GARETH Thomas has backed the RFL’s decision to fine Castleford Tigers £40,000, following their failure to prevent, challenge or address homophobic chanting aimed at the Crusaders winger back when the two sides met in March.
“The fact is the Rugby League authorities have clamped down on it and have sent an amazing message,” said Thomas.
“That goes beyond Rugby League as well, it applies to sport in general.”
Thomas joined the Crusaders earlier this season and in doing say became Super League’s only openly-gay player.
“I don’t get any satisfaction from the fact that the fine will be tough on Castleford,” he insisted.
“But ultimately something had to be done about it and, not that I felt unsafe before, I now feel a lot safer.
“Hopefully people outside of Rugby League will look at what’s happened and embrace the stance in their own sports.”
“Today has been an historic day,” added Thomas’ agent Emanuele Palladino.
“Gareth Thomas is all about delivering positive messages and positive changes, and to that end today was a huge step forward for Gareth and the world of sport.
“It is not about the fine, but rather recognition that this behaviour from a small section of the Castleford fans is not acceptable in 2010.
“Unfortunately what happened at Castleford could not be ignored,” he continued.
“We are delighted that the RFL have taken action against what is a serious and upsetting incident for all parties.
“Their stance makes it clear that behaviour like this is not, and should not be acceptable in the world we live in today.”
Jamie Jones Buchanan speaks in depth to Thomas in this month’s issue of Rugby League World, on sale now.
Monday, 12 July 2010
Friday, 2 July 2010
Graham signs with Australian agent
ST Helens prop forward James Graham has signed with Australian sports representation firm Titan Management.
The news fuels speculation surrounding the 24-year-old’s future, with stories linking him with NRL clubs prevalent over the last couple of years.
Graham becomes only the second English player, with Bradford’s Michael Platt the other, on the books of the company who represent a host of Australian-born Super League players.
Adam Mogg and Tim Smith, who recently switched from Super League to the NRL are clients, along with Canterbury’s Andew Ryan, who is currently in talks with Salford, and one-time Huddersfield target Todd Carney.
New addition Graham was the 2008 Man of Steel and is highly regarded both in the UK and Australia as one of the best prop forwards in the world.
The news fuels speculation surrounding the 24-year-old’s future, with stories linking him with NRL clubs prevalent over the last couple of years.
Graham becomes only the second English player, with Bradford’s Michael Platt the other, on the books of the company who represent a host of Australian-born Super League players.
Adam Mogg and Tim Smith, who recently switched from Super League to the NRL are clients, along with Canterbury’s Andew Ryan, who is currently in talks with Salford, and one-time Huddersfield target Todd Carney.
New addition Graham was the 2008 Man of Steel and is highly regarded both in the UK and Australia as one of the best prop forwards in the world.
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Wildcats and Dragons ready to negotiate
IF John Kear is to become the coach of Catalans Dragons in 2011, the French club must first negotiate a transfer fee with Wakefield, ‘League Express’ understands.
Kear still has another season to run on his contract with the Wildcats, and any potential move hinges on whether or not the two clubs can come to a financial agreement.
We revealed last week that talks had taken place between Kear and Catalans director Christophe Jouffret, and the former Hull and Sheffield Eagles boss was quoted last week as saying he was “flattered” by the link, while emphasising that he’s still contracted to Wakefield.
The Dragons have drawn up a shortlist of 12 candidates for the post, which will be vacated by incumbent coach Kevin Walters at the end of the season, and chairman Bernard Guasch confirmed that Kear is in the frame.
One player who definitely won’t be at Belle Vue next season is long-serving centre Jason Demetriou, who was told by the club last week that his contract, which expires at the end of the season, would not be renewed.
Demetriou is in his seventh season with the Wildcats, and admitted that the news came as a massive shock to him.
"I wont lie, it's been a very tough week in my life,” he told the BBC’s George Riley.
"I don't want to leave Wakefield - I never have - and this has hit me hard in the stomach, but I completely understand and respect Wakefield's decision.”
The 34-year-old confirmed that he had not entered talks with any other clubs, but admitted that he’d welcome an approach from a Super League outfit.
“I'm in the top 25 metre-makers in Super League this year so I clearly put in a lot work both in the forwards and centres.
“I play 80 minutes a week, rarely miss a game and I'll give my next team as much passion as I've given for Wakefield."
Having cemented his place high in the regard of the Wildcats faithful, Demetriou will leave the club with fond memories.
"I hope the Wakefield fans remember me for giving everything.
"I have had some of the best and worst moments of my life here and when my career ends you can guarantee I'll be back on the terrace at Belle Vue with the fans”
"The one regret I do have about this is that after the service I've given to Wakefield I wasn't even told the news by the club,” he continued.
“It would have been nice if the chairman had talked to me about it personally.”
Kear still has another season to run on his contract with the Wildcats, and any potential move hinges on whether or not the two clubs can come to a financial agreement.
We revealed last week that talks had taken place between Kear and Catalans director Christophe Jouffret, and the former Hull and Sheffield Eagles boss was quoted last week as saying he was “flattered” by the link, while emphasising that he’s still contracted to Wakefield.
The Dragons have drawn up a shortlist of 12 candidates for the post, which will be vacated by incumbent coach Kevin Walters at the end of the season, and chairman Bernard Guasch confirmed that Kear is in the frame.
One player who definitely won’t be at Belle Vue next season is long-serving centre Jason Demetriou, who was told by the club last week that his contract, which expires at the end of the season, would not be renewed.
Demetriou is in his seventh season with the Wildcats, and admitted that the news came as a massive shock to him.
"I wont lie, it's been a very tough week in my life,” he told the BBC’s George Riley.
"I don't want to leave Wakefield - I never have - and this has hit me hard in the stomach, but I completely understand and respect Wakefield's decision.”
The 34-year-old confirmed that he had not entered talks with any other clubs, but admitted that he’d welcome an approach from a Super League outfit.
“I'm in the top 25 metre-makers in Super League this year so I clearly put in a lot work both in the forwards and centres.
“I play 80 minutes a week, rarely miss a game and I'll give my next team as much passion as I've given for Wakefield."
Having cemented his place high in the regard of the Wildcats faithful, Demetriou will leave the club with fond memories.
"I hope the Wakefield fans remember me for giving everything.
"I have had some of the best and worst moments of my life here and when my career ends you can guarantee I'll be back on the terrace at Belle Vue with the fans”
"The one regret I do have about this is that after the service I've given to Wakefield I wasn't even told the news by the club,” he continued.
“It would have been nice if the chairman had talked to me about it personally.”
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Cunningham pays tribute to Fairleigh
ST HELENS legend Keiron Cunningham has picked out former team-mate David Fairleigh as the man who’s had the biggest influence on his development as a player.
Fairleigh spent just one season at Knowsley Road back in 2001, but Cunningham says the impact he had on the club during that time will long be remembered.
“I’m fortunate to have played with some fantastic players from overseas during my career but the one that’s had the biggest influence on me is David Fairleigh,” said Cunningham.
The former North Sydney Bears and Newcastle Knights man spent eleven years as an NRL player before finishing his career in the Super League with Saints.
“What Dave Farleigh did for St Helens during one season was amazing. He helped me out so much with my game.
“He helped me to understand what sort of standard of play people expected from me - I’m still good friends with him now.”
Fairleigh returned to Australia following retirment as a player and went on to coach the Knights, before taking up a position as assistant coach at Parramatta Eels. He is the prospective head coach of Central Coast Bears, should their bid for a place in the NRL in 2013 be accepted.
With the Saints yet to name a replacement for Mick Potter, Fairleigh could be surprise candidate for the soon-to-be vacant post.
“I just like somebody who has a similar mindset as me,” said Cunningham on what he looks for in a coach.
“I'm an honest guy who wants to work hard and train hard and whoever fits that bill seems to have done well at the club.
“I've played under seven or eight coaches during my time at St Helens and every one of them has got their flaws and their good points.”
Saints chairman Eamonn McManus is to fly out to Australia to step up the search for the coach that will oversee the team’s move to a new stadium in 2011.
Mal Meninga, another former St Helens, player is thought to be in the frame while current assistant coach Keiron Purtill has also expressed his interest in the position.
Fairleigh spent just one season at Knowsley Road back in 2001, but Cunningham says the impact he had on the club during that time will long be remembered.
“I’m fortunate to have played with some fantastic players from overseas during my career but the one that’s had the biggest influence on me is David Fairleigh,” said Cunningham.
The former North Sydney Bears and Newcastle Knights man spent eleven years as an NRL player before finishing his career in the Super League with Saints.
“What Dave Farleigh did for St Helens during one season was amazing. He helped me out so much with my game.
“He helped me to understand what sort of standard of play people expected from me - I’m still good friends with him now.”
Fairleigh returned to Australia following retirment as a player and went on to coach the Knights, before taking up a position as assistant coach at Parramatta Eels. He is the prospective head coach of Central Coast Bears, should their bid for a place in the NRL in 2013 be accepted.
With the Saints yet to name a replacement for Mick Potter, Fairleigh could be surprise candidate for the soon-to-be vacant post.
“I just like somebody who has a similar mindset as me,” said Cunningham on what he looks for in a coach.
“I'm an honest guy who wants to work hard and train hard and whoever fits that bill seems to have done well at the club.
“I've played under seven or eight coaches during my time at St Helens and every one of them has got their flaws and their good points.”
Saints chairman Eamonn McManus is to fly out to Australia to step up the search for the coach that will oversee the team’s move to a new stadium in 2011.
Mal Meninga, another former St Helens, player is thought to be in the frame while current assistant coach Keiron Purtill has also expressed his interest in the position.
Brown tips Crabtree to win back place
NATHAN Brown is backing Eorl Crabtree to re-claim his spot in the England squad, after missing out on selection for this week’s international against France.
Crabtree was given his first England cap by Tony Smith but, despite featuring for his country during the 2008 World Cup and last year’s Four Nations tournament, has been omitted from Steve McNamara’s first selection as national coach.
"It’s disappointing for Eorl because I thought he did a really good job for England last year,” said Brown.
"There has been a change of coach and sometimes that means that there is a change of personnel, but it gives Eorl the chance to remind Steve what he can do in the next 6-8 weeks.”
The Giants are one of three English-based Super League teams to not have a player called up for the squad - with Wakefield and Hull KR the other two - but Brown remained diplomatic in response to the oversight.
“The representative sides generally get picked from winning teams and I think the fact that we have had some defeats in the last month, albeit against good sides, has played its part.
“The likes of Luke Robinson and Kevin Brown may feel slightly aggrieved that they haven’t been selected, but again, I think if the team had won the last few games it may have been somewhat different and it might have helped them get selected over others.
"I’d much rather they get selected off the back of good form for the tour at the end of the year, which is the big one against Australia and New Zealand.”
The Giants welcomed back Larne Patrick to the squad that faced Bradford, and were set to hand a debut to 22-year-old winger Jermaine McGilvray.
McGilvray has spent the first half of 2010 at Championship side Barrow on a dual-registration contract but comes into the reckoning following injuries to threequarters Jamahl Lolesi and Paul Whatuira.
Sunday came too soon for long-term absentee Simon Finnigan who, as reported in ‘League Express’ last month, is close to a return following close-season surgery on his back and shoulder.
Crabtree was given his first England cap by Tony Smith but, despite featuring for his country during the 2008 World Cup and last year’s Four Nations tournament, has been omitted from Steve McNamara’s first selection as national coach.
"It’s disappointing for Eorl because I thought he did a really good job for England last year,” said Brown.
"There has been a change of coach and sometimes that means that there is a change of personnel, but it gives Eorl the chance to remind Steve what he can do in the next 6-8 weeks.”
The Giants are one of three English-based Super League teams to not have a player called up for the squad - with Wakefield and Hull KR the other two - but Brown remained diplomatic in response to the oversight.
“The representative sides generally get picked from winning teams and I think the fact that we have had some defeats in the last month, albeit against good sides, has played its part.
“The likes of Luke Robinson and Kevin Brown may feel slightly aggrieved that they haven’t been selected, but again, I think if the team had won the last few games it may have been somewhat different and it might have helped them get selected over others.
"I’d much rather they get selected off the back of good form for the tour at the end of the year, which is the big one against Australia and New Zealand.”
The Giants welcomed back Larne Patrick to the squad that faced Bradford, and were set to hand a debut to 22-year-old winger Jermaine McGilvray.
McGilvray has spent the first half of 2010 at Championship side Barrow on a dual-registration contract but comes into the reckoning following injuries to threequarters Jamahl Lolesi and Paul Whatuira.
Sunday came too soon for long-term absentee Simon Finnigan who, as reported in ‘League Express’ last month, is close to a return following close-season surgery on his back and shoulder.
Monday, 31 May 2010
Walters to step down
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.”
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.”
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.
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