Bears focus outside the heartlands

Coventry Bears have signalled their intent to recruit and develop players from outside the traditional rugby league heartlands with a raft of new signings.

Promising South Wales star Paul Emanuelli was signed in addition to Zac Williams a few days earlier taking advantage of the Ironmen’s move from Merthyr to Llanelli, a greater distance for some of their players to travel. Both have shone in games against the Bears.

Then, signalling a new relationship with Super League chasing London Broncos, three promising young Broncos have been taken on loan until the end of the season.

Owen Jones, Jacob Jones and Sam Davis will be keen to get League 1 games under their belt and benefit from Tom Tsang’s coaching.

All three come from the Midlands, and this signals a clear intent to recruit and develop players from outside the traditional Rugby League playing areas in the North of England.

Coach Tom Tsang said: “There has been a lot of activity this week as we enter the business end of the season. These signings plus the extended loan of Brad Brennan, and the previous signings of Luke Frixou and Jordan Gale greatly strengthen the squad.

“It also has to be said that this is not just about this season, but next season and beyond.”

The first outing for the new recruits could be at Hunslet this Sunday, a team they have played twice already this season, with previous encounters ending 34-0 and 56-24 to the Yorkshiremen.

The Bears return to Butts Park the following Sunday to face arch rivals Hemel Stags.