Tries to be given trial by television

Rugby League

DAVE HADFIELD

Video replays for touch-and-go decisions, a team in South Wales this year and a firm boot towards oblivion for underachievers are among the matters placed on the game's agenda by the weekend conference of its board of directors.

The board has decided to recommend that an extra referee, with access to slow-motion replays, will rule on the legitimacy of doubtful tries in televised Super League matches.

Large screens at grounds will show the evidence to crowds at the same time, although the current system of in-goal judges will apply at matches that are not on live television. "The difference with cricket is that our referees are right behind this," said Greg McCallum, director of referees.

The Welsh team manager, Mike Nicholas, is to be given the opportunity to show that he can have a South Wales side ready to enter the Second Division at the end of March. The team would be likely to be based at Aberavon.

"We would question whether Mike could put together a big enough squad of players in that time. It has all come a little quicker than we thought," said the League's chief executive, Maurice Lindsay.

Much the same applies to Northampton's hopes of entering the League. "I doubt whether it could be done in time for the 1996 season, but we will give them every encouragement and help," Lindsay said.

Blackpool, seeking readmission after a three-year absence, have been given more money and told to improve their standards before they will be considered. Their director of football, Tom Mather, said: "This will be the death knell of the club."

The sides occupying the bottom three places in the Second Division, Highfield, Doncaster and Chorley, have been warned they could be demoted unless they raise their game, but they will have a chance to defend their records at next month's meeting of the Council.

There will be more concern about Lindsay's proposal that the Silk Cut Challenge Cup, the code's oldest competition, should be played pre-season. That will downgrade it, but Lindsay said the alternative of leaving "windows" for it during the normal season had been rejected because it would detract from Super League. The future of the Regal Trophy is even more uncertain, with the dreaded words "midweek competition" mentioned.

The overseas quota is to be tidied up, with clubs allowed five foreign players - regardless of their origins - but having to pay into a development fund if they sign more than three. Existing contracts and overseas imports who have been here for five years will not be affected.

Phil Larder and Phil Lowe are to continue as international coach and manager, although Larder will be assisted by Sheffield's Gary Hetherington and by the Welsh national coach, Clive Griffiths. While that management team is in the Antipodes in October, an Oceania team drawn from Fiji, Tonga, Western Samoa and the Cook Islands will tour Britain.

Barla, the governing body of the amateur game, has ended unification talks with the league, complaining of "back door" approaches to amateur clubs to align themselves with the league.

n London Broncos have parted company with their coach, Gary Grienke, after failing to agree terms with him for the Super League season. Only Workington finished below them in the last winter championship season that has just ended.