The Virtual Terrace • New Beginnings 2019
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/r ... -1-9556606
THE IRONY of the ‘new beginnings’ hashtag was plain for all to see at yesterday’s Betfred Super League launch.It is the mantra of chief executive Robert Elstone as he looks to breathe new life into the competition and the early signs have been positive
Yet he woke yesterday to national newspaper headlines that Castleford Tigers players had reportedly been involved in a drunken bust-up with each other during last week’s warm-weather training camp in Lanzarote.Some would say rather than new beginnings it is the same old story; rugby league has too often attracted a higher profile on the back of such negativity. Similarly, others would argue team-mates have flared up with each other as long as the sport – all sports, in fact – has been played; it is a by-product of all that requisite competitiveness.Still, as much as one of Elstone’s tasks is to increase interest in the code this was not how he envisaged doing so and it was hardly the ideal backdrop to the campaign’s official opening at Old Trafford.Indeed, it was the last thing the former Everton CEO needed. Ditto Castleford head coach Daryl Powell.
However, Brian Carney brilliantly lightened the mood.With Powell joined on stage by Leeds Rhinos’ chief Dave Furner and Wigan Warriors counterpart Adrian Lam – it is not just stellar overseas players Super League has attracted for 2019 – the Sky Sports presenter eased into conversation with the Yorkshireman by asking: “Been away anywhere?”Ripples of nervous laughter carried through the room. Would Powell implode? There was silence, a wry smile, not a grin as such, but enough to realise the elephant in the room had been acknowledged at least.For the record, there was nothing on the record from an upbeat Powell, or Castleford for that matter. He is experienced enough to deal with it. Indeed, the last time there was a publicised spat between some of his players just two years later Tigers finished top for the first time in their 91-year-history.Do not be surprised if they are competing again for Old Trafford in eight months.
This said, predicting who will finish where is proving difficult.
THE IRONY of the ‘new beginnings’ hashtag was plain for all to see at yesterday’s Betfred Super League launch.It is the mantra of chief executive Robert Elstone as he looks to breathe new life into the competition and the early signs have been positive
Yet he woke yesterday to national newspaper headlines that Castleford Tigers players had reportedly been involved in a drunken bust-up with each other during last week’s warm-weather training camp in Lanzarote.Some would say rather than new beginnings it is the same old story; rugby league has too often attracted a higher profile on the back of such negativity. Similarly, others would argue team-mates have flared up with each other as long as the sport – all sports, in fact – has been played; it is a by-product of all that requisite competitiveness.Still, as much as one of Elstone’s tasks is to increase interest in the code this was not how he envisaged doing so and it was hardly the ideal backdrop to the campaign’s official opening at Old Trafford.Indeed, it was the last thing the former Everton CEO needed. Ditto Castleford head coach Daryl Powell.
However, Brian Carney brilliantly lightened the mood.With Powell joined on stage by Leeds Rhinos’ chief Dave Furner and Wigan Warriors counterpart Adrian Lam – it is not just stellar overseas players Super League has attracted for 2019 – the Sky Sports presenter eased into conversation with the Yorkshireman by asking: “Been away anywhere?”Ripples of nervous laughter carried through the room. Would Powell implode? There was silence, a wry smile, not a grin as such, but enough to realise the elephant in the room had been acknowledged at least.For the record, there was nothing on the record from an upbeat Powell, or Castleford for that matter. He is experienced enough to deal with it. Indeed, the last time there was a publicised spat between some of his players just two years later Tigers finished top for the first time in their 91-year-history.Do not be surprised if they are competing again for Old Trafford in eight months.
This said, predicting who will finish where is proving difficult.
Statistics: Posted by My Mate Ronnie — Sun Jan 27, 2019 7:47 am — Replies 24 — Views 1240