Rugby League News

First topic message reminder :

The dates and venues of the 4 nation's have been announced. They are -

Fri 28th Oct - Scotland v Australia - Craven park Hull.

Sun 30th Oct - England v New Zealand - John Smiths stadium Huddersfield.

Sat 5th Nov - England v Scotland & Australia v New Zealand - Ricoh Arena Coventry.

Fri 11th Nov - Scotland v New Zealand - Derwent Park Workington.

Sun 13th Nov - England v Australia - Olympic Park London.

Sun 20th Nov - final at Anfield Liverpool.

George Hotel1895 wrote:

The Beast wrote:

George Hotel1895 wrote:Wigan sign Jarrod Sammut. Rather an odd signing for Wigan in my opinion
https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/46418802

Certainly a surprise I suspect for most, however Pat Lam has said Wigan will change their style of play and he will do that.  Whether that wins games however remains to be seen, he has not to the best of my knowledge played in SL since 2014.

Pat Lam? Surely Adrian

Yes, slip of the fingers.

The Beast wrote:

George Hotel1895 wrote:

The Beast wrote:

George Hotel1895 wrote:Wigan sign Jarrod Sammut. Rather an odd signing for Wigan in my opinion
https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/46418802

Certainly a surprise I suspect for most, however Pat Lam has said Wigan will change their style of play and he will do that.  Whether that wins games however remains to be seen, he has not to the best of my knowledge played in SL since 2014.

Pat Lam? Surely Adrian

Yes, slip of the fingers.

It happens to us all.

Some news to catch up on;

Keightley Cougars are now out of special measures and look set to start the season, however they do have a 12 deduction to overcome. At least they cannot be relegated and can look forward to making a fresh start.

St. Helens have ended their Dual Registration arrangement with Sheffield Eagles. Hull KR will not dual register with York.

Catalan Dragons have reached an agreement with the RFL and will defend the Challenge Cup. Answers on a postcard as to why Toronto & Toulouse are not playing.

Super League clubs are looking to extend the Marquee rule. Making the competition more like Premiership Soccer seems to be the strategy i.e. ruining it. Why not scrap the salary cap and don't bother drug testing whilst they are at it.

The Beast wrote:Some news to catch up on;

Keightley Cougars are now out of special measures and look set to start the season, however they do have a 12 deduction to overcome.  At least they cannot be relegated and can look forward to making a fresh start.

St. Helens have ended their Dual Registration arrangement with Sheffield Eagles.  Hull KR will not dual register with York.

Catalan Dragons have reached an agreement with the RFL and will defend the Challenge Cup.  Answers on a postcard as to why Toronto & Toulouse are not playing.

Super League clubs are looking to extend the Marquee rule.  Making the competition more like Premiership Soccer seems to be the strategy i.e. ruining it.  Why not scrap the salary cap and don't bother drug testing whilst they are at it.

Well said

Ben Barba has been sacked by North Queensland Cowboys without playing a game, this on the basis of an alleged incident in a local casino.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/47087505

I would not be totally shocked to see him back in the UK or playing Union (perhaps France). It is hard to see many NRL clubs signing him. Maybe he could help with Warrington's (Kev Brown) or Castleford (Luke Gale) injury issues assuming anyone here will take what appears from the outside to be a potential risk?

The Beast wrote:Ben Barba has been sacked by North Queensland Cowboys without playing a game, this on the basis of an alleged incident in a local casino.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/47087505

I would not be totally shocked to see him back in the UK or playing Union (perhaps France).  It is hard to see many NRL clubs signing him.  Maybe he could help with Warrington's (Kev Brown) or Castleford (Luke Gale) injury issues assuming anyone here will take what appears from the outside to be a potential risk?

I hope i never see him playing our game again at any level

George Hotel1895 wrote:

The Beast wrote:Ben Barba has been sacked by North Queensland Cowboys without playing a game, this on the basis of an alleged incident in a local casino.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/47087505

I would not be totally shocked to see him back in the UK or playing Union (perhaps France).  It is hard to see many NRL clubs signing him.  Maybe he could help with Warrington's (Kev Brown) or Castleford (Luke Gale) injury issues assuming anyone here will take what appears from the outside to be a potential risk?

I hope i never see him playing our game again at any level

Whilst acknowledging he has not been convicted the "incident" in a casino appears from reports to be much more serious and I 100% agree. With the NRL telling him to "find a new vocation" and Aus Union & UK Super League saying he will be be welcome his options are rightly very limited.

The Beast wrote:

George Hotel1895 wrote:

The Beast wrote:Ben Barba has been sacked by North Queensland Cowboys without playing a game, this on the basis of an alleged incident in a local casino.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/47087505

I would not be totally shocked to see him back in the UK or playing Union (perhaps France).  It is hard to see many NRL clubs signing him.  Maybe he could help with Warrington's (Kev Brown) or Castleford (Luke Gale) injury issues assuming anyone here will take what appears from the outside to be a potential risk?

I hope i never see him playing our game again at any level

Whilst acknowledging he has not been convicted the "incident" in a casino appears from reports to be much more serious and I 100% agree.  With the NRL telling him to "find a new vocation" and Aus Union & UK Super League saying he will be be welcome his options are rightly very limited.

He's going to drive trucks now it seems


https://www.sportingnews.com/au/league/news/ben-barba-to-begin-new-career-as-a-truck-driver-after-north-queensland-cowboys-sacking/1bqgpher3mgv5z2lp6kwtwoyv

Potentially very bad news at Widnes and the wider game;

http://www.widnesvikings.co.uk/article/55517/club-statement---widnes-vikings

Hopefully the matter can be resolved asap, feel sick for the staff and fans.

Years of poor management coming to fruition

Apparently in for 400k to the council and still owe Oneills 200k from when they were our kit suppliers last year

James Rule shouldn't be allowed anywhere near the sport ever again and the less said about OConnor the better

The Beast wrote:Potentially very bad news at Widnes and the wider game;

http://www.widnesvikings.co.uk/article/55517/club-statement---widnes-vikings

Hopefully the matter can be resolved asap, feel sick for the staff and fans.

I remember Widnes having to offload Offiah and Davies because of cash flow problems.
History repeating itself i think.

Terrible news, another club struggling. This is happening far to often in the recent past. Hopefully they'll get out of it.

Now confirmed that they are in administration and a 12 point deduction. A lot of speculation already regarding their players who the administrators will be looking at to reduce costs, the only good news being as the season has started several clubs are likely to be up to the salary cap. On this basis hopefully they can retain a core of what looks a strong side and have a fighting chance of staying up.

The issue that angers me is 12 points, have the RFL not learnt from Bradford? At liquidation (pre-season) Bradford were asset stripped and played out a miserable season of junior players being bullied who looked knackered half way through the season. I am not suggesting they need a pat on the back but having taken one to the stomach a kick in the balls does not help, won't attract investors who may well sit back and wait for liquidation.

Got to admit I don't get the 12 points. There is no reason it's that big, and I just feel you might as well demote the club and get it over and done with.
Hopefully they will pull through and come out stronger for it

It's good to see that James Rule has once again been made a show of

After blaming the lack of support for the majority of our issues, we've raised over 100k in the last 5 days (further evidence of how much of our potential fan base he had alienated) and hopefully promising news of a deal to secure the club's future today. Hopefully a tweet I have seen is true and administrators have informed other teams interested in players that they are now under contract

If true and our game goes ahead on Sunday, the stadium should be bouncing

gazzyD wrote:It's good to see that James Rule has once again been made a show of

After blaming the lack of support for the majority of our issues, we've raised over 100k in the last 5 days (further evidence of how much of our potential fan base he had alienated) and hopefully promising news of a deal to secure the club's future today. Hopefully a tweet I have seen is true and administrators have informed other teams interested in players that they are now under contract

If true and our game goes ahead on Sunday, the stadium should be bouncing

I hope that it is true mate, and that the club is saved. I remember the great Widnes sides of the late 80's/90's. And it's so disappointing to see the struggles of recent years. I honestly hope you get back to stable times.

Cheers mate, fingers crossed. Can't imagine this town without a Rugby team to follow.

They all seem to be rumours at the minute awaiting official confirmation but hoping it's a case of no smoke without fire

Gotta love this sport when literally everybody pulls together. Even the Wire fans haha

Sounds promising Gazzy hopefully good news to follow. If you can keep those players you have a good chance to avoid relegation.

Having mentioned Newcastle in the Bradford thread they become the first side this year to part ways with their coach Jason Payne has been asked to step down. It is possible he will stay with the club in some capacity after a review is completed.

What a difference 24 hours makes. Still no deal and looking increasingly unlikely. Rumours some players already told they're getting released as can't afford to retain

Now apparently a deal has been agreed and announcement imminent.

Reported via BBC website;

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/47406904

Great news, hope it goes well. Perhaps given it only one week the RFL will return at least 6 points?

Wigan win their appeal regarding the salary breach and have 2 points returned, I have to say I am really not surprised by this. Mixed feelings, yes it was in the greater context minor but an opportunity missed to ensure clubs know the consequences.

In my view it sends out completely the wrong message. Made worse by the fact it's not Wigan's 1st time. They have it virtually impossible to police or stop clubs with regards the salary cap.

Luke wrote:In my view it sends out completely the wrong message. Made worse by the fact it's not Wigan's 1st time. They have it virtually impossible to police or stop clubs with regards the salary cap.

The 3rd time Wigan have been caught cheating the salary cap. The 2 point deduction should have stood imo.

Wigan confirm they will give Shaun Edwards more time to decide his future in 2020. Very strange set of circumstances with their Chairman Ian Lenegan saying they have a verbal agreement but no contract. That said I am old school as far as I am concerned a handshake is my word and far more important than any piece of paper.

The Beast wrote:Wigan confirm they will give Shaun Edwards more time to decide his future in 2020.  Very strange set of circumstances with their Chairman Ian Lenegan saying they have a verbal agreement but no contract.  That said I am old school as far as I am concerned a handshake is my word and far more important than any piece of paper.

I think the ship has sailed as regards Edwards joining Wigan next season or any season.
Wigan should have got him to sign and contract and held it to him.

Gabe Hamlin (Wigan) has been charged with a doping violation and is provisionally suspended.

The Beast wrote:Gabe Hamlin (Wigan) has been charged with a doping violation and is provisionally suspended.

Really dumb on his part if he thought he wouldn't get caught.
Probably looking at at least a 2 year ban

Some coach changes in the lower leagues;

Carl Forster will NOT take charge of Rochdale's game at Bradford this afternoon. Not necessarily leaving the club or his role but this does not bode well.

Richard Marshall leaves Halifax after a very successful 4 years. Rumour is that he has been told his contract will not be renewed next year and both parties have agreed to part company immediately. I would be very surprised if he is out of the game for long.

Leon Pryce is sacked by Workington. Very surprised at this given that they only missed promotion due to losses and Bradford and a narrow defeat at Swinton last year. Again I suspect he will be in demand.

The Beast wrote:Some coach changes in the lower leagues;

Carl Forster will NOT take charge of Rochdale's game at Bradford this afternoon. Not necessarily leaving the club or his role but this does not bode well.

Richard Marshall leaves Halifax after a very successful 4 years.  Rumour is that he has been told his contract will not be renewed next year and both parties have agreed to part company immediately.  I would be very surprised if he is out of the game for long.

Leon Pryce is sacked by Workington.  Very surprised at this given that they only missed promotion due to losses and Bradford and a narrow defeat at Swinton last year.  Again I suspect he will be in demand.

The Richard Marshall is certainly a strange one to me

David Argyle resigns as Toronto Chairman & CEO following an alleged incident of racism during a game v Swinton.

Kallum Watkins will leave Leeds earlier than expected (1st July) to join Gold Coast Titans in the NRL.

The Beast wrote:Kallum Watkins will leave Leeds earlier than expected (1st July) to join Gold Coast Titans in the NRL.

I hope it works out for him, but for me his form this season has been disappointing.

Agreed although in fairness that was a serious knee injury which will take into next year to fully recover from.

Lewis Tierney signs new deal at Catalans
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/48777402

Featherstone Rovers have been fined £10k following incidents of unacceptable behaviour by a section of fans at Bradford. https://www.featherstonerovers.co.uk/news/club-statement-GjoSl

I was not there and no-one I know have commented however they are now also investigating issues that allegedly occured during the Fax game on Sunday https://www.featherstonerovers.co.uk/news/rovers-investigating-fan-comments-on-social-media-yYe6O

There will be segregation of fans for this weekend's game v Leigh. I have to say this is very sad, should not be part of our sport and needs dealing with immediately.

Sorry,
I got it wrong it was an old article that I was reading duh.

Still think Widnes will stay up, but it's going to be hard times the next few seasons.

Luke wrote:Sorry,
I  got it wrong it was an old article that I was reading duh.

Still think Widnes will stay up, but it's going to be hard times the next few seasons.

Rugby league needs a strong Widnes on an off the pitch

Swinton Lions announce that they will be known as Manchester Lions from 2020.

The Beast wrote:Swinton Lions announce that they will be known as Manchester Lions from 2020.

Others will disagree, but i think a good move on their part

Kristian Woolf is confirmed as Justin Holbrook's replacement as Head Coach at St. Helens. Assistant then interim coach at Newcastle Knights, several years with Tonga, on paper an excellent replacement on a 2 year deal.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/49648011

The Beast wrote:Kristian Woolf is confirmed as Justin Holbrook's replacement as Head Coach at St. Helens.  Assistant then interim coach at Newcastle Knights, several years with Tonga, on paper an excellent replacement on a 2 year deal.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/49648011

I wish well, but i hoped (silly me) that saints would have gone for a British coach

Israel Folau may (or may not) be playing for Tonga later in the year.

LondonTiger wrote:Israel Folau may (or may not) be playing for Tonga later in the year.

Complete mess IMO he can either play or he can't, its not that difficult. If he does the reaction from Australia when he plays against them will be interesting.

Keiron Purtill leaves his position as Head coach at Widnes and will be assistant coach at Hull FC.

Gareth Carvell leaves his role as Reserve Coach at Bradford.

The Beast wrote:Keiron Purtill leaves his position as Head coach at Widnes and will be assistant coach at Hull FC.

Gareth Carvell leaves his role as Reserve Coach at Bradford.

You would think with Purtill, alot of it is to do with Widnes going part time, and the players there losing.

Oldham win the League 1 Playoff battle, beating Newcastle 18 - 14. The game was shown on the Our League App. No idea if what was said by the commentators is correct however they were saying that their current ground does not meet RFL Championship standards????

The Beast wrote:Oldham win the League 1 Playoff battle, beating Newcastle 18 - 14.  The game was shown on the Our League App.  No idea if what was said by the commentators is correct however they were saying that their current ground does not meet RFL Championship standards????

Apparently not, that's why they played at staylebridge.
But then Toronto's doesn't meet sl stadium standards. Can't have one rule for one..oh wait Toronto can do what they want.

Anyway, well done Oldham.

Jackson Hastings wins this years Steve Prescott, Man of Steel award. Can't argue with that, perhaps Blake Austin but for me Friday's win at Wigan would be the clincher.