Paper Talk: Overseas Magic Weekend, reserve grade return & Ottawa signing speculation

We’ve had a flick through this week’s trade papers.

Magic could go overseas

Super League chief Robert Elstone tells League Express that the Magic Weekend could go overseas. He said: “I would really welcome a Magic overseas. I was in Toulouse recently and that got mentioned to me six months ago as a potential venue. Everyone has been talking about Barcelona, which is arguably the best city in the world for a number of reasons.”

Reserve grade return

The return of the reserve grade is set to be rubber stamped by Super League clubs and the RFL, reports League Express. It will be compulsory for all Super League clubs, with the exception of Catalans, while clubs with category 1 academies outside the top flight will also be included.

Hull KR line-up Ford

Multiple publications are reporting that Hull KR are after York coach James Ford to replace Tim Sheens, reported to be heading for the exit door at the end of the season. York are third in the Championship and beat Widnes over the weekend.

Ottawa line-up signings

League Weekly reports that Paul Rowley is being lined up for the coaches job at Ottawa, and his first signing could be Quentin Laulu-Togagae. Rowley was the coach when Toronto joined League One, leading them to instant promotion, but he departed following the Million Pound Game defeat to London Broncos.

Magic night for Furner

For the definitive review of the Magic Weekend, check out Nigel Wiskar’s column in The Mirror. Ex-Leeds coach David Furner hit the town with former Wigan centre Gary Connolly having been keeping his head down for a few weeks, apparently.

Support rugby league in the media and subscribe to League Express or League Weekly, as well as checking out the regular coverage of the sport in The Mirror, The Sun, The Guardian and other national newspapers; the more you read, the more there’ll be.