Paper Talk: Hardaker future, Hearn opens up on RFL meetings, Purtill wants Leigh job
The papers have hit the shelves this morning and there are a number of exclusives with Eddie Hearn.
Beaumont dismisses Super League and Championship conflict
Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont has rejected the idea of a potential conflict between Super League and Championship clubs, report League Express. This comes on the back of reports claiming that some Super League clubs want to cut funding in the lower leagues and make Super League an elite competition. Beaumont told League Express: “My club abstained on the vote to oppose any change to the competition structure or funding.”
Hardaker to Wigan edges closer
Former Castleford Tigers star Zak Hardaker is moving ever closer to the DW Stadium and Wigan Warriors, claims Dave Parker in his column for League Weekly. According to Parker, Hardaker will be given a job around the stadium while he serves whatever suspension he will receive. The wage for the job is set to be around £1,000-a-week, suggest League Weekly.
Hearn promises more talks with RFL
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has spoken to the Rugby League media and has opened up on his meetings with the Rugby Football League. He thinks that Matchroom Sport have the interest and the potential to revitalise Rugby League, but only if everyone is on board with it, according to League Express. Hearn told League Express: “I really enjoyed meeting them – it was really good. I didn’t know what to expect…”
Hearn also told League Weekly: “I feel as though I could change the face of rugby quite easily, but in what capacity?”
Purtill wants Leigh job permanently
Kieron Purtill has admitted that he’d like to be head coach of Leigh Centurions on a permanent basis. He is currently caretaker coach after Neil Jukes resigned last Monday, report League Weekly. Purtill was Jukes’ assistant but has now confirmed that he would like the opportunity to lead the team. He told League Weekly: “It is Derek Beaumont who makes the decisions but if I am doing a good job, hopefully there is something long-term.”
Davies wants to repay Wane for his faith
Wigan Warriors winger Tom Davies says that he wants to repay coach Shaun Wane for handing him the number two shirt this season. He told League Express: “It’s a massive privilege (to have the number two shirt). If you look at people who have had it before, I’ve got a lot to live up to!”
Which story has caught your eye the most this morning? Let us know in the comments below.