Rugby League: Kear in call for draft system
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE SHEFFIELD Eagles' coach, John Kear, has called for a draft system, a ban on mid-season transfers and a phasing-out of Australian coaches, writes Dave Hadfield.
Kear, who led the Eagles to the Challenge Cup last year, has become the first man to be asked to contribute a "Viewpoint" chapter to the Rothmans Rugby League Yearbook, which was published yesterday.
At the launch in Leeds, Kear said that Super League needed to become a more evenly balanced competition. "When a player comes off contract, the team in bottom spot should have first call on him," he said. "That would immediately spread the talent in Super League."
Kear also argued that clubs hiring a foreign coach should have to use one of the places on their overseas quota. "In an ideal world, I would really enjoy a situation where all head coaches and support staff were true Brits," he said.
Only one of Kear's Sheffield players, who begin their campaign at Bradford on Sunday, has made the traditional Coaches' Select XIII in the book - the Great Britain prop forward, Dale Laughton.
Not surprisingly, Grand Finalists Wigan and Leeds dominate the selection, with five and four players respectively.
Matt Crowther, the Sheffield winger who has not played since badly injuring his knee last May, will play in the reserve side against Bradford tonight. Kear will then decide whether to include him in the first team squad for Sunday.
Castleford are to star in a documentary film being made to mark the millennium. The film, Taming the Tiger, is to feature the club's long-serving prop forward, Dean Sampson, and is expected to be premiered on a giant screen at the Wheldon Road ground before a televised match.
Wakefield Trinity, Castleford's opponents in their opening match of the season on Sunday, have been boosted by the news that their captain and former Cas stand-off, Tony Kemp, will be fit to play.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments