Rugby League Today: Ottawa bid, video ref progress & rugby union copy 40/20 rule
What’s on site
Ottawa has been revealed as the destination for the relocation of Hemel Stags, with Eric Perez leading a consortium and an exciting partnership behind the scenes.
Castleford have released Ben Roberts, the club has confirmed.
Fans have been left frustrated by ticket prices increasing on a match day, which is putting some fans off travelling to watch their team. We did the research.
There’s chatter about a Saints player possibly heading to the NRL, Wakefield’s hunt for a Tom Johnstone replacement and more in the latest gossip column with the intrepid Ray Mour.
They’ve reached the semi-finals of the last three World Cups, but what needs to be done for rugby league to grow in Fiji? We asked Salford’s very own Ben Nakubuwai that very question for the latest expansionist blog.
You can win tickets to watch Castleford against Wakefield in our latest competition with sponsors Batchelors Mushy Peas.
What’s on social
Rugby union are looking at replicating the 40/20 rule to improve player safety – though the 50/22 isn’t quite as catchy.
TIMES SPORT: Radical laws to improve rugby safety #tomorrowspaperstoday
??? pic.twitter.com/WYoEj98Jf3— Helen Miller (@MsHelicat) March 20, 2019
If they don’t show Oldham v Ottawa at the Vestacare Stadium on the big screen in Times Square, then it’s a disgrace.
So, Ottawa and New York bidding for a League One place in 2020.
Having seen the deals and commercial partners NYCRL have lined up: plus the lure, attraction and marketability of New York, that Ottawa bid is going to have to be amazing to get the nod over NY if it’s only one in.
— Aaron Bower (@AaronBower) March 20, 2019
Classy work by former England, Hull KR and Wakefield winger Peter Fox…
Ben Cockayne got it spot on about the now deleted RFL tweet showing Bradford’s controversial disallowed try at Widnes on Sunday.
Ref gave no try so I think it’s no try!!
? Curious why are the RFL publicly questioning an employees decision ? First time I’ve seen this happen. The refs get enough hammer as it is— Ben Cockayne (@BenCockayne83) March 20, 2019
What’s in the papers
With video technology dominating the agenda in football, rugby league’s own Steve Ganson says the sport has got it right this season so far, reports Gareth Walker in The Mirror.
Where is Leeds’ next win coming from? The jury is out in the Yorkshire Post.
Slightly less controversial than last week’s column, but the latest from Barrow chairman Steven Neale raises some interesting points – that clubs are against dual-registration, even those that use it, and he raises the suggestion of Super League reserve teams playing in League One.
Birthdays
New Hull signing Andre Savelio (24) shares a birthday with team-mate Albert Kelly (28) today.
Also celebrating: Hull KR captain Joel Tomkins (32); Salford prop Daniel Murray (23); France international Antoni Maria (32); Wales forward Andy Bracek (35); ex-Wakefield full-back Martyn Holland (42)
What’s on TV/radio