze with services in attendance. Briers said: “Absolutely disgusting some people. This facility is used by loads of people in the community and someone wants to burn it down @ThattoRugby barn anyone with information DM me. Please RT everyone.” Chairman Mike Denning surveyed the scene and said: “We are totally devastated by the actions of some mindless individuals. “This is bigger than a rugby league
Leigh East kick-off Milford lose club stalwart Tony, 75 preparations LEIGH East’s open age squad officially start back in pre-season training on Tuesday – seven weeks before their first league fixture against East Leeds. They will train each Tuesday and Thursday between 7-8pm at the club’s Ledgard Avenue base, having spent some time in December doing gym and weights work. All players old and new will be made welcome. Interested parties are urged to call Ryan King on 07545 277582 or Chris Snape 07850 468817.
MILFORD Marlins announced sad news last Thursday. The club learned that one of its founders, Tony Flesher, had passed away at the age of 75. Tony was with Milford from day one and played a huge part when they joined the national league in 1986. Over the years he served many different roles from player, to coach to loyal committee man. The National Conference League was quick to offer collective condolences to wife Rita and all his family and friends at the club.
BARN BLAZE: Firemen assess damage
issue as we service so many other community groups who use the facility. They don’t realise the damage they have done to hearts and minds, not just the physical structures. “We will rebuild as quickly as we can. There will be a massive cost to the club and we will get information as quickly as we can.” The club have created a GoFundMe page in an effort to help with repair efforts – www.gofundme.com/f/thattoheath-crusaders-repair-fund
YOUTH RESULTS – JANUARY 4/ 5 U12 BARLA YORKSHIRE CUP: West Hull 28 Kippax U12 SUPPLEMENTARY CUP: Hull Dockers 18 Normanton Knights 16, Hunslet Warriors 10 Stanningley 18 U13 BARLA YORKSHIRE CUP: East Hull 0 Hull Wyke 52 U13 SUPPLEMENTARY CUP: Skirlaugh 12 West Hull 24, Stanley Rangers 10 Hunslet Parkside 16 U14 BARLA YORKSHIRE CUP: Leeds Irish Clovers 10 Hull Wyke 48, West Hull 30 Normanton Knights 12 U14 SUPPLEMENTARY CUP: Dewsbury Moor 14 Elland 30, Shaw Cross 28 Hull Dockers 0 U15 BARLA YORKSHIRE CUP: Lock Lane 46 Dewsbury Moor 12, Featherstone Lions 24 Siddal 4 U16 BARLA YORKSHIRE CUP: Stanningley 28 Skirlaugh 8 FIXTURES – JANUARY 11/12 U13 SUPPLEMENTARY CUP: King Cross Park v West Hull U14 SUPPLEMENTARY CUP: Elland v Shaw Cross
Judes’ early Marlins test WIGAN ST JUDES will face an early test, almost two months ahead of the new campaign, with a Challenge Cup first-round tie at Division One Milford Marlins. “This game will be a chance for everyone to dust off the cobwebs and it will be interesting from a fitness point of view,” said head coach Gary McMahon. “In reality, we are still quite early, it’s two months away from our first league game. “Last year we had lots of attacking threats but, because of our lack of pre-season, we also conceded a lot of points. That is something we are looking to fix up, although we may have to be more methodical in our approach. “Milford in a lot of ways are a similar side to ourselves with their standing in league one. They also missed out on promotion and this game will be a tough challenge, particularly on their 4G pitch. “That said, it’s an opportunity and I’m looking for a decent performance. The good thing this year, with the cup moving, is that it doesn’t affect much in the league.” Challenge Cup fixtures (Saturday, Jan 11): Skirlaugh v Hunslet Club Parkside (to be shown via BBC website 12.30pm), York Acorn v Hammersmith Hill Hoists, Rochdale Mayfield v London Chargers, Edinburgh Eagles v Ashton Bears, Underbank Rangers v Lock Lane, West Bank Bears v Royal Navy, Featherstone Lions v West Bowling, Barrow Island v Rhondda Outlaws, Pilkington Recs v West Hull, Thornhill Trojans v Thatto Heath Crusaders, Siddal v Saddleworth Rangers, Wigan St Patricks v Dewsbury Moor, Distington v Bedford Tigers, Milford v Wigan St Judes, Upton v Jarrow Vikings, Leigh Miners Rangers v Stanningley, British Army v Oulton Raiders, Ince Rose Bridge v East Hull. Sunday, January 12: Norm Knights v Longhorns, Sherwood Wolf Hunt v Wests Warriors, RAF v Bentley (to be shown via OURLEAGUE App 1.30pm), GB Police v Torfaen Tigers.
Mighty challenges facing the community game in 2020 UR game is set for a challenging year. The clubs face the impact of the Super League reserve grade competition, the need to have fully qualified coaches in charge and the appointment of a game-day manager as they head into the new season. The reserve grade decision will have far-reaching effects. Community clubs will need more players/volunteers to continue being a viable entity both as a competitive and commercial operation. The push for the re-introduction of reserves is one that has gathered momentum over the past two seasons as Super League clubs have lamented the fact they have squads of 25 players or more with nowhere to play them other than as on-loan players. It has been an arrangement which has propped up a good number of Championship and League 1 outfits, which has meant the signing of players from the open-age amateur ranks has not been to such a degree that the amateur clubs have been put in jeopardy. Of course for U18s and U16s sides it has been a different matter and the wholesale trawling of players at that level has left some community clubs devastated and unable to field teams at that level for a number of seasons. But as Super League reserve sides are selected from those first teamers who are not going to play in the first team that week, plus the best from their Academy sides, it means that the flow of on-loan players to the Championship is going to diminish considerably, if not dry up altogether.
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Some big changes, which seriously affect amateur RL, come into force this year. Here NCL chairman TREVOR HUNT outlines how the challenge can be met... Such a situation will more than likely see the Championship clubs suspend any on-loan agreements they have with League 1 clubs, and both sets of competition clubs will need to swell their ranks with those enticed from top NCL clubs. Already Premier Division runners-up Thatto Heath have seen top performers snapped up by League 1 clubs, and indeed St Judes have lost the services of a couple of their star players to the semi-professional ranks. On top of that Hull FC and Hull KR have abandoned their joint Academy set-up. Each will run separate ones this year, which is already hitting the youth set-ups in the Hull amateur clubs hard. To try and temper the loss of players – and ensure they don’t end up contracted to a Championship or League 1 club only to spend their time sitting on the sidelines – the NCL and the RFL have worked closely together to work out a registration system that enables the semi-pro Championship and League 1 clubs to sign a certain number of players on amateur forms so that each can assess the other and determine how they want to progress. The numbers are limited. A Championship club may sign up to five
on amateur registration forms and in League 1 it is up to 10. These players are entitled to play amateur RL when they wish, even if that means them backing up with their League 1 club that same weekend. However, if he signs a professional contract he can no longer play amateur RL until he is out of contract. It will take some managing and in the NCL, the coaches and clubs will have to work with it just as much as those semi-professional clubs. The NCL management has been proactive here and tried to make a positive alternative. It’s a challenge for all, and to cap it off the Super League clubs are also permitted to have up to two players on ‘amateur’ forms, who can play in their reserve grade. This is to present an opportunity for players with potential to trial out at the very highest level. Whatever the views of those who will be involved directly or indirectly the Super League reserve grade competition will have an impact, and the onus is on those who will manage the new registration system to ensure that it is administered effectively, efficiently and fairly across the competitions with any deliberate violation of the rules being firmly dealt with.
If they manage to do that, it may just work out to the benefit of the whole game going forward. The necessity to have a Head Coach with a UKCC Level 2 Coaching qualification for all clubs in the National Conference League and below is something that is being pushed forward to protect not only players, but coaches and clubs from unwanted litigation. Everybody wants players to avoid injury and coaches at every level will do their best to ensure players are suitably coached to not only develop their skills but to also avoid injury wherever possible. Yet when things have gone drastically wrong in other sports there have been legally damaging consequences that have focussed on the non-relevant qualification of coaches, which have subsequently been harrowing for all concerned. By having the necessary coaching qualification it is hoped that if anything of such a dreadful nature transpired, then at least the coaches would not be standing in the dock being accused of undertaking a job for which they were not qualified, with the inference that they were in part responsible for whatever had happened. Of course, people can say that won’t happen, but it can and does, and it is therefore important suitably qualified coaches are in charge. Coaches can undertake some of their training through the online learning resource ‘coach right’. The third challenge will be persuading someone to take on board the ‘Game Day Manager’ role. Getting volunteers to enlist is getting
harder and harder as the younger generation feel they have too much going on elsewhere to take on any additional responsibilities. The demographic for volunteers in sport is showing an ageing population that is not being replaced by the numbers required. But the Game Day Manager is being enlisted to help promote the RFL’s ‘Enjoy the Game’ campaign, which was launched during the 2019 season with the aim to provide a new positive promotion campaign that would assist in the removal of negative environments. The training will be free of charge and the person acting in this role will be responsible for such fundamental courtesy aspects as meeting and greeting the referee and ensuring spectators behave within the spirit of the game and common decency. Online learning is certainly the way the RFL are looking to get their messages across to participants and their clubs, at the same time as attempting to educate those at all levels who are effectively the custodians of the game. The resource will be available in time for the commencement of the 2020 campaign and apparently within the same online portal as the Game Day Manager resources and cover things such as ethos and rationale, player welfare and safeguarding, concussion and how to recognise or guard against it, coaching behaviours and how to structure a coaching session. There will be scenarios and frequently asked question responses to reinforce learning throughout the course.
• Does your club have a story it wants to share with the rugby league community? Drop us an email to editor@league-weekly.com and we’ll spread the word!
Monday January 6, 2020
League Weekly
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FANS’ F@RUM your paper, your views
email forum@league-weekly.com or post your letters to League Weekly, Fans’ Forum, 31 Branch Road, Batley, WF17 5SB
PROUD TO BE PART OF RL FAMILY I MUST ADMIT that there are times when I feel I have lost some of the love I once had for this sport of ours. However, the response of the rugby league community to the plight of Rob Burrow has made me remember how proud I am to be a part of what we should rightly still call ‘the Greatest Game’. At time of writing, more than £200,000 had already been raised to support Rob and his family through what must be the most testing time of their lives. No doubt that figure has risen even more since. It is a testament to the community spirit of rugby league and also to the esteem in which that community holds one of the most recognisable and entertaining players of his (and perhaps any) generation. I am no Leeds Rhinos fan but I do admire good rugby league and talented rugby league players of any club, and I have always been highly entertained watching Rob in action down the years. Part of the reason I maybe don’t enjoy watching RL as much as I used to is because so much of the play has become ‘same-y’, with the tedious tactics of Aussie coaches carried out by players of similar stature, build and speed. Rob Burrow, a bit like Roger Millward, was an exception to that trend. His lack of size caused absolute havoc for defences, as did his turn of speed from scrum-half or, later, hooker. I will always fondly remember the sight of him ducking, weaving and sprinting downfield to score one of those trademark tries. I am so sad to hear about what he is now going through and I hope the rugby league community will continue to show him their love and support in the battle to come. In fact, I know that they will. All the best Rob and thanks for all those wonderful moments.
try their hand down the road with the champs? Surely the Challenge Cup runners-up, or even cup winners might provide them with the odd star or two?
Chris Riordan, Chorley
‘Backward-thinking’
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ENTERTAINER: Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow was an ex-Wigan fan, who else wrote ‘Great RL Expectations?’ – what the Dickens do I know anyway? Putting all the blame on Shaun Edwards is unfair. Takes two to make a fizzy orange drink (geddit? Tango?) Besides all this we learn from
PHOTO: SWPIX.COM
Dave (too often proved to be right) Nosey Parker, another Canberra raid on Wigan is imminent. Don’t they have a youth policy in Aus? Or is it just keep raiding the Cherry ‘n’ Whites. Aren’t a rough dozen Wiganers enough for them? Why don’t they
Wakefield Trinity at Wembley...
WHAT ON EARTH is John Tobin of Blackpool banging on about exactly (Fans’ Forum, December 30)? Then again, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that his argument for a rugby league ‘Brexit’ is as backward-thinking and ridiculous as the one happening on the news. I’m afraid Mr Tobin’s letter is an example of the sort of luddite thinking that sees our game stuck in the past and unable to attract the support and attention it needs. For instance, Mr Tobin asks ‘where do the Bramley and Blackpool supporters go to see rugby league these days?’ Well the problem, Mr Tobin, is that there wasn’t enough of said supporters... otherwise they still might have (professional) clubs to watch! Contrast that with the crowds
that regularly watch Toronto Wolfpack and Catalans Dragons. And do you think Sonny Bill Williams would ever have considered signing for a Super League club in Blackpool? Whatever Leon Pryce once said, it really isn’t better than Bondi (remember that one?!) Mr Tobin also wants rugby league to return to winter. I really don’t see that as the answer, not just because of the weather but in order to avoid competition with the evergrowing juggernaut that is soccer. To be fair to Mr Tobin, however, reverting the amateur season to the winter months might not be such a bad idea. I also have some sympathy with his complaint about Australian-born players representing the England/GB national team. That doesn’t sit particularly well with me either, But I’m afraid the rest of his contribution is nonsense. If anything, Toronto Wolfpack are more likely to be the saviours of British rugby league. We either attract a bigger audience and more sponsors or we die.
Brian Daniels, Standish
>>>RUGBY LEAGUE REWIND>>> a weekly dose of nostalgia, in association with Rugby League Journal
For fans who don’t want to forget...
Terry Bell, Hull
No need to forgive YOUR New Year’s Honours List (League Weekly, December 30), as usual, was entertaining and provided much thought-provoking merriment during a dull RL-free winter. I cannot agree with your choice for ‘Panto Villain’ in the guise of Shaun Edwards. Will Wigan fans ever forgive him, you ask? Easy answer there: nothing to forgive. The whole saga was caused by a club chairperson and personneltype geezer Radders (Kris Radlinski). Mr Lenagan won’t win any merits for failing to provide Edwards with a water-tight contract, one he couldn’t back out of. At the last moment Edwards panicked; he’d never coached RL at any sort of level, maybe he wouldn’t be able to live up to any fans’ expectations. Were these some of his worries? I reckon some Victorian author
UR REWIND takes us back more than 40 years to the 1979 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley when Wakefield Trinity made a return to the famous old stadium for what has proved, to date, to be their last cup final appearance.
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Trinity, of course, had a great Wembley record in the early 1960s, winning three Challenge Cups there in the space of four years. The picture shows Trinity’s scrum-half Mike Lampkowski bringing down the Widnes
full-back David Eckersley, with the Wakefield captain David Topliss looking on from the left. Lampkowski was a former England Rugby Union international who was a massive favourite among Trinity fans. Alas for those supporters, they
did not see another Wembley win in 1979 as the ‘Cup Kings’ of Widnes beat them 12-3 to take the trophy. You can enjoy more great memories and classic old photos in every issue of Rugby League Journal.
Rugby League Rewind is brought to you by RUGBY LEAGUE JOURNAL, the quarterly magazine ‘for fans who don’t want to forget’. The brand new Winter issue (number 69) is available now. Obtain by post by sending a cheque for £5.50 (including postage) – payable to ‘Rugby League Journal’ to: Rugby League Journal, PO Box 22, Egremont, Cumbria, CA23 3WA. Or buy from the website: www.rugbyleaguejournal.com or alternatively phone 01946 811005. Annual subscription £22.