Paper Talk: Behind closed doors realistic, Hansen wants expanded Super League & Hull’s wage cut revealed

Drew Darbyshire 27 Apr 2020 12:39 PM

We’ve had a scan through the latest papers.

Games behind closed doors realistic

Rugby league is coming to terms with the increasing prospect of playing games behind closed doors despite a reluctance across the sport to do so, reports League Express.

An RFL spokesman told League Express: “The RFL has attended a number of meetings with other sports and government looking into the wide range of issues surrounding the return of sport behind closed doors, whenever the public health situation allows.”

Hansen wants expanded Super League

Former Wigan favourite Harrison Hansen believes Super League should be expanded in 2021 if there is no relegation at the end of this season because of the coronavirus crisis, reports Wigan Today.

Hansen told Wigan Today: “If they don’t want relegation this year then fine, but promotion is something they need to do – otherwise what are we playing for?”

Hudgell eyes re-structure

Hull KR owner Neil Hudgell has warned rugby league may no longer exist as a full-time sport if it does not receive crucial financial support soon, before suggesting the game re-structures to allow only clubs with Super League ambitions to remain in the professional structure, reports League Express.

Hudgell told League Express: “Without that government backing, and a broadcaster that doesn’t cut us some slack, we may not be around as a full-time, elite sport come the end of the year.”

Calls to alter golden point rule

Wakefield coach Chris Chester has urged Super League lawmakers to scrap the “all or nothing” aspect of the golden point rule, reports Yorkshire Evening Post.

Chester told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “I think you should get one point for the draw, I have been saying it since day one, and the golden point should be the extra point for the winner after extra time.”

No Catalans players for sale

Catalans coach Steve McNamara has issued a hands-off warning to any NRL clubs who may try to take advantage of the coronavirus crisis to poach his overseas signings, reports League Express.

McNamara told League Express: “I can only speak for this club but that won’t be happening with us.”

Hull FC wage cut revealed

Hull FC’s players have unanimously agreed a substantial wage cut for the next three months in an effort to play their part in keeping the club solvent, reports Hull Live.

Hull owner Adam Pearson told Hull Live: “The wage cuts are 35% and they are not deferrals. The players saw the threat to the club and reacted accordingly.”

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