Paper Talk: Toronto reject Russell trade, Hastings assures England & Ottawa delay New York bid
We’ve had a look through the latest newspapers.
Toronto reject Russell trade offer
Toronto Wolfpack have turned down a player exchange deal for winger Matty Russell, reports League Express.
The Scotland international was the subject of interest from another club, which could have seen several players head the other way but the Wolfpack rejected that offer, according to League Express.
Hastings assures England
Jackson Hastings has assured new national team boss Shaun Wane he’s “all-in” for England, reports League Weekly.
The Australian-born half-back qualifies to play for England due to family heritage. He told League Weekly: “If Waney doesn’t pick me because he feels I’m an Australian with an English background then I can cop that. But I just want them to know that I am all-in for the country.”
Leeds not rushing Field
Leeds coach Richard Agar has confirmed that the Rhinos are not planning an immediate swoop for Jai Field, reports League Express.
Agar told League Express: “Fieldsy is a player who I think personally would go great over here. But we haven’t got a full quota spot so there’s just absolutely no change or movement on that, and we also feel the need to bring in a middle to the team as a priority.”
Ottawa entry delays New York move
Ottawa Stags’ entry to League 1 for 2021 is set to push plans for a New York team in the division back until 2022, reports League Weekly.
The Rugby Football League is poised to announce the introduction of a second Canadian team into the professional pyramid but the governing body is believed to have decided against bringing two North American expansion clubs in at the same time, according to League Weekly.
New York to enter Challenge Cup
New York are in advanced talks about playing in the Challenge Cup in 2021 despite it looking increasingly likely that they will have to wait until 2022 to enter League 1, reports League Express.
With them only set to be introduced to League 1 in 2022, New York have expressed a desire to be involved with the Challenge Cup in what would be a major move for the competition, according to League Express.
Cudjoe nearing return
Huddersfield centre Leroy Cudjoe is training well and could soon be playing in a reserve game, reports League Weekly.
The 32-year-old has only played one game in the past 18 months after major knee surgery and that was in June last last year. Cudjoe is getting close to a return to action, according to League Weekly.
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