Rugby League Today: Central funding cuts, London worries & Magic Weekend bids

James Gordon

What’s on site

London have announced their decision to go part-time to 2022, which has been typically met by doom-mongering in rugby league circles.

Wigan have taken nearly £1m in Government loans as provided via the RFL, as revealed in this week’s Paper Talk.

There’s plenty to talk about off the field, but one question being posed by a fan this week – is how the six-again rule can be tweaked for the better.

Leeds legend Rob Burrow has backed a £5m charity appeal to build a Motor Neurone Disease centre in the city.

Warrington will be without hooker Daryl Clark for their clash with Salford this weekend, though their hopes of second place will be dashed if St Helens beat Leeds on Friday night.

What’s on social

Depressing.

Great servant.

More needs to be done to keep the World Cup team in the sport, unlike what happened after 2013.

What’s in the papers

A European city has expressed an interest in hosting the Magic Weekend. Paris is seen to be a key part of French president Luc Lacoste’s plan to revolutionise rugby league in France, and The Sun reports that Paris, Barcelona and Dublin have been mooted as possible hosts. Super League will look to field bids and drum up interest from cities wanting to wrestle it away from Newcastle.

Concerns over central funding cuts for 2022 are very real, with some League 1 clubs expecting as much as 78% drop in funding. Those outside Super League are expected to be hardest hit. (Huddersfield Examiner)

The NRL Grand Final is set to be staged at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, the first time it has been stayed outside of Sydney. Suncorp will become just the sixth different venue to host a Grand Final in the 114-year history of the premiership. (The Guardian)

Birthdays

Happy birthday to State of Mind presenter, former Wigan forward and friend of Love Rugby League, Danny Sculthorpe – 42 today. (September 8)

Also celebrating: ex-Widnes, Salford and Harlequins prop Gareth Haggerty (40); Gateshead league winner Ryan Clarke (36); Widnes-bound back-rower Sam Wilde (26); France international Paul Seguier (24); Oldham winger Tommy Brierley (25).

What’s on TV/radio

8am – NRL Try Time – Sky Sports Arena

Trivia

In 2003, RFL chairman Richard Lewis announced a new London and the South Conference featuring four capital-based teams (pictured).

Features London Broncos