Paper Talk: Half-back could be a bonus in Leeds coach search
A new coach and a new half-back for Leeds?
Leeds’ search for a new coach in Australia could bring them a new half-back.
Reports Down Under say the Rhinos want to bring in former Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan, and with him sign the under-fire Canterbury Bulldogs half-back, his son Kyle.
Gary Hetherington is in Australia evaluating options to succeed Richard Agar after a difficult start to 2022.
Former Featherstone coach Ryan Carr is still being heavily linked with the role too.
Flanagan’s lack of ball in the Bulldogs defeat to Penrith at the weekend was the subject of a question by English journalist Mike Meehall Wood at the weekend, which was bluntly dismissed by Trent Barrett.
Heaven forbid we ask an evidence-based question to a guy who averages 1.4 tries per game about why his creative players touch the ball less than everyone else's creative players when we spent a week talking about his main creative player.
(Trent can answer however he likes, btw) https://t.co/mcP6YW3Puo
— Mike Meehall Wood (@MikeMeehallWood) April 10, 2022
No room for movement at Wire
Warrington chief Karl Fitzpatrick has confirmed the club has no room to bring any players in.
Although the Wolves have a quota spot available, they are maxed out on the salary cap.
As part of a two-part Q&A on Warrington Guardian, Fitzpatrick said: “At the moment, there’s no room to bring somebody in immediately.
“Moving forward, there may be players who aren’t getting game time and get itchy feet to go out on loan, that could present opportunities.
“We’re constantly monitoring the market both over here and overseas, but it is a difficult market. That’s why it’s important to produce your own players.”
Super League set for first French derby
The first ever French Super League derby takes place on Thursday and it could be huge for French rugby league. (League Express)
Catalans welcome Toulouse to Stade Gilbert Brutus for the match; which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK and beIN Sport in France.
Toulouse coach Sylvain Houles said: “It will be a huge game for so many reasons and one that could have major implications for rugby league in France.”
Dragons captain Ben Garcia added: “We need Toulouse to stay in Super League because it is encouraging more French players to take up the sport and strengthening the French national side.”
Early transfer talk
The anti-tampering deadline for out of contract players is fast approaching.
Clubs can officially talk to players from May 1, with Hull KR’s Elliot Minchella likely to be one attracting interest.
A report in Hull Daily Mail suggests the Robins might be regretting not getting him tied down sooner, despite a long-term injury.
Their hooker Matt Parcell is also off contract at the end of this season.
Meanwhile, Rugby League Live are also reporting that Salford are interested in signing Widnes prop Tyler Dupree.
Crowds for concern
Warrington will be apparently anxious about their attendance against Salford this Thursday. (Warrington Guardian)
Off the back of their lowest ever crowd for a competitive game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium (2,627), the Guardian speculates that a league low could be on the cards.
They say: “If that record falls, the club really are in trouble.”
Nothing quite like a bit of drama. The record ‘low’ for the Wolves at the stadium is 7,123, against London Broncos.
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Who would you like to see as Leeds coach? And what can Warrington do to solve their pack problems? Let us know in the comments below.
