Paper Talk: Coaches criticise Saints-Wigan not on TV, Lam future & Hull not finished
It’s always a good sign when we run a bonus Paper Talk feature – as it means there’s plenty of rugby league chatter happening in the papers.
Coaches hit out at decision not to show St Helens v Wigan
Whatever your allegiance, it did come as a surprise when it was decided that St Helens’ derby with Wigan wouldn’t be televised, for the first time in more than two decades. You may not have been able to predict Wigan (and to an extent, Leeds) resurgence in the weeks since the decision, but clearly this is a game that should perhaps be ringfenced for TV coverage from the very start of the season. Justin Holbrook told The Mirror: “I can’t imagine football not showing Man City versus Man United over Burnley and Cardiff with seven games still to go.” We’ll expect a sell out crowd for this one, then.
Lam taking it a year at a time
Adrian Lam has explained his new one-year deal in a piece with Wigan Today. He said: “I was happy to go one year at a time, I just didn’t want to look past that. It’s a bit different than this year because I’ll get to plan an off-season.”
Two or three more for Hull
Hull have been one of the busier sides on the recruitment front, and coach Lee Radford has told Hull Live that there is more to come. He said: “I’m really happy with the business we’ve done and we’ve got a few more up our sleeve.”
Senior opens up
Former Leeds centre Keith Senior has opened up about the difficulties he faced after being forced to retire from the game early, in the Yorkshire Post. Senior works with Rugby League Cares and is currently helping to promote the Wellbeing Round this weekend.
Atkins on the sidelines
Warrington centre Ryan Atkins is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after an operation on a wrist injury, reports the Warrington Guardian. He is out of contract at the end of the season and is widely expected to be moved on.
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