Rugby League Advent #4 – Draws, golden point, Gelling & Hull

James Gordon

4 – The number of draws in Super League in 2018

The golden point debate has been doing the rounds in recent weeks after it was revealed Super League are recommending its introduction for next season.

Opinion appears to be split on whether a draw is good or not, but will it make that much of a difference? There were just four draws in the regular season last year.

Leeds were in two of those draws, the 20-20 draw with Wakefield in July virtually condemning them in to The Qualifiers for the second time in three seasons after Trinity staged a late fightback from 20-12 down.

They had previously drawn 22-22 at Huddersfield back in March, which was Chris Thorman’s first game in temporary charge of the Giants following the departure of Rick Stone. Jordan Rankin missed a late drop goal attempt for the hosts.

Jy Hitchcox scored four tries in vain for Castleford, as they were held to a 24-24 draw by Hull KR at The Jungle back in June. Rovers fought back from 14-0 and 24-12 down to earn a credible draw, with both sides missing late drop goal attempts.

Though not known at the time, a repeat of the Challenge Cup final line-up saw Warrington draw 22-22 at home to Catalans in front of the Sky Sports cameras on a rainy Thursday night in July. Both sides scored three tries apiece, all in the first half, with Tyrone Roberts and Josh Drinkwater kicking five goals apiece. Both missed with late drop goal attempts, while Josh Charnley had a late try ruled out by the video referee for a knock on.

What’s on site

The Anthony Gelling saga appears to be over – a week after he was reported to be in training with Catalans, he is now in training with Widnes and will play for them in the Championship in 2019.

Wakefield will join the Women’s Super League in 2019.

Plenty of gossip in this week’s papers, including the future of Josh Drinkwater, a winding up order against Toronto Wolfpack and a possible loan deal for Sebastine Ikahihifo.

Drew Darbyshire gives his verdict on the signing of Jarrod Sammut by champions Wigan.

A tenuous link Down Under as Tommy Makinson has been seen speaking to his former club boss Nathan Brown, now at Newcastle Knights, prompting unfounded reports an NRL move may be on the cards.

What’s on social

How can you not like this guy?

Gav knows…

Batley have been doing their bit to welcome players back too.

Meanwhile, the World Cup trophy (with brand new cockerel) is doing the rounds.

What’s in the papers

New recruit Joseph Paulo has arrived at St Helens, reports the St Helens Star, having joined the club on a three-year deal from Cronulla.

Hull FC chairman Adam Pearson says Garry Schofield should get a proper job, after predicting they’ll finish 9th next season, according to the excellent Hull Live.

Across the city, Hull KR are close to finalising a deal for Josh Drinkwater, as widely reported on Monday, though will have to offload at least one player before it goes through, again report Hull Live.

Hull KR have also revealed their north stand will remain closed until further notice following the collapse of a floodlight last week.

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