Rugby League Today: Gigot playing for Toronto for free & silence on new Cas stadium
What’s on site
The squads are in for Saturday’s World Club Challenge between St Helens and Sydney Roosters.
Check out the gossip in this week’s Off the Record column.
Former Sydney Roosters half-back Jackson Hastings is backing St Helens in this weekend’s match.
Wigan skipper Sean O’Loughlin could be out for a month with the facial injury he picked up against Toronto.
Super League will learn from the Israel Folau saga, says chief executive Robert Elstone.
What’s on social
Some nice stuff from Sydney Roosters out in the community in St Helens.
Saints and Roosters players putting our Community Clubs through their paces in the glorious St.Helens weather? … ?@CommunitySaints
?⚪️ ? pic.twitter.com/erFf0aXfnQ
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) February 19, 2020
Tony Gigot is playing for Toronto for free during his trial period, reports Gareth Walker.
Asked the question of the RFL on Tony Gigot's move to Toronto and their salary cap situation. He has been registered as an amateur while he trials at the club (Super League can sign two on that basis this season) so will not be paid to play
— Gareth Walker (@garethwalker) February 19, 2020
But can he even play at all?
As Aaron points out, according to the rules Gigot is not eligible to play in Super League fixtures. I’d say it’s a pretty fair bet Toronto aren’t aware of the rules. Someone needs to tell them before they field an ineligible player + end up going into the red on league points. ? https://t.co/KoF0PziYiQ
— Rod Studd (@Rod_Studd) February 19, 2020
Some further clarity…
Likely out there already, but confirmed a few things with the RFL regarding Tony Gigot.
-He is registered as a trialist & won’t get paid; under @TOwolfpack control for a month
-was informed he’s eligible for all fixtures provided McDermott wants to play him#RugbyLeague
— Bryan Thiel (@BryanThiel_88) February 19, 2020
What’s in the papers
Here’s some more detail on Tony Gigot signing for Toronto on trial forms, in The Mirror.
There are no signs of work starting on Castleford’s new stadium, some five years after planning permission was granted, reports the Pontefract & Castleford Express.
Former NZ Warriors player Rowan Baxter died with his wife and three children after setting his car alight in Australia, reports Yahoo Australia.
Birthdays
Twins Adam and Jonathan Walker turn 29 today (February 19).
Also celebrating: young Warrington forward Luis Johnson (21); Hull winger Adam Swift (27); Bradford winger Greg Johnson (30); Australia and Queensland half-back Daly Cherry-Evans (31); USA international Les Soloai (33).
What’s on TV/radio
League 1 club chairman Andy Mazey on funding, player pool & community links. The third episode of The Last Tackle is out now.
Super League’s Out Of Your League podcast is back, featuring Warrington centre Anthony Gelling.
Sky Sports’ Golden Point podcast is back, featuring St Helens prop Kyle Amor.
Betfred have launched a magazine show called The Last Tackle on YouTube, hosted by Mark Pearson.
Tanya Arnold hosts the first Super League Show of 2020.
Podcast: The Final Hooter 2020 #2 – Super League season launch.
Trivia
Tony Gigot is the only French player to have won the Lance Todd Trophy – leading Catalans to success at Wembley in 2018.