Paper Talk: Huddersfield not signing Godinet, no Widdop deal yet, Salford want help
We’ve had a scan through the latest editions of the League Express and League Weekly newspapers.
Godinet not joining Huddersfield
Huddersfield Giants have no plans to sign Pita Godinet, despite the Samoa international training with the club, report League Express.
The 31-year-old posted a picture on Instagram last week with a number of Huddersfield’s players at the club’s training centre. However, Giants officials have confirmed to League Express that the former Wakefield Trinity half-back or hooker will not be joining the club permanently.
Salford ask for help
Salford Red Devils were forced to request an advance of central monies at an Emergency General Meeting of all 12 Super League clubs, report League Weekly.
A meeting was convened before Christmas where the prospect of granting the Red Devils a six-figure sum, thought in the form of a loan, was on the agenda. Cash-flow problems are believed to have promoted the request, which was accepted but did not materialise after they failed to meet certain conditions laid down by their Super League counterparts, according to League Weekly.
Saints plan on having reserve matches
St Helens chief executive Mike Rush says the club would like to play some reserve grade fixtures next season, despite not officially entering a side, report League Express.
Saints have opted against running a second-string side in 2019, despite Rush insisting it should have been made compulsory. Rush has revealed to League Express that the club intends to arrange games as the season goes on, he said: “We’ll definitely try to arrange some games with the likes of Hull and Wakefield, who have put big squads together and I’m sure will need some games. Reserves is absolutely necessary, but it’s almost pointless unless every club is going to buy into it.”
No deal for Widdop just yet
Warrington Wolves have rubbished suggestions they have already signed Gareth Widdop, report League Weekly.
However, League Weekly understands the club have held talks with the England international about a switch to Super League for 2020. Last season’s Super League Grand Finalists and Challenge Cup runners-up aim to make the St George Illawarra Dragons captain their second marquee signing alongside new half-back Blake Austin ahead of next year.
Schofield makes League 1 predictions
Garry Schofield has tipped Oldham to win League 1 in his predictions ahead of the 2019 season in his column for League Express.
Schofield believes that the Roughyeds will finish top, followed by Workington Town, Doncaster, Newcastle Thunder, Hunslet and Whitehaven, in that order. In his League Express column, Schofield said: “I like the way Scott Naylor coaches, so I’m expecting big things from him in 2019. The Roughyeds are tough defensively and they like to get ripped in. They’ve got good half-backs too, who like to move the ball around nicely. They pushed York and Bradford very close in consecutive weeks towards the end of last season, so they will fear no one in League 1.”
Price happy with rule changes
Warrington coach Steve Price reckons 2019 could be a big year for the little men, report League Weekly.
The controversial introduction of golden point extra time may have grabbed most headlines, but it could be the reduction in the number of interchanges from 10 to eight that has the biggest effect. Price told League Weekly: “I think the changes are great for the game, they are changes that needed to be made. Our game has built on attrition for a long time and it’ll be good to get the little blokes more involved.”
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