Rugby League news

First topic message reminder :

Gareth Ellis has said he will make a decision on which team he will join before the end of March , his agent has said they have had offers from several clubs but have narrowed it down to 4 teams ...while he did not mention which clubs they were they are believed to be Leeds , Hull FC , Huddersfield and Warrington .

Catalan Dragons have denied Hull KR permission to train on the Stade Gilbert Brutus pitch before saturdays Superleague game , rules state it is the home teams choice if they allow visiting teams to use their pitches or not . Catalans have told Rovers to train elsewhere which hasn't gone down well with them , odd decision from the Dragons as they usually allow all visiting teams to use their facilities .

Ryan Bailey has been given a 3 match ban and a £300 fine for pushing a match official during Leeds Rhinos game against Warrington Wolves , Brent Webb was also fined £300 and given a verbal warning for the same offence in the same incident . Warringtons Mickey Higham received a 2 match ban for a high tackle on Rob Burrow in the same game .

Bradfords Jarrod Sammut was given a 1 match ban for a dangerous tackle against Hull KR , Hull FC prop Mark O'Melley was also given a 1 match ban for a dangerous tackle in Hulls game against St Helens .

Good news for the Bulls , they just need to keep the side together now

Does this mean that Mick potter have a job again?

The England elite training squad for the triangular tournament autumn test v France & Wales has been announced.
Abblet(Leeds), Atkins(Warrington), Briscoe(Hull FC), Burrow(Leeds), Carvell(Warrington), Charnley(Wigan), Chase(Castleford), Crabtree(Huddersfield), Cudjoe(Huddersfield), Hall(Leeds), Hardaker(Leeds), Hock(Wigan), Jones-Bishop(Leeds), Jones Buchanan(Leeds), Lomax(St Helens), D McGuire(Leeds), Mcillorum(Wigan), Morley(Warrington), Mossop(Wigan), o'Loughlin(Wigan), Roby(St Helens), Sinfield(Leeds), Tickle(Hull FC), Tomlinson(Wigan), Watkins(Leeds), Westwood(Warrington), Wilkin(St Helens).

It should say Tomkins not Tomlinson of course.

The England night's squad for the Alitalia cup tournament, featuring Scotland & Ireland is.
J Broughton(Salford),T Burgess(Bradford), D Clarke(Castleford), C Clarkson(Leeds), P Clough(St Helens), M Cooper(Warrington), K Dixon(London), G Eden(Huddersfield), R Evans(Warrington), L Farrell(Wigan), M Flanagan(St Helens), L Gale(Bradford), B Harrison(Warrington), C Hill(Warrington), J Hodgson(Hull KR), D Houghton(Hull FC), J Hughes(Wigan), M Lawrence(Huddersfield), S Lunt(Huddersfield), J McGilvary(Huddersfield), R Myler(Warrington), L Patrick(Huddersfield), S Ratchford(Warrington), C Riley(Warrington), M Smith(Wigan), S Taylor(Hull KR), J Turner(Hull FC), J Wardle(Warrington), J Westerman(Hull FC).

Can I Congratulate,

Wigan, for winning the SL League leaders Sheild.

Featherstone, for winning the Championship league Leaders Sheild, for the 3rd time in a row.

Doncaster, for winning the Championship 1 league title. There first ever title win in there 61 year history.

aucklandlaurie wrote:
Does this mean that Mick potter have a job again?

From what I understand, the new owners are going to offer him a new contract (his present deal runs out at the end of this season). But it will be on a reduced salary.

BRADFORD BULLS
Stand-off Ben Jeffries will retire from full-time rugby league at the end of Bradford Bulls' 2012 campaign to work in mining in his native Australia.

Bradford Bulls

Not official but another player likely to be retiring is Ian Sibbitt. Unsurprisingly a large Bradford exodus is on the way, even if they stay in SL.

London

Julian Rinaldi is set to retire at the end of this season.

HULL KR

Ben Galea is no longer retiring from rugby league and has confirmed he will not be playing for Hull KR next season.

Last month the Robins skipper announced he was hanging up his boots after he failed to win fresh terms with the club.

He waved farewell to the Rovers supporters after last Sunday's game with Wigan, and will make his final appearance for the club he has served for five years at London on Saturday.
Decision

That was meant to be his last ever game but on Friday admitted he has changed his mind, writing on his official Twitter account: "Before tomorrow's game I would like to let everyone know that I have decided not to retire.

"I will reveal more about my plans in due time. Unfortunately I won't be with Hull KR."

Galea has an admirer in Hull FC coach Peter Gentle who he worked with at Wests, but is unlikely to make the cross-city switch.

Rumour is he has offers from both Castleford and Bradford

Kenny wrote:HULL KR

Ben Galea is no longer retiring from rugby league and has confirmed he will not be playing for Hull KR next season.

Last month the Robins skipper announced he was hanging up his boots after he failed to win fresh terms with the club.

He waved farewell to the Rovers supporters after last Sunday's game with Wigan, and will make his final appearance for the club he has served for five years at London on Saturday.
Decision

That was meant to be his last ever game but on Friday admitted he has changed his mind, writing on his official Twitter account: "Before tomorrow's game I would like to let everyone know that I have decided not to retire.

"I will reveal more about my plans in due time. Unfortunately I won't be with Hull KR."


Galea has an admirer in Hull FC coach Peter Gentle who he worked with at Wests, but is unlikely to make the cross-city switch.

Rumour is he has offers from both Castleford and Bradford

Interesting decision perhaps the itch to play won't yet go away, good luck to him a fine player. Not sure about him going Bradford, takeover not yet confirmed by the RFL or thus league status, wherever they will however need to recruit with most if not all 15 Out of Contract players likely to leave and Craig Kopczak (who is contracted) has told the club that he is terminating his contract. Bradford are unsurprisingly unhappy as it is suspected another club has made an offer (breaking the agreement regarding Bradford's contracted players). Not sure what they can do as I am presuming Kopczak is not transferring his TUPE contract to the Newco which to my knowledge he is entitled to do, personally whilst disappointed I don't really blame him.

There is a rumour suggesting which club that I would not of course spread as it may well be just a rumour..........could be another team in Yorkshire who are not Leeds, Wakey or Cas?

The Beast wrote:

Kenny wrote:HULL KR

Ben Galea is no longer retiring from rugby league and has confirmed he will not be playing for Hull KR next season.

Last month the Robins skipper announced he was hanging up his boots after he failed to win fresh terms with the club.

He waved farewell to the Rovers supporters after last Sunday's game with Wigan, and will make his final appearance for the club he has served for five years at London on Saturday.
Decision

That was meant to be his last ever game but on Friday admitted he has changed his mind, writing on his official Twitter account: "Before tomorrow's game I would like to let everyone know that I have decided not to retire.

"I will reveal more about my plans in due time. Unfortunately I won't be with Hull KR."


Galea has an admirer in Hull FC coach Peter Gentle who he worked with at Wests, but is unlikely to make the cross-city switch.

Rumour is he has offers from both Castleford and Bradford

Interesting decision perhaps the itch to play won't yet go away, good luck to him a fine player. Not sure about him going Bradford, takeover not yet confirmed by the RFL or thus league status, wherever they will however need to recruit with most if not all 15 Out of Contract players likely to leave and Craig Kopczak (who is contracted) has told the club that he is terminating his contract. Bradford are unsurprisingly unhappy as it is suspected another club has made an offer (breaking the agreement regarding Bradford's contracted players). Not sure what they can do as I am presuming Kopczak is not transferring his TUPE contract to the Newco which to my knowledge he is entitled to do, personally whilst disappointed I don't really blame him.

There is a rumour suggesting which club that I would not of course spread as it may well be just a rumour..........could be another team in Yorkshire who are not Leeds, Wakey or Cas?

Does it begin with H and rhyme with Duddersfield ? , spoke to my mate at Hull FC and they have spoke to both Galea and Kopczak so looks like they both could end up there .

Warrington Wolves

Have confirmed that David Solomona will leave the club at the end of the season

Does Ben Galea have a brother playing for the Illawarra Cutters in NSWRL Cup?

Did everyone realise that now... the whole Burgess family will soon have upped stumps with the news that Mrs Burgess will be emigrating out here to be with her boys Luke, Sam, Tom and George.

I think Galea does have a brother ? but not sure , there are a few Galea's playing who all have Maltese backgrounds so could all be related in someway

The thing I don't get with Kopczar, is why did he refuse to play at Catalan for Bradford. I just can't see a reason as the clubs I've seen him linked with were already in the PO.

WIDNES VIKINGS

Widnes have appointed former HULL FC exec James Rule as their new Chief Executive ............( just hope they dont let him oversee any drug tests )

tigerrobins wrote:The thing I don't get with Kopczar, is why did he refuse to play at Catalan for Bradford. I just can't see a reason as the clubs I've seen him linked with were already in the PO.

Possibly in connection with dates and timings in relation to TUPE regs. My guess is that he may have been advised that continuing to play and train would constitute acceptance of the transfer of his contract to the Newco.

It would appear from quotes in the press (Elliott Whitehead/Mick Potter) that he did tell anyone of his intentions, they did not know until boarding the plane for France on Friday. If true a warm reception awaits him from the fans if/when he plays at Odsal most of whom understand the why but not how it has been handled.

Just finished reading the RL papers, and your right Beast, apparently his contract was transferred on Aug 31st, so as he terminated it it was from that date. He should be getting as good a reception as Gales when he returns to craven park I'd the rumours about him are true

Catalans David Ferriol has confirmed his retirement at the end of this season.

Kenny wrote:WIDNES VIKINGS

Widnes have appointed former HULL FC exec James Rule as their new Chief Executive ............( just hope they dont let him oversee any drug tests )

I thought he would be finished in Rugby League after the goings on at Hull FC, but not so it appears.

Why anyone would give him a job after the mess he made at Hull is beyond me

Huddersfield sign Ukuma Ta'ai from the New Zealand Warriors
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/article-2201964/Huddersfield-sign-Ukuma-Taai-New-Zealand-Warriors.html

Bradford have been allowed to stay in SL, after being granted a probationary licence for the next 12 months.

tigerrobins wrote:Bradford have been allowed to stay in SL, after being granted a probationary licence for the next 12 months.

Is this the same Bradford Bulls who wanted the London Broncos thrown of of Super League for less serious offences?

George Hotel1895 wrote:

tigerrobins wrote:Bradford have been allowed to stay in SL, after being granted a probationary licence for the next 12 months.

Is this the same Bradford Bulls who wanted the London Broncos thrown of of Super League for less serious offences?

A fair point however whilst rhetorical there is an answer which is no, the person(s) involved when that happened are long gone . Any lingering arrogance is likely to hammered out as next year is likely to be tough on and off the field.

Now Mick Potter has decided to move on new coach to be announced on Monday, current (if you can be current without a contract??) Asst. Coach Francis Cummins or Brian Noble have been rumoured.

True Beast, but it true what they say, what goes around comes around. Still think they should have dropped to the championship, as I can't help feeling that there should have been a punishment to stop any other club doing the same.

Hope they give it to Cummins, as would like to see how he does, plus with the franchise system there no reason not to give him a chance.

tigerrobins wrote:True Beast, but it true what they say, what goes around comes around. Still think they should have dropped to the championship, as I can't help feeling that there should have been a punishment to stop any other club doing the same.

Hope they give it to Cummins, as would like to see how he does, plus with the franchise system there no reason not to give him a chance.

Wakefield or Crusaders were not relegated however I am inclined to agree with you a strong message would have been sent out. I think they were reprieved (for one year let's not forget) after the clubs decided to leave SL at 14 teams. The RFL mentioned a mini-licensing process when agreeing to the new ownership earlier in the week, this has not happened to my understanding as no championship club wanted to go forward with a bid, so it is not a glowing assessment of the Bulls.

I think the other problem is the RFL know that other SL teams are in a not far behind Bradford in terms of losses/debt. Personally assuming there is another licensing round (P&R being muted) the league should be reduced to 12, if other teams have more to offer than Bradford via that process then so be it.

With regard to punishment 6 points off, no playoffs and a squad and coach beginning to show some promise likely to be decimated might placate but as you say perhaps that is not enough?.

Just watching Wakefield (16-12 up at Leeds 47 mins) who obviously benefitted from the 6 point deduction, whatever happens they are giving Leeds one hell of a game, perhaps I've answered my own question!! Hang on Leeds have scored, should be a good finish to this one, signing off to watch.

But Wakefield would have been relegated had Crusaders not wound themselves up, I'm not against Bradford, just feel that we need to stop this happening regularly (it's happened about 5 times if you include Bradford Crusaders 3, Wakefield 1). I do agree that there probably is quite a few clubs near enough to the same situation, but know there Is no reason for them
to get there house in order, though I've yet to be convinced that we should reduce the number of teams in SL, P&R won't come in now matter how much I would like it to as clubs are more intrested in protecting themselves not the game.
Just out of interest, if you take away the fact he's worked without getting paid, do you think Mick Potter was successful, after all you twice failed to get to the play offs, and last season wad shocking.

tigerrobins wrote:But Wakefield would have been relegated had Crusaders not wound themselves up, I'm not against Bradford, just feel that we need to stop this happening regularly (it's happened about 5 times if you include Bradford Crusaders 3, Wakefield 1). I do agree that there probably is quite a few clubs near enough to the same situation, but know there Is no reason for them
to get there house in order, though I've yet to be convinced that we should reduce the number of teams in SL, P&R won't come in now matter how much I would like it to as clubs are more intrested in protecting themselves not the game.
Just out of interest, if you take away the fact he's worked without getting paid, do you think Mick Potter was successful, after all you twice failed to get to the play offs, and last season wad shocking.

Interesting points as always particularly Mick Potter. I guess all fans hold him in particularly high regard as he and other staff worked for free for two months. Whilst not successful in making playoffs/cup runs I think he was turning the team in very much the right direction despite at times a ridiculous injury list only being able to name an 18 man squad on at least 3 occasions. They were indeed shocking last season, doubles over good Wakey & KR sides and wins over Saints and Wigan (away) examples of improvement this year.

Good point, if you take how bad they were last year to this, then he has Done great job this season, and to be honest the rot started under McNamara, so I guess he was doing a decent job turning it around.
Would love P&R to return, if for no other reason that it would give the table some
importance.

Other thing should be interest to see who Bradford recruit, the fact that it's only probationary could hamper them, also from what I understand they are not going to offer stupid wages anymore.

Also if the rumors are true, about 5/6 clubs Rovers being one of the clubs in financial difficulty, so the self intrest of doing someone a good hand, so that they will do you one in return may have been relevant in keeping Bradford in SL.

Just out of intrest does anyone know what is happening with the international tournament at the end of this year? I have heard that England/ France is going to happen at Craven park, Wales/England at Wrexham, and a final at Salford, but have also heard there will be no final, or the games at different grounds. Does anyone know what is happening?

BRADFORD BULLS

Have appointed Francis Cummings as their new head coach on a 3 year deal

Kenny wrote:BRADFORD BULLS

Have appointed Francis Cummings as their new head coach on a 3 year deal

Good luck to Frannie. Like many i wish him well in his new job.

I was also glad to see Bradford giving a young English coach the chance , well done the new owners

Oxford new club in Championship 1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/19637094

Leeds prop Kyle Leuluai given 1 match ban for punching Wakefields Peter Fox and will miss this weekends preliminary semi final against Catalans .

Huddersfields Brett Ferres also given 1 match ban for a dangerous throw in match at Hull FC which will be served next season .

Huddersfield Giants have announced that eight of their first-team squad are to undergo surgery now they have been knocked out of the play-offs.

Eorl Crabtree, Luke O'Donnell, Jacob Fairbank and Elliot Gorman all require shoulder operations.

England international Crabtree also needs work done on an elbow injury.

Aaron Murphy and Jermaine McGillvary will have ankle surgery, while Luke Robinson and Luke George both require attention on hernia problems.

Skipper Danny Brough and utility back Scott Grix may have to have groin and foot surgery respectively, depending on the results of scans.

Seeing this you can understand why they fell away so dramatically at the end of the season. Even though Earl Crabtree had an immense game against Hull!

BRADFORD

Bryn Hargreaves has decided to retire from rugby at the age of 26 as he is disilusioned with the sport

The 3 nominees for the man of steel award are:

James Roby - St Helens,
Sam Tomkins - Wigan,
Ben Westwood - Warrington.

I actually think this year they got them right, the only other one I think could have got in is Sinfield.
Personally I think Roby should win it, as he has been immense for Saints week in week out,.

The Championship 1 will operate with only 9 clubs next season, with hopes that the extra year will give Coventry time to be able to enter next year (2014).

The international series at the end of this year will see France v Wales in Lens on Sat 20th October, Wales v England at wrexham's racecourse grd, on Sat 27th October, ko 2.30pm. And England v France at Craven Park Hull, on Sat 3rd November ko 2.30pm. The final between the top 2 sides will be on Sunday 11th November, at Salford city stadium, ko 5pm. All 4 games will be shown on BBC tv live.

This Sunday is GF day, with the mouthwatering Australian clash Canterbury v Melbourne final, then live on sky from the Halliwell Jones stadium (Warrington), The championship 1 GF between Doncaster & Barrow who finished 1st & 2nd in the division in what should be a close hard fought good game ko 2pm, followed by the championship GF Featherstone v Sheffield, which is a repeat of last season's final, between to good exciting teams.

Article on SkySports

While i agree with what Shaun Wane is saying , is he forcing an outcome ?

Wigan coach Shaun Wane expects Leeds' Danny McGuire to be banned from Friday's Grand Final qualifying semi-final.

The Rhinos playmaker was charged with a Grade B high tackle during last week's win at Catalan for a challenge on Louis Anderson.

Wigan will be without hooker Michael McIlorum for the game due to suspension and Wane wants consistency from the review panel.

Both teams are 80 minutes away from the Grand Final at Old Trafford and Wane will be watching the outcome with a keen eye.

"If there's any consistency from the review panel and the disciplinary then Danny won't be playing on Friday because, if anything, what he did was worse than what Micky did," Wane told the Wigan Observer.

"I expect him to be suspended. It's straightforward to me, if Micky got three weeks for what he did... but I'm not holding my breath on that one. I'll be watching it closely."

Even though McGuire could miss out on the mouth-watering clash, Wane is fully aware Leeds have plenty of other match-winners in their squad.

"Danny McGuire is a quality player but without him, Leeds still have a lot of attacking threats. So we'll be ready, no matter whether he's playing or not," he concluded.

To be honest, I'm not sure what it's got to do with Warne, or why he's commenting on something thats got nothing to do with him.

HULL KR

Chairman Neil Hudgell has confirmed that Scott Taylor will be sold to the highest bidder after he and his agent refused to discuss a new contract .

Stuart Fielden is to leave Wigan after the Super League club opted against offering the experienced forward a new contract.

The 33-year-old, who cost the Warriors world-record transfer fee of £440,000 when he joined them from Bradford in 2006, made 141 appearances in seven years for Wigan.

Congratulations to the 3 grand final winners over the weekend.

Melbourne after there 14 - 4 win against Canterbury.
Doncaster after there 16 - 13 win v Barrow.
and
Sheffield for there fantastic 20-16 win against Featherstone.

Lastnights Man of Steel Awards

Sam Tomkins named Man of Steel
Zak Hardaker named Young Player of the Year
Mick Potter named Coach of the year ( personally i would of gone for Richard Agar )

Lifetime achievement awards went to:

•Danny Orr (Castleford, Wigan and Harlequins)
•Ryan Hudson (Castleford, Huddersfield and Wakefield)
•And Ben Jeffries (Wakefield and Bradford)

England Squad for Autumn Internationals

England's 24-man squad: Ablett, Atkins, Briscoe, S Burgess, Burrow, Charnley, Chase, Cudjoe, Ellis, Graham, Hall, Hardaker, Hill, Hock, JJB, Mcllorum, Morley, Mossop, Myler, O'Loughlin, Sinfield, Tomkins, Watkins, Westwood.

Kenny wrote:Lastnights Man of Steel Awards

Sam Tomkins named Man of Steel
Zak Hardaker named Young Player of the Year
Mick Potter named Coach of the year ( personally i would of gone for Richard Agar )

Lifetime achievement awards went to:

•Danny Orr (Castleford, Wigan and Harlequins)
•Ryan Hudson (Castleford, Huddersfield and Wakefield)
•And Ben Jeffries (Wakefield and Bradford)

I'm sorry, but how has Sam Tomkins won other than being a name, Roby has been twice as good as him this season and fully deserved the award. As for Potter the coach of the year, yes he has done well in turning Bradford around but they still didn't get in the play offs, and as far as i can see he's only won it for working while not getting paid. Agar or Robinson deserved it in my opinion.
Good to see Orr getting his award, a brilliant player who has been unnoticed and underrated in my opinion.