Paper Talk: Koukash hints at Cumbria franchise, Matty Smith future & England door not closed
We’ve had a flick through the Monday morning papers.
Koukash’s Cumbrian dream
Former Salford owner Marwan Koukash opened up on Rugby League Back Chat last week about the possibility of establishing a new club in Cumbria, with the view of getting it in to Super League. His “Cumbria Lakers” would be fed in to by Barrow, Whitehaven and Workington, and not as a merged outfit which has been mooted since the advent of Super League in 1996. Read the report in the Cumbrian press.
Matty Smith to France?
St Helens’ success this season has come at a cost for Matty Smith, who has been frozen out due to the fine form of youngster Danny Richardson. Justin Holbrook appears reluctant to let him go long term, but he’s linked to a short-term move to Catalans Dragons in League Weekly.
England door still open
RFL director of rugby, Kevin Sinfield, says that the door is still open for any player to force their way in to the England reckoning, reports the League Express. It appears to be a direct response to the omission, once again, of Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins.
Sheens asks for clarification
Also in League Express, Hull KR coach Tim Sheens is asking for RFL clarification on a ruling that he believes cost his side points at Catalans over the weekend. It revolves around an incident where Michael McIlorum deliberately threw the ball at a player on the ground which went unpunished.
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