Paper Talk: Bateman to the NRL, Magic Weekend in New York, new deal for Sheens
A round-up of the big headlines from the Monday morning papers.
Bateman future
It’s a busy time at Wigan at the moment, with the departures of Sam Tomkins and Shaun Wane confirmed, as well as the arrival of Zak Hardaker and the big contract renewal of Oliver Gildart. That leaves just one headline left and that’s John Bateman, who the Warriors are desperate to keep. The former Bradford man has been linked with a move to the NRL and Wigan Today are now reporting that it’s looking more and more likely to happen, with Canberra a front runner for his signature. He has a clause in his contract that allows him to move to the NRL for 2019 for an undisclosed transfer fee.
Magic Weekend to New York
As is always the case around the Magic Weekend, there is speculation about next year’s event. Speaking to the BBC, Ralph Rimmer said there had been some talks held about taking it to New York, and that is something that has been supported by Hull KR’s Jamie Peacock in his column in The Mirror. With Newcastle having held the event for four years, and seemingly unlikely to hold it next year due to them staging the big European rugby union finals, a move overseas is gaining momentum.
Sheens staying
Tim Sheens is set to sign a new deal to stay on as coach of Hull KR, according to reports in League Weekly. The Robins are currently bottom of Super League after an injury-hit return to the top flight, after Sheens led them to immediate promotion from the Championship in his first season in charge. He is said to be signing until the end of 2021, and has already revealed he has agreed deals for three new signings for next season already.
New RFL chief
With the cat out of the bag in terms of Everton confirming that their departing chief executive Robert Elstone will be taking up the top job at Super League, the question remains over who will take the RFL forward. Ralph Rimmer is currently acting as interim chief executive, and he has thrown his hat in the ring for the role permanent. League Express report a decision is to be made by the end of July.
Support rugby league in the media and subscribe to League Express or League Weekly, as well as checking out the regular coverage of the sport in The Mirror, The Sun, The Guardian and other national newspapers; the more you read, the more there’ll be.
