Paper Talk: North America eyes Brierley, Fitzgibbon linked with Hull FC & Catalans suffer financial blow
We’ve had a scan through the latest papers.
Brierley lined up by North American clubs
Rugby league’s two new North American club are set to go head-to-head in a battle for talent for the 2021 season – with Hull KR half-back Ryan Brierley shaping as a likely target for both New York and Ottawa, reports League Weekly.
The Scotland international was in attendance at New York’s press conference in Liverpool on Tuesday while Ottawa founder Eric Perez is keen on convincing Brierley to have another stint in Canada, according to League Weekly.
Shaul says sorry to Radford
Jamie Shaul has apologised to Lee Radford following the coach’s departure from Hull FC and the full-back says the players must take responsibility for Radford’s seven-year reign coming to an end, reports League Express.
Shaul told League Express: “I said sorry to him when we spoke afterwards. We have to take responsibility, 100%. You feel responsible for him losing his job and it’s very tough to take.”
Fitzgibbon linked with Hull FC
Former Australia and New South Wales forward Craig Fitzgibbon has been linked with the current head coaching vacancy at Hull FC, reports League Weekly.
The 42-year-old, who spent two seasons at Hull between 2010-11, has done some scouting for the Black and Whites over the years while at Sydney Roosters with his gaffer Trent Robinson, according to League Weekly.
Barlow set to make comeback
Bradford Bulls’ close-season capture Sam Barlow is closing in on full fitness again, reports League Express.
Bradford coach John Kear told League Express: “He wanted to play at Wakefield and he might have done if that game had been on the Sunday.”
Argyle blasts RL bosses
Toronto Wolfpack owner David Argyle believes the season should have been shelved last week as he accused the game’s governing bodies of damaging rugby league’s brand through a lack of leadership, reports League Weekly.
He told League Weekly: “Right now the brand of rugby league is being damaged because we have no leadership.”
Catalans suffer financial blow
Catalans Dragons president Bernard Guasch says his club is facing a “real disaster” after it became Super League’s first victim of the coronavirus outbreak, reports League Express.
Guasch told League Express: “It’s real disaster. The Leeds game has cost a fortune and we are expecting to have to refund people for tickets for the next home game against Toronto.”
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