Off the Record: Rugby League Transfer Gossip #19
Unhappy camper
Which new Aussie signing gave his teammates a big spray at half-time of their recent friendly? This star from the NRL was not happy that he received the ball just twice during the first 40 minutes, and one of those passes was forward. He told his fellow players what he thought at the half-time interval in no uncertain terms, showing he is no shrinking violet. Surely it did wonders for team harmony.
Jonny’s journey
Will Jonny Lomax be the same player when he returns to Super League action? The fullback has a terrible run with injuries and has played just 19 games in the past two seasons as he battles serious knee complaints. Lomax has been off to Dublin recently for further medical help. St Helens are publicly confident he will return soon but we hear serious doubts remain about whether the 25-year old can get back to his very best. Hopefully that’s not the case and the dynamic attacker can get back on the park. A comment on Facebook on Sunday about his durability got under Lomax’s skin, which is completely understandable as the flyer has been through hell over the past two years.
Holding talks
Which overseas player is off contract at the end of this season and negotiations over his future have been put on hold? This player arrived in Super League last year and impressed with his ability to get over the line. His club were keen to tie him up on a long-term deal, before others could prise him away, but they tried to bypass his management and now talks have been paused for the time being. It could be to the club’s detriment if he keeps scoring, driving up more interest than there already is in both the UK and Australia.
Ground trouble
Word comes to us about a lower league club battling with a football club. The two different codes share a stadium but the football outfit is not happy with the state of the pitch after a recent friendly. Harsh words but have been shared, but there’s unlikely to be any change in ownership as this rugby league club – one of the oldest in the UK – has a solid standing in the local community. Time to suck eggs for the round ball boys.
Crusading for cash
CEO Jamie Thomas has left the North Wales Crusaders but the club is still beset by financial problems. We are told players may be still owed wages and apparently more changes in the boardroom are on the way. Considering all the dramas that have beset past versions of the Crusaders, originally the Celtic Crusaders, is the name cursed?