Paper Talk: Salford eye trio, Toronto’s euro 2020 vision, Holbrook on NRL radar
We’ve had a scan through the latest trade newspapers.
Salford target former Super League trio
Salford Red Devils are considering moves for ex-Super League playmakers – Lloyd White, Ryan Brierley and Scott Moore, report League Express.
The Red Devils are desperate to recruit a hooker for the start of the season, with Josh Wood and Logan Tomkins still recovering from injuries, according to League Express. Former Widnes Vikings hooker White is currently in Australia with Mackay Cutters, but he is understood to be keen on a move back to Super League. Toronto Wolfpack half-back Brierley is also on Salford’s radar, while Rochdale Hornets ace Moore is being considered by the Red Devils.
Latest on New York bid
New York Rugby League have denied giving the Rugby Football League a deadline to accept their bid for a place in League 1 from 2020, report League Weekly.
However, the proposed American club says it is working with the governing body to find a ‘speedy solution to its application. New York Rugby League co-founder Ricky Wilby told League Weekly: “We’ve not given the RFL a deadline though we are trying to work with them to come to a speedy resolution to give us the best opportunity to be successful.” There are only 12 months to go until the club’s proposed entry to the UK leagues.
Hull KR offer playmaker new deal
Chris Atkin is close to signing a new deal with Hull Kingston Rovers, report League Express.
The half-back is into the final year of his contract at the Robins, but he is expected to sign a new contract in the coming days. KR coach Tim Sheens has confirmed that talks are close to being finalised. He told League Express: “We’re about to extend Chris Atkin. He’s been unlucky in that he wants to play seven, but I’ve played him at nine and one and other coaches have done that before.”
Toronto have 2020 vision
Super League could be headed to Ireland, Denmark and Serbia next year – if Toronto Wolfpack are promoted, report League Weekly.
The Canadian club wanted to stage a fixture in Belgrade this year but were unable to organise it in time, while Dublin and Copenhagen are among the other cities on the club’s wishlist. Toronto’s majority shareholder David Argyle has confirmed the Wolfpack intend to take games on the road in 2020. He told League Weekly: “I think next year we’ll be able to hit some of the other European cities. The will is to go to Belgrade, the will is to go to Dublin, the will is to go to Copenhagen and other European cities. To do a game in Spain would be fantastic.”
Holbrook on NRL radar
Someone who could be in high demand is St Helens coach Justin Holbrook, report League Weekly.
Holbrook is tied down to a contract with Saints, but Holbrook’s name is hot property Down Under, according to League Weekly. The Saints boss is reportedly denying any approach, but news outlets in Sydney are suggesting that Holbrook is one of the front-runners for the permanent head coaching role at Cronulla Sharks, alongside former Manly Sea Eagles boss Trent Barrett.
Red Star want Super League future
Red star Belgrade were unsuccessful in their first foray in the Challenge Cup on Sunday, but they harbour ambitions of entering the English or French domestic league structures in the coming years, report League Express.
Red Star were beaten 38-10 by leading Cumbrian amateur side Milliom on the weekend, but English-born assistant coach Mark Pullen revealed the club’s long-term ambitions. He told League Express: “Ultimately, we want Red Star to be in the Super League or a European equivalent – but you’ve got to stress that it’s very much a long-term goal. But right now, we’re getting exposure in the Challenge Cup. That’s our only opportunity against UK opposition, but it’s been very valuable for us.”
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