Salford Reds Assure Parramatta They’re Not Trying To Add Hock

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By STEVE MASCORD MILLIONAIRE Salford Reds owner Marwan Koukash has written to Parramatta promising not to attempt to steal England star Gareth Hock from under their noses. Rugby League Week last week reported how personal issues threatened to keep the 29-year-old back-rower in the UK – and how interest from the Reds would give him […]

Parramatta Confident Hock Deal Will Go Ahead

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By STEVE MASCORD PARRAMATTA’s deal with England forward Gareth Hock is in jeopardy – but the Eels say he’ll be forced into retirement if he doesn’t show up next year. Hock is believed to have received an offer from Dr Marwan Koukash (see update below), the owner of Salford City Reds who has openly vowed […]

Super League round 16: WIGAN 20 LEEDS 16 at Etihad Stadium, Manchester

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By SOPHIE ARNOLD LEEDS coach Brian McDermott labelled replacement video referee Ian Smith “anal” as the curtain came down on the Magic Weekend in suitably controversial style. Referees boss Steve Ganson was to have been the eye in the sky for the final game of the carnival weekend at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium but he sensationally […]

The A-List: JEFF LIMA (South Sydney, New Zealand, Exiles & Samoa)

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By STEVE MASCORD “We are never coached to do that stuff. It’s just awkward on the field, to be honest. Just trying to get someone on his back is hard. You always end up on the wrong side of it. We don’t work on those things, we don’t teach those things, in our training.” If […]

TRAVELS: VIII

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By STEVE MASCORD ON Saturday, I found myself watching half an hour of a NSW Cup game between Canterbury and Illawarra on television and the term “dual registration” popped into my mind. I’m sure there are plenty of you out there for whom the expression conjures up the image of Satan himself. But in Australia, […]

TRAVELS: IV

Travels

By STEVE MASCORD SO, has Gareth Hock been disloyal – or merely acted like a professional in a professional sport? Wigan’s media release regarding the England back rower’s departure to Widnes makes for compelling reading. I can’t remember a club ever being as scathing in a media statement about a player who has left , […]

Super League round 26: WIGAN 42 HULL KR 36 at Craven Park

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By THOMAS McCOOEY THE League Leaders’ Shield is in the bag for Shaun Wane’s Wigan with a round of the regular season to spare but the Wigan boss wasn’t celebrating after picking up his first trophy.  “I’m battling myself here to be happy if I’m really honest,” said Wane after Wigan left it until the […]

Super League round 24: WARRINGTON 30 WIGAN 10 at Halliwell Jones Stadium

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By THOMAS McCOOEY WARRINGTON stated their Super League title claim by blowing league leaders Wigan apart on Saturday. They are already at Wembley for the Challenge Cup final later this month and are hotly tipped to be adding a trip to Old Trafford for October’s grand ginal to that schedule after their second significant win […]

Super League round 21: WIGAN 44 LONDON 6 at The Stoop

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By THOMAS McCOOEY TONY Rae’s second stint at London began realistically as the interim coach saw his bottom of the table side fall to the league leaders. Rae landed at 5.30am two days before the game and had just enough time to take a team run but has already outlined his goals for the remaining […]