KEVIN Walters will step down as Catalans Dragons head coach at the end of the season, it was announced last week.
Walters succeeded Mick Potter at the helm of the Perpignan-based club at the start of 2009, and led the club to the Super League play-off final eliminator, after finishing 8th during the regular season.
The Dragons have failed to build on that excellent end-of-season run this year however, and find themselves at the foot of Super League with just two wins to their name.
“I wish to inform the board of the Catalans Dragons that I will not be taking up the option in my contract to coach the Dragons in 2011,” said Walters.
“The Dragons are a great club with good people involved. My family and I have enjoyed our time here in Perpignan and I look forward to finishing off the season 2010 with some good results.”
With their play-off prospects seemingly in tatters, the club’s run in the Challenge Cup which, following Sunday’s victory at Batley has seen them reach the last four, has shone some light on an otherwise bleak campaign.
“Similarly to 2009, I know that with plenty of hard work and a little bit of luck, we can compete well in both the Carnegie Challenge Cup and the engage Super League,” he added.
The Catalans appointment was Walters’ first as a head coach, following a spell with Queensland Cup outfit Ipswich Jets, and a decorated career as a player in the NRL.
"I understand Kevin’s decision but I’m very disappointed for him,” added Catalans chairman Bernard Guash.
“He’s a great man who has worked hard and has been really unlucky this season. I hope he will get better results with the team during this second part of 2010 campaign.
“He deserves a good ending and I hope he will find a new club for a new start in his professional life.”
Monday 31 May 2010
Viewing figures paint Magic Weekend picture
LEEDS’ game against Wakefield was the most watched game of the Magic Weekend according to figures released last week.
The match, which brought the curtain down on Day 1 at Murrayfield, was watched by 136,000 people, who were treated to a grandstand finish as the Rhinos snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the dying minutes.
The figure compares less than favourably with the average for a regular-round Super League match, many of which score a rating in excess of 200,000.
The findings will make interesting reading ahead of June's planned RFL meeting, where the future of the event will be discussed.
The Leeds v Wakefield total was dwarfed by the 1,780,000 who tuned in to BBC 2’s coverage of the Snooker World Championships semi-final, and bettered by the 203,000 that watched the Rugby Union European Challenge Cup Final between Wasps and Cardiff Blues and the Cricket Twenty20 World Cup game between Pakistan and Bangladesh, which drew 188,000.
The game did, however, narrowly out-perform Sky’s flagship football highlights programme ‘Football First’, which was watched by 133,000.
The game also comfortably outshone Day 3 of Golf’s US tour which attracted 57,000.
The least watched game from the weekend was the opening tie of the round between Crusaders and Bradford. Just 70,000 people tuned in, 49% less than watched Leeds v Wakefield.
That game faced stiff competition from Sky’s coverage of the Premier League match between Birmingham City and Burnley (547,000), as well as the ever-popular ‘Soccer Saturday’ (793,000) which reports on all of the day’s matches.
The match, which brought the curtain down on Day 1 at Murrayfield, was watched by 136,000 people, who were treated to a grandstand finish as the Rhinos snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the dying minutes.
The figure compares less than favourably with the average for a regular-round Super League match, many of which score a rating in excess of 200,000.
The findings will make interesting reading ahead of June's planned RFL meeting, where the future of the event will be discussed.
The Leeds v Wakefield total was dwarfed by the 1,780,000 who tuned in to BBC 2’s coverage of the Snooker World Championships semi-final, and bettered by the 203,000 that watched the Rugby Union European Challenge Cup Final between Wasps and Cardiff Blues and the Cricket Twenty20 World Cup game between Pakistan and Bangladesh, which drew 188,000.
The game did, however, narrowly out-perform Sky’s flagship football highlights programme ‘Football First’, which was watched by 133,000.
The game also comfortably outshone Day 3 of Golf’s US tour which attracted 57,000.
The least watched game from the weekend was the opening tie of the round between Crusaders and Bradford. Just 70,000 people tuned in, 49% less than watched Leeds v Wakefield.
That game faced stiff competition from Sky’s coverage of the Premier League match between Birmingham City and Burnley (547,000), as well as the ever-popular ‘Soccer Saturday’ (793,000) which reports on all of the day’s matches.
Powell positive about League switch
WALES Rugby Union international Andy Powell has fuelled speculation surrounding his alleged desire switch codes and join the Crusaders by admitting that he’d “love to play League”.
The 28-year-old has been named in the Wales team to face South Africa this summer, but still harbours a desire to try his hand in Super League.
"I've been up to Wrexham a few times to watch Alfie (Gareth Thomas) play and he's really enjoying himself,” said Powell.
"League is about getting the ball* in hand and it's a straight-on game that matches my style.
"As a kid I always followed league and I also played it - around under-14 level. It's something I'd like to do. I'm sure I will do it - at some point in the next year or so.” continued Powell, on the move that would see him re-united with former Cardiff Blues team-mate Thomas.
Powell has been capped 12 times for his country. and has also played in the Guiness Premiership with Leicester Tigers.
He was stepped-down from International duty earlier this year, after being arrested for stealing and driving a golf buggy while intoxicated, following Wales’ last-minute Six Nations victory over Scotland.
He is represented by Emmanuel Palarino, who played a major role in securing Thomas’ switch to League.
The 28-year-old has been named in the Wales team to face South Africa this summer, but still harbours a desire to try his hand in Super League.
"I've been up to Wrexham a few times to watch Alfie (Gareth Thomas) play and he's really enjoying himself,” said Powell.
"League is about getting the ball* in hand and it's a straight-on game that matches my style.
"As a kid I always followed league and I also played it - around under-14 level. It's something I'd like to do. I'm sure I will do it - at some point in the next year or so.” continued Powell, on the move that would see him re-united with former Cardiff Blues team-mate Thomas.
Powell has been capped 12 times for his country. and has also played in the Guiness Premiership with Leicester Tigers.
He was stepped-down from International duty earlier this year, after being arrested for stealing and driving a golf buggy while intoxicated, following Wales’ last-minute Six Nations victory over Scotland.
He is represented by Emmanuel Palarino, who played a major role in securing Thomas’ switch to League.
Addy makes Bulls debut
19-YEAR-OLD Danny Addy made his Bradford Bulls debut on Sunday evening after being recalled by Bulls coach Steve McNamara from his dual-registration spell with Championship side Dewsbury Rams.
Loose forward Addy made three appearances for Dewsbury, before injuries to Brett Kearney (ankle) and Jaskon Crookes (knee) spelt an early return to Bradford for the teenager.
The door remains open on a second stint at Dewsbury, but any potential switch hinges on the injury situation at Odsal.
Addy was joined in McNamara's 19-man squad by centre Joe Wardle, while Matt Orford returned to the sqaud after recovering from a shoulder injury picked up during the Magic Weekend defeat to Crusaders.
Loose forward Addy made three appearances for Dewsbury, before injuries to Brett Kearney (ankle) and Jaskon Crookes (knee) spelt an early return to Bradford for the teenager.
The door remains open on a second stint at Dewsbury, but any potential switch hinges on the injury situation at Odsal.
Addy was joined in McNamara's 19-man squad by centre Joe Wardle, while Matt Orford returned to the sqaud after recovering from a shoulder injury picked up during the Magic Weekend defeat to Crusaders.
Pryce sends a message
KARL Pryce, who has been on the fringes of first team selection for some time at Wigan, staked a claim for a regular starting berth with four tries during his side’s 46-26 win at Crusaders on Saturday.
The 23-year-old made his Wigan debut last season, following a spell in Rugby Union with Gloucester, but has seen his career riddled with injury.
"I've been injury free for the last 18 months but last year I wasn't really getting a shot, so I’m happy to be back playing,” said Pryce, who made his Super League debut in 2003 while at Bradford.
"This year I've had to dig in as the players have been playing well and I've had to bide my time to get a go.
"Madge (Wigan coach Michael Maguire) told me I had to keep playing well in the under-20s and keep training well, and if I did that I'd get my chance eventually.”
Meanwhile, centre Martin Gleeson returned to the Wigan squad for Saturday’s game after serving a club-imposed one-match ban for an undisclosed disciplinary matter.
"It's a clean slate,” said Wigan coach Michael Maguire.
"He went back and played a good game with the under-20s. Everything has been sorted out this week"
Ben Davies made his Wigan debut at the Racecourse Ground, while Stefan Marsh, who was promoted to the first team squad in Gleeson’s absense, dropped out of the 17.
Wigan were still without Lee Mossop, who is recovering from a dislocated shoulder. His recovery is ahead of schedule however, and he’s expected to return to action next month.
Long term absentees Amos Roberts (leg) and Cameron Phelps (groin) are making steady progress and have an outside of chance of returning in time for Saturday’s Challenge Cup quarter final tie against Leeds.
The 23-year-old made his Wigan debut last season, following a spell in Rugby Union with Gloucester, but has seen his career riddled with injury.
"I've been injury free for the last 18 months but last year I wasn't really getting a shot, so I’m happy to be back playing,” said Pryce, who made his Super League debut in 2003 while at Bradford.
"This year I've had to dig in as the players have been playing well and I've had to bide my time to get a go.
"Madge (Wigan coach Michael Maguire) told me I had to keep playing well in the under-20s and keep training well, and if I did that I'd get my chance eventually.”
Meanwhile, centre Martin Gleeson returned to the Wigan squad for Saturday’s game after serving a club-imposed one-match ban for an undisclosed disciplinary matter.
"It's a clean slate,” said Wigan coach Michael Maguire.
"He went back and played a good game with the under-20s. Everything has been sorted out this week"
Ben Davies made his Wigan debut at the Racecourse Ground, while Stefan Marsh, who was promoted to the first team squad in Gleeson’s absense, dropped out of the 17.
Wigan were still without Lee Mossop, who is recovering from a dislocated shoulder. His recovery is ahead of schedule however, and he’s expected to return to action next month.
Long term absentees Amos Roberts (leg) and Cameron Phelps (groin) are making steady progress and have an outside of chance of returning in time for Saturday’s Challenge Cup quarter final tie against Leeds.
Key duo poised to return for Wildcats
DARYL Millard and Glen Morrison are both in contention for a return to action in time for Wakefield's game against Leeds next month.
The Wildcats have a two-week break, following yesterday's victory over Harlequins which, Kear hopes, will be long enough to allow Millard and Morrison to fully recover.
"With Charlie Leaeno on board now, along with the Glen and Daryl hopefully returning, we'll have a very different looking side on duty."
"It'll restore the kind of physical presence we’ve been looking for up front.”
Kear was again without Ben Jeffries for Sunday's game. The Wildcats talisman has been out of action since round 14 after picking up a quadracept injury but had been expected to return last week.
"Ben broke down in training on Thursday and will undego treatment," explained Kear.
"It's a setback but we hope to have him back in action sooner rather than later."
The Wildcats have a two-week break, following yesterday's victory over Harlequins which, Kear hopes, will be long enough to allow Millard and Morrison to fully recover.
"With Charlie Leaeno on board now, along with the Glen and Daryl hopefully returning, we'll have a very different looking side on duty."
"It'll restore the kind of physical presence we’ve been looking for up front.”
Kear was again without Ben Jeffries for Sunday's game. The Wildcats talisman has been out of action since round 14 after picking up a quadracept injury but had been expected to return last week.
"Ben broke down in training on Thursday and will undego treatment," explained Kear.
"It's a setback but we hope to have him back in action sooner rather than later."
Young prop blossoming at Crusaders
EMERGING Welsh prospect Ben Flower is keen to make the most of the first team opportunities presented to him by Brian Noble, and is relishing the competition for places at the Crusaders this season.
“Everyone is fighting for a position in the team every week but I’ve taken my chances, I think I have done alright and I want to stay in the team for the rest of the year,” said Flower, who captained his country for the Gillette Fusion International against England last Autumn
“For me, my aims for the season are just to get out there and play, enjoy it and make the most of it when I am out on there on the field.”
Flower, 22, began his Crusaders career with the club’s Colts side before making his first team debut in 2008, and making 17 Super League appearances last season.
“I’m very grateful for the chances I’ve had and it is just nice to get on the field and play. I am enjoying it here and gaining a lot from playing Super League on a regular basis.”
And the Cardiff-born Welsh Rugby Union under-20s International is delighted with the progress the club has made over the last 12 months.
“Obviously, coming from last season it has been a massive improvement. We’ve now got a top class coaching team in place with Brian Noble, Iestyn Harris and Jon Sharp and we have recruited well.”
“We’ve just got to keep improving and work on getting into the top 8,” he continued.
“Last year we struggled with injuries so I had a lot of opportunities in the first team but this year the squad is a lot stronger.”
Meanwhile, Luke Dyer was set to take Gareth Raynor’s place on the wing for Saturday’s match against Wigan, while fellow wing-man Nick Youngquest also returned to the squad.
“Everyone is fighting for a position in the team every week but I’ve taken my chances, I think I have done alright and I want to stay in the team for the rest of the year,” said Flower, who captained his country for the Gillette Fusion International against England last Autumn
“For me, my aims for the season are just to get out there and play, enjoy it and make the most of it when I am out on there on the field.”
Flower, 22, began his Crusaders career with the club’s Colts side before making his first team debut in 2008, and making 17 Super League appearances last season.
“I’m very grateful for the chances I’ve had and it is just nice to get on the field and play. I am enjoying it here and gaining a lot from playing Super League on a regular basis.”
And the Cardiff-born Welsh Rugby Union under-20s International is delighted with the progress the club has made over the last 12 months.
“Obviously, coming from last season it has been a massive improvement. We’ve now got a top class coaching team in place with Brian Noble, Iestyn Harris and Jon Sharp and we have recruited well.”
“We’ve just got to keep improving and work on getting into the top 8,” he continued.
“Last year we struggled with injuries so I had a lot of opportunities in the first team but this year the squad is a lot stronger.”
Meanwhile, Luke Dyer was set to take Gareth Raynor’s place on the wing for Saturday’s match against Wigan, while fellow wing-man Nick Youngquest also returned to the squad.
Sunday 23 May 2010
Alker ponders coaching role
SALFORD City Reds hooker Malcolm Alker has revealed that he has the option of taking up the position of assistant coach next season, at the club he’s served so well as a player.
But the 31-year-old, who previously passed on the opportunity to play in the NRL to stay with his beloved Reds, believes he still has a lot to offer on the pitch.
“The opportunity is there for me to be Shaun’s assistant next year,” said Alker.
“But I don’t know whether I’ve still got a bit too much fire in my belly for me to retire and go down that route yet.
“I’ve still got to make that decision and I’m going to take my time over it, but my main commitment at the moment is playing. It’s my priority and what I get paid to do.”
Alker has been capped for England and has represented Lancashire during his time with Salford but is hesitant to retire too early and miss out on any further accolades.
“I don’t want to come out of playing the game too early and end up regretting it, I think I’ve still got a lot to offer to the game and the determination to kick on.”
Alker made his Willows debut in 1995 and, 15 years later, is on the cusp of making his 350th appearance for the club.
“It’s been a long career for me, I’ve really enjoyed it and it’ll be great to reach that milestone.”
“We’ve had a lot of ups and downs at Salford but you’ve got to take the rough with the smooth,” he continued, before emphasising how crucial moving to a new stadium is to the club's future.
“I was going over the Barton bridge a couple of days ago and it looks to be underway.
“We’re under no illusions, we need the stadium to progress and to compete with the big boys.
“We’re aware that the club and community need a focal point and the stadium will hopefully provide that."
But the 31-year-old, who previously passed on the opportunity to play in the NRL to stay with his beloved Reds, believes he still has a lot to offer on the pitch.
“The opportunity is there for me to be Shaun’s assistant next year,” said Alker.
“But I don’t know whether I’ve still got a bit too much fire in my belly for me to retire and go down that route yet.
“I’ve still got to make that decision and I’m going to take my time over it, but my main commitment at the moment is playing. It’s my priority and what I get paid to do.”
Alker has been capped for England and has represented Lancashire during his time with Salford but is hesitant to retire too early and miss out on any further accolades.
“I don’t want to come out of playing the game too early and end up regretting it, I think I’ve still got a lot to offer to the game and the determination to kick on.”
Alker made his Willows debut in 1995 and, 15 years later, is on the cusp of making his 350th appearance for the club.
“It’s been a long career for me, I’ve really enjoyed it and it’ll be great to reach that milestone.”
“We’ve had a lot of ups and downs at Salford but you’ve got to take the rough with the smooth,” he continued, before emphasising how crucial moving to a new stadium is to the club's future.
“I was going over the Barton bridge a couple of days ago and it looks to be underway.
“We’re under no illusions, we need the stadium to progress and to compete with the big boys.
“We’re aware that the club and community need a focal point and the stadium will hopefully provide that."
Thursday 20 May 2010
Potter hits back at criticism
SAINTS legends Sean Long and Paul Sculthorpe believe that Mick Potter's decision to step down as St Helens coach at the end of the season was inevitable.
But the ex-Catalans boss remains defiant in the wake of accusations from Sculthorpe that he doesn't have the same "personal relationship" with the players that his predecessors had.
"Not many people warmed to Potter and I think that's because his personality is so different to Daniel Anderson's," Sculthorpe told BBC Five Live's George Riley.
"Mick doesn't like the limelight and keeps himself out of the picture. The fans don't like that.
“As a manager, you have to be more personable and have a relationship with players."
Long, meanwhile, believes Potter's failure to bring silverware to the club is the driving force behind his impending Knowsley Road exit.
“I'm disappointed for Mick, he is a good bloke, but Saints are used to winning trophies," said Long.
"He came up with nothing last year so it was probably on the cards really.
"They have got to bring in some new faces and a new coach."
But head coach Potter has come out fighting.
“The gist I got [from the comments] was that I need to be personable with the players.
“Since I have been here Paul has been at training three times so I am not sure how he
can make a legitimate comment on myself and my coaching.
"As for the way I am perceived by the fans – well for a coach to be carrying on the sidelines, gesturing and looking anxious is not a good coach and does not show composure. It oozes panic," he continued.
“People can agree or disagree but that style is not me nor does it make a good coach.
“And apart from that I don’t think the fans come to watch the coach carrying on on the sidelines.
“They come to watch the players play good Rugby League. If they want a coach to carry on they are not going to get it from me.”
Potter has been dealt a blow by the news that Maurie Fa'asavalu will be out of action for three months.
Scans have revealed that the shoulder injury he picked up back in round 12 is worse that first feared and the 30-year-old now requires surgery.
Better news surrounds Paul Wellens who suffered a head injury during Friday's defeat to Salford.
Examinations failed to uncover any lasting damage and the experienced fullback is expected to be in contention for Friday's visit of Hull KR.
But the ex-Catalans boss remains defiant in the wake of accusations from Sculthorpe that he doesn't have the same "personal relationship" with the players that his predecessors had.
"Not many people warmed to Potter and I think that's because his personality is so different to Daniel Anderson's," Sculthorpe told BBC Five Live's George Riley.
"Mick doesn't like the limelight and keeps himself out of the picture. The fans don't like that.
“As a manager, you have to be more personable and have a relationship with players."
Long, meanwhile, believes Potter's failure to bring silverware to the club is the driving force behind his impending Knowsley Road exit.
“I'm disappointed for Mick, he is a good bloke, but Saints are used to winning trophies," said Long.
"He came up with nothing last year so it was probably on the cards really.
"They have got to bring in some new faces and a new coach."
But head coach Potter has come out fighting.
“The gist I got [from the comments] was that I need to be personable with the players.
“Since I have been here Paul has been at training three times so I am not sure how he
can make a legitimate comment on myself and my coaching.
"As for the way I am perceived by the fans – well for a coach to be carrying on the sidelines, gesturing and looking anxious is not a good coach and does not show composure. It oozes panic," he continued.
“People can agree or disagree but that style is not me nor does it make a good coach.
“And apart from that I don’t think the fans come to watch the coach carrying on on the sidelines.
“They come to watch the players play good Rugby League. If they want a coach to carry on they are not going to get it from me.”
Potter has been dealt a blow by the news that Maurie Fa'asavalu will be out of action for three months.
Scans have revealed that the shoulder injury he picked up back in round 12 is worse that first feared and the 30-year-old now requires surgery.
Better news surrounds Paul Wellens who suffered a head injury during Friday's defeat to Salford.
Examinations failed to uncover any lasting damage and the experienced fullback is expected to be in contention for Friday's visit of Hull KR.
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