Paper Talk: Toronto eye Watkins, season resumption without fans & knock-on effects
There is still plenty of news in the latest papers despite no on-field action.
Toronto eye Watkins
Kallum Watkins is set to be announced as a Toronto Wolfpack player after quitting NRL side Gold Coast Titans, reports Mail on Sunday.
The England international has been granted a release in order to return home to be with his father who has contracted coronavirus, according to Mail on Sunday.
Knock-on effects for delayed season
London Skolars coach Jermaine Coleman has said whatever decision is made on how this season is structured whenever it restarts, it could have a big impact going into next year, reports League Express.
Coleman told League Express: “We’ve been told that one possible option is starting up again in June and running right through to October – but that has knock-on effects everywhere else.”
Season resumption without fans
Leigh boss John Duffy believes rugby league will kick-off behind closed doors when the sport finally emerges from lockdown, reports Leigh Journal.
Duffy told Leigh Journal: “As soon as we get the green light to train we will probably play behind closed doors.”
Calls for changes to contract deadline
Jamie Shaul believes players should be able to speak to rival clubs 12 months before their existing contracts are set to expire, reports League Express.
Shaul told League Express: “I don’t like the May 1st deadline. I don’t think it’s right. I think it should be 12 months because clubs can hold off and hold off and then decide they having nothing for you really late.”
Demetriou confident of May 28 restart
South Sydney assistant coach Jason Demetriou is confident the NRL can hit its May 28 restart date – and admits the shutdown has made people appreciate how much they love rugby league, reports The Yorkshire Post.
Demetriou told The Yorkshire Post: “We have probably contained it pretty well. If those numbers continue (dropping) I can’t see why we can’t start on May 28th.”
Sawyer backs streaming plan
Dewsbury chairman and Bradford interim chief executive Mark Sawyer says he has “no problem” with plans to stream and charge for Super League matches behind closed doors, reports League Express.
Sawyer told League Express: “If they get to a stage where they can charge a fee for the streaming and that money goes to the clubs whose supporters have bought it, I don’t think you can possibly be against such a thing.”
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