Rugby League Set of Six: Hardaker's NRL debut
Monday 4 July 2016 16:17, UK
Zak Hardaker's NRL debut, Bradford blowing their top-four chances and the return of Rangi Chase feature in this week's Set of Six.
Hard start for Zak
It was not the NRL debut that Zak Hardaker would have liked as the Penrith Panthers lost 34-26 to the Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium.
Hardaker, who joined the Panthers from Leeds, came off the bench for the final 29 minutes and almost scored but lost control of the ball as he crossed the line.
However, the England international was delighted to get his first taste of NRL: "Privileged to get my 1st game in the NRL," tweeted Hardaker.
"Shame about the result but really enjoyed my 1st taste. Looking forward to next week now."
The return of Chase
Rangi Chase is back in Super League and it's about time! The former Castleford Man of Steel who also played for Salford, was released earlier this year by Championship side Leigh and has signed a contract to go back to the Tigers.
"It's like coming back home for me," Chase told the Castleford website. "I love the people here. When the opportunity came up to come back to this great club I took it with both hands, I wasn't going to let this opportunity slip away from me.
"This move is purely about the badge and the way it made me feel when I played for it. I feel so blessed to be here and I thank God and everyone at this great club for giving me a second chance at Castleford Tigers."
Castleford have suffered numerous injuries this season and his immediate return will be a huge boost for them, however Sky Sports pundit Stevo says that Chase could well slot into full-back in the future to replace the departing Luke Dorn.
"It's a great move and he is a quality player," said Stevo. "We know that he has had a few problems off the field, but I am sure Daryl Powell is the sort of coach who will get 100% out of Chase.
"I was very disappointed when Chase left Super League because he was one of the stars and can produce something special. He is just wonderful to watch.
"I think they will play him in the half-backs but i think he could be turned into a very good full-back."
Bradford's woes
Bradford are in serious danger of not making the Championship top four after they were beaten 22-20 by Leigh. It was a case of Déjà vu for the Bulls who were pipped to the post by the Centurions in this year's Summer Bash, however this time the defeat could be much more costly.
The loss leaves the Bulls three points adrift of a top-four place with only three games remaining and they will have to beat Whitehaven, Oldham and Featherstone while hoping Batley or Halifax slip up in their final games.
Failure to finish in the top four would mean the ambitious Bulls would miss out of the Super League qualifiers and spend another season in the Championship.
Bradford's head coach Rohan Smith had mixed feelings about the result and said that they could only focus now on their next game against Whitehaven.
"I'm disappointed for sure, as the boys put in a lot of effort on the field, but I'm really proud as well," said Smith.
"I am extremely proud of the efforts which were put in and the support today from the fans was fantastic. It is not over yet and we will keep fighting and worry about ourselves as best as we can.
"All we can concentrate on is our next match and getting the two points then. It will be a tough game against Whitehaven and we can't focus any further ahead than that."
Catalans celebrations
Wigan may have spoiled the Catalans Dragons' party as they ran out 26-6 winners, but it was a still a week of celebrating in Perpignan as the Dragons marked their 10th anniversary in Super League.
Back in 2006, Wigan were the first side to face the Catalans with the Dragons running out 38-30 winners at Stade Aimé Giral but in 2016 it was not to be.
Former players and coaches flew in from all over the world to celebrate and despite the loss, the Dragons are still well in contention for the Super 8s and will look to bounce back against Castleford this Friday night.
"I'm particularly disappointed," said Catalans coach Laurent Frayssinous, who incidentally kicked that game off for Catalans in 2006.
"We have a lot of hard work to do over the coming week. We will look for a response next week against Castleford. This group of players have the potential to win the competition and that is what we spoke about after the game in the changing rooms. It is up to all of us to make sure that potential becomes a reality."
The end of Belle Vue?
Wakefield look to be considering a ground-share next year with Dewsbury Rams after plans to renovate Belle Vue stalled.
Belle Vue has been home to Wakefield for more than 120 years but is badly in need of an overhaul. The RFL has been patient with the club, but now say they need to see evidence that renovations will soon be carried out.
Wakefield chairman Michael Carter has expressed his frustration with the lack of progress and says his bid to buy back the freehold - which would speed up the renovations - has been thwarted.
"I was told the issues surrounding Belle Vue should have all been done and dusted by Easter and here we are three months later and yet again nothing has happened," Carter said in Trinity's programme for last Sunday's home match against St Helens,
"It is my firm belief that there is at least one party involved in the negotiations about the ground that is actively conspiring against the club and the Stadium Trust to their financial benefit.
"With this in mind, I have again instigated talks with another club about a ground-share next season."
A global event
Last week the RFL announced it will bid to host the 2021 Rugby League World Cup and have plans to turn it into a global event.
Building on the success of the 2012 Olympics and the 2015 Rugby Union World Cup in England, The RFL is looking to bring the tournament to more than 150m people around the world and the bid would benefit from Central Government backing with £15m pledged.
The bid has got the backing from the likes of David Cameron as well as current England coach Wayne Bennett. Players Sam Tomkins and Sam Burgess have also thrown their weight behind it as has league fan Joey Barton.
"As a huge Rugby League fan I would like to get behind England's bid to host the Rugby League World Cup 2021," said Barton.
"Of most importance, a successful bid would be a significant boost for the sport in England. For young players it ensures that there is a clear goal for them to get involved with the aim of participating at the highest level, and with the fantastic continued support of the RFL, this ensures that the game continues to grow at a healthy rate."
