Off the Record: Rugby League Rumour and Gossip #78
All the latest rumblings from the world of rugby league. Heard something? Let us know.
Brexit
Huddersfield were quick to dismiss newspaper reports over the weekend that Danny Brough had a bust up with Rick Stone and is on his way out of the John Smith’s Stadium. But as the old adage goes, there’s no smoke without fire. At 34, Brough could probably manage one last pay day, particularly with a number of Super League clubs on the look out for a half back. There’s also the possible lure of Toronto, with some murmurings that a three-year deal may be on the table.
Wakefield on the move
While Featherstone have offered their Post Office Road home to Wakefield for next season and beyond, following Trinity’s decision to leave Belle Vue at the end of the year, it seems that Dewsbury is their most likely destination. There’s not much to choose in the distance east or west, and though neither ground has hosted Super League before, they have been much improved over recent years.
Money, money, money
Super League club chiefs are continuing to stress about the lack of money coming in to the game. The bigger clubs are particularly concerned about the imbalance in revenue provided by large away support, which could become an increasing issue if the likes of Toronto and Toulouse were to join Catalans in the top flight. To appease the current discontent, it has now been agreed across the board that the away team will keep 25% of ticket revenue they sell themselves.
Brexit II
It’s not a good time for half-backs at Huddersfield, with Ryan Brierley supposedly not in Rick Stone’s long-term thinking. He could be set for a Leigh re-union with Paul Rowley and co at Toronto, as the Wolfpack’s big budget continues to draw attention. Brierley has featured in five of Huddersfield’s six games this season, though sat out the draw against Wigan at the weekend.
Player cam pulled
Sky Sports made a lot of fuss over their latest innovation, the Player Cam, which was worn by Warrington stand-off Kurt Gidley during their loss at Leigh last Thursday. It disappeared at half time, with Sky commentators telling us it was due to technical difficulties. But it seems that Tony Smith ordered its removal after a dismal first half by Gidley and co sent them on their way to a fifth successive defeat and left them rooted to the bottom of the Super League table.
What did you make of the Player Cam? Let us know in the comments below.