Adding the Extras #1

Our bitesize look at some of the other stuff going on in the world of rugby league each week.

Referees of the future

The subject of referees is always a hot topic in rugby league – but the fact is, we need more of them.

So congratulations to 14-year-old Luke Keeling, who hopefully took his first step to a successful career as an official by taking charge of his first game at the weekend, between Culcheth Eagles and Halton Farnworth Hornets Under 11s.

Warrington Rugby League Referees’ Society Development Officer, Graeme Chicken. Graeme said: “Luke performed admirably throughout his first match, refereeing with confidence and applied his knowledge of the laws of the game extremely well. It is commendable to the society’s training and development programme, and to Luke himself, that both coaches after the game praised him for his performance on the day.”

The RFL will hold their next match officials course at Crosfields ARLFC in Warrington on Monday April 24 and Tuesday April 25, 6.30pm til 9pm. Visit http://www.warringtonrlrs.webs.com/ for more information.

Players of the future

Rochdale head coach Alan Kilshaw was on hand to provide his expertise as the Hornets Sporting Foundation hosted their second instalment of the Junior Elite Training Programme. The sessions developed the youngster’s skills with a number of drills and small sided games. There was also some work in the classroom as he talked the players through video analysis before they completed some player profiling tasks.

Kilshaw said: “Both sessions were well attended and it was good to see so many players from Saddleworth in attendance, as we look to broaden our programmes and increase the number of kids who attend the sessions.”

Featherstone down in Acapulco

Thanks to Featherstone for the press release title of the week – “Rovers ‘Going Loco’ with all-new energy supplier. They stopped short of having players singing it to us, but it was used to accompany the press release announcing their new partnership with LOCO Energy, a drinks manufacturer. Cans of LOCO Energy are now on sale £1 at the Big Fellas Stadium. There is also a ‘VODKA LOCO’ available, which may help fans of certain clubs enjoy games a bit more this season.

Birthdays at Batley

Happy 6th birthday to Essential Care Group, who celebrated their anniversary by sponsoring Batley’s game against Rochdale at the weekend. MD Paula Chamberlain said: “We thought sponsoring the Batley Bulldogs game would be the perfect way to celebrate six years running. We enjoy being out in the community, we’re a care company and it’s what we thrive at.

“We hope that our partnership with Batley Bulldogs will change people’s perception of care and help with our goal which is to make care cool, which is why we can’t wait to introduce ourselves to the crowd.”

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