Paper Talk: Hearn to meet bosses, World Club Challenge in doubt, Hastings and Kelly swap
There is a lot of talk about change in this week’s papers.
Hearn to meet Rimmer and Elstone soon
Eddie Hearn has revealed he is still interested in getting involved in rugby league and will meet with Robert Elstone and Ralph Rimmer in the coming weeks to discuss a possible plan which involves changes that he believes will upset clubs, report League Express.
Eddie and his dad Barry were guests at the recent Challenge Cup final and he admitted that he will meet up with Super League and RFL chiefs in the next few weeks. He told League Express: “I think all the relevant people need to be in the same room, and they might as well hear our views, surely? It’s interesting for us to be meeting these guys, and I hope they feel the same. Do the clubs want us involved? I’m not sure. I think they’re quite open-minded but it seems like there’s a divide between the clubs and the game, and it’s not great if they’re not signing from the same hymn-sheet.”
World Club Challenge future in doubt
Confusion surrounds the World Club Challenge next year with no confirmation yet that it will be played, report League Weekly.
The World Club Challenge sees the winners of the Super League Grand Final and NRL Grand Final come together to determine the best the club in the world. League Weeklyunderstands that discussions are ongoing, but a senior NRL executive admitted: “There has been no real talks about it here.”
Linnett could make Super League switch
North Queensland Cowboys ace Kane Linnett is among the NRL players being offered to Super League clubs for 2019, report League Express.
The Scotland centre is yet to secure his future for next season along with club and international team-mate Lachlan Coote. The pair are currently being offered to clubs in Super League. League Expressalso report that Manly Sea Eagles centre Lewis Brown could also make the switch to Super League for next season.
Kelly and Hastings swap deal
Hull FC are keen on doing a swap deal including Albert Kelly and Jackson Hastings with Salford Red Devils, report League Weekly.
In his column for League Weekly, Dave Parker claims he has heard from his sources that FC coach Lee Radford and owner Adam Pearson are ‘very sweet’ on Hastings. The 22-year-old is only on contract with Salford until the end of the season and his future is yet to be decided.
Laulu-Togaga’e to leave Castleford
Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e will not be at Castleford Tigers next season, report League Weekly.
The 33-year-old has impressed whenever he has played for the Tigers this season but the arrival of Peter Mata’utia has seen him drop down the pecking order. League Expressunderstands that the full-back will not be offered a contract for next season but wants to remain in the top-flight.
Toronto to relocate London club in America
Toronto Wolfpack owner David Argyle has agreed to buy a 25% stake in London Skolars in a deal which could see him eventually relocate the League 1 club to America, report’s Ross Heppenstall in League Weekly.
The Wolfpack are currently competing for a place in Super League via The Qualifiers. League Weeklyunderstands that Argyle is poised to purchase a stake in the Skolars, with the deal expected to go through on October 1.
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