Paper Talk: Eastmond to cross codes, Crosby to join Salford, Leigh report Rowley
We have had a look through the latest trade newspapers.
Leigh report Rowley ‘abuse’ to RFL
The chairman of Leigh Centurions says he has ‘lost all respect’ for Toronto coach Paul Rowley after a bitter on-field bust-up at the Summer Bash, report League Weekly.
Tempers flared at Bloomfield Road at full-time of the Wolfpack’s win over the Centurions on Saturday. Sky Sports cameras showed Rowley having a heated exchange with Leigh coach Kieron Purtill. Centurions chairman Mike Latham claims he was verbally abused by Rowley. He told League Weekly: “To be spoken to in that way by one of my all-time sporting heroes is downright disrespectful.” Leigh owner Derek Beaumont added: “What he (Rowley) said to our coach was downright abusive and the way he spoke to Mike Latham, the chairman of our club, was downright disrespectful and despicable.”
Former RFL employee applies for CEO role
Neal Coupland, who is currently the marketing and community director of Wasps RFC, has revealed to League Express that he has applied to become the new chief executive of the Rugby Football League.
Coupland worked for the RFL between 1999 and 2001 as commercial director and was part of a team that organised the 2000 World Cup. Former Everton FC chief executive Robert Elstone due to start on Friday, Coupland has told League Express why he now would like to work alongside Elstone. He said: “Some people say that having two CEOs in the game could lead to conflict, but I don’t see it that way. It gives us more structure. Super League will be able to concentrate on growing its competition, while the governing body can then focus on other equally important things.”
Bennett linked with Wigan job
England head coach Wayne Bennett has been linked with the Wigan Warriors job, claim League Weekly.
Melbourne Storm boss Craig Bellamy has reportedly been offered Bennett’s job at Brisbane Broncos and is currently weighing up his options. If Bellamy accepts the offer, Bennett will be out of a job club-wise and could be poised to make the switch to England, with Sean O’Loughlin being his assistant.
Warrington hoping to pull off Eastmond coup
Warrington Wolves are in advanced discussions with Kyle Eastmond about a sensational return to Super League for 2019, according to League Express.
The 28-year-old recently left rugby union side Wasps following the end of their domestic season. The paper claim the Wolves are confident they can secure his services and he could be a replacement for Kevin Brown, who is out-of-contract at the end of the season.
Hinchcliffe wants to stay at Huddersfield
Huddersfield loose forward Ryan Hinchcliffe says he is not ready to retire and wants to play on in 2019, report League Weekly.
The 33-year-old is out-of-contract at the end of the season and will be a free agent but he wants to stay at the Giants for a little longer. He told League Weekly: “I’ll have a bit of a chat to him (Simon Woolford) and see what he’s thinking. I still feel I’ve got something to give. If I’m in his plans then hopefully we can work something out.”
Crosby to join Salford
Salford Red Devils have moved to make their first signing for 2019 with the acquisition of Warrington prop Dom Crosby, claim League Express.
The 27-year-old’s contract is set to expire at the end of this season and Salford have been keen to tie down the forward to a deal. Crosby has found game time tough to come by at Warrington due to injuries.
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