Paper Talk: Clubb ban makes a mockery, Bentley to Leeds & players suffering due to no dual-reg

We’ve had a look at the Monday morning papers.

Jamaica coach slams ‘token gesture’ ban

Jamaica and London Skolars coach Jermaine Coleman was criticised the RFL for the eight-match ban handed down to Tony Clubb. He told League Express: “The RFL has let us down. It makes a massive mockery of asking people to take the knee. I think it’s an empty gesture. You can’t preach about ‘Tackle It’ and at the first opportunity to make a statement, do this.”

Leeds court Bentley

Leeds are interested in signing St Helens’ former Bradford back-rower James Bentley, reports League Express. Bentley, 23, hails from Leeds and started his career at Featherstone. He suffered a broken leg in Saints’ recent win over Leigh, and is off contract at the end of the season.

Smith bemoans lack of opportunity for fringe players

Hull KR coach Tony Smith says players are suffering from lack of game time in the absence of dual-registration and reserve grade. He told Hull Daily Mail: “There’s a lot of people suffering from not playing much rugby league. There’s some young people who aren’t being selected in Super League and aren’t able to play any rugby league anywhere. It’s not doing their development any good and it’s a real issue for our sport at the moment.” Dual-registration was scrapped and replaced by an initial two-week minimum loan spell in light of COVID restrictions.

Clark waits on future

Jason Clark says he will return to Australia if Warrington don’t offer him a deal for 2022. He is one of 14 players off-contract ahead of incoming coach Daryl Powell’s revival. He told Warrington Guardian: “If I’m not with Warrington, I’ll be going back to Australia and working there but I don’t think I’ll be playing in the NRL again. I could be working behind the scenes at Souths or down at the docks with my Dad!”

Canberra shrug off Bateman allegations

Canberra Raiders have dismissed suggestions by their former back-rower John Bateman that the club intentionally leaked information about England half-back George Williams seeking a return to the UK due to homesickness. The former Wigan man has been linked with a return to Super League.

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