Paper Talk: Graham linked with Saints, Walker on trial with Bradford & no fans until 2021?
We’ve had a look through this morning’s papers.
Graham linked with old club Saints
St George Illawarra Dragons prop James Graham has been linked with a return to St Helens for 2021, reports The Daily Telegraph.
Dragons’ director of rugby league pathways and list management, Ian Millward, told The Daily Telegraph: “At the appropriate time we want to sit down with James. He might turn to us and say ‘I’d like to spend my last two years in England to finish up my career. I don’t think you can rule anything out, but it is something that will be raised sooner rather than later.”
Catalans plan Perpignan return
Catalans are taking desperate measures to ensure they can fulfil their 2020 fixtures and are planning for a return to action at Stade Gilbert Brutus in August, reports League Express.
Dragons commercial director Christophe Levy told League Express: “We are seeking confirmation from the French government that we will be allowed to play Super League games in Perpignan in August.”
Club may not be eligible for RFL loan
Barrow chairman Steve Neale says the Raiders may not benefit from the government’s £16million loan to the RFL because the club are financially viable, reports North West Evening Mail.
Neale told North West Evening Mail: “At the moment we are financially viable so maybe we would not be eligible for this because there are other clubs that are struggling, but it would be a shame if this means we will miss out on funding because we are running our finances well.”
Walker on trial with Bradford
Bradford coach John Kear believes he could have a “very, very good” prop at his disposal should former Welsh international Anthony Walker complete a successful trial at the club, reports League Express.
Kear told League Express: “If he can be the player I know he can be again, then he’s certainly somebody we’d look to cement with us.”
Kear reckons no fans until 2021
Bradford coach John Kear predicts that the Bulls will not see their fans again until 2021, reports The Telegraph & Argus.
Kear told The Telegraph & Argus: “There is the mental aspect for people who enjoy watching sport, but I don’t think you are going to get any large gatherings this year. Until there is a vaccine, I can’t see that changing.”
Powell eyes mini pre-season
Castleford coach Daryl Powell believes teams will need a minimum of three weeks to go through a mini pre-season ahead of the sport’s return, reports League Express.
He told League Express: “I think three weeks is doable, but the big issue is going to be contact. You have to maintain the players’ ability to absorb and manage contact, that’s going to be the big thing, how we get them where we need to be.”
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