Paper Talk: Twickenham World Cup bid, reserves pull-outs slammed, Toronto trio to leave

We have rounded up the latest talk from this morning’s trade papers.

Twickenham make World Cup bid

Richmond-upon-Thames Borough Council has thrown its hat into the ring to stage matches at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, report League Weekly.

League Weekly understands the council, which includes Twickenham Stadium and the Twickenham Stoop in its area, is bidding to be involved in the tournament. It is unclear at this stage which of the rugby union grounds would be the preferred venue to host the games.

Hull and Wakefield blast rivals over reserves

The two remaining Super League clubs who intend to run a reserve side in 2019 have hit out at the lack of commitment from fellow top-flight clubs on the issue – with both questioning the logic of teams being allowed to have multiple marquee players yet not fund a reserve team, report League Express.

Hull FC and Wakefield Trinity are the only Super League clubs that will run reserve teams in 2019. Hull chief executive James Clark told League Express: “Each club has their own business principles, but marquee signings should only be allowed if clubs can field an Academy, reserves and are profitable.”

Wakefield chairman Michael Carter told League Express: “I’m disappointed by the lack of buy-in. Everyone has turned around and said they would enter if it was competitive, but that’s a vicious circle we’re in the middle of. Unless someone grabs the bull by the horns and says its mandatory, there’s an awful chance that this time next year, we’ll be in the same position.”

Toronto trio to depart

New Toronto Wolfpack boss Brian McDermott does not want Ryan Brierley, Adam Higson or Jake Emmitt, report League Weekly.

It has been reported that the former Leigh Centurions players are not in McDermott’s future plans at Toronto and are expected to leave the club. League Weekly also report that new Leigh coach John Duffy is looking to bring in Iain Thornley, Andy Thornley, Sam Hopkins and Jonny Pownall to the club for 2019.

Lam backs Hardaker

Zak Hardaker continues to have Wigan Warriors’ full support, insists new coach Adriam Lam, who believes it is his and the club’s responsibility to ensure the controversial full-back can finally banish his demons, report League Express.

Lam will visit Hardaker at the Sporting Chance rehabilitation clinic before returning to training with the Warriors in December. Lam told League Express: “As coach of Wigan Warriors, I believe that better people make better players. It’s our responsibility to help him get through what he has to get through, and make him achieve what he needs to do in life as a priority.”

Ganson considering NRL switch

Head of RFL referees Steve Ganson has been offered the position of head of NRL referees Down Under, report League Weekly.

The former international and Super league referee is reported to be seriously considering the offer – especially with all the battles going on between the RFL and Super League at the moment. Tony Archer has recently left his post as head of NRL referees and it appears that Graham Annesley has offered Ganson the role.

Schofield tips Warrington to finish top in 2019

Garry Schofield have tipped Warrington Wolves to finish at the top of Super League next year, in his column for League Express.

The former Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain star has also predicted that London Broncos will finish bottom of the pile. On why he thinks Warrington will finish top, he said: “The reason I think this is finally the Wolves’ year is because of Blake Austin, their new stand-out from the free-scoring Canberra Raiders. Post Lee Briers, it has always been the halves who have let Warrington down, but I’m confident Austin will be the final piece in the jigsaw. He will take them to the next level, which is winning finals, rather than losing them.”

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