Paper Talk: Eddie Hearn, relegation rip-off and loyal Kirmond

James Gordon

We take a look at the Monday morning papers.

Eddie Hearn
Rugby league fans have been gushing on social media over the weekend after boxing promoter Eddie Hearn was quoted discussing taking over the greatest game. Hearn and Matchroom Sports have enjoyed great success in boxing, darts and snooker and many want to see them do the same to rugby league. He said: “Rugby league is a great sport, rugby league has a huge fan base, it’s just in the wrong hands.” Watch this space.

Relegation rip-off
We reported in Off the Record recently that a groundbreaking legal case could prevent clubs from ripping up players’ contracts after relegation, and now League Express are reporting that the new players union led by Garreth Carvell are in discussions with the RFL about scrapping the clause to protect players.

Hull KR to enter loan market
The Hull Daily Mail report that Hull KR are scouring the market for players on loan having lost another player to long-term injury, centre Joe Wardill. Utility Danny Addy will be out for the whole of 2018 after suffering injury against Hull, while coach Tim Sheens had already left two spaces in his squad for late signings.

Kirmond loyal to Trinity
Wakefield skipper Danny Kirmond says he won’t play for another Super League club, if he leaves the club at the end of the season. The former Featherstone and Huddersfield back-rower is out of contract at the end of the year and is desperate to earn a new deal, says, League Express. But if he can’t manage that, he will drop down to the Championship.

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.