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No. 06588772

43Forty204November 2021

Chronicle

ARLC chair Peter V’landys has said that he hopes the code can grab a slice of the $500 billion-plus betting industry that was previously wagered on the black market.

Tackling a lack of diversity

The report continued: “The clubs are in a unique promotional position given Souths fan Russell Crowe and Manly counterpart Hugh Jackman could lend heavyweight support.”

Legendary contribution: Ellery Hanley presents Regan Grace with his medal in 2019

South Sydney chief Blake Solly said: “If the ARLC and International RL are serious about using an NRL premiership game as the starting point for a long-term strategy to grow the sport in the US from 2023, we would be keen to be part of it.”

SWpix.com n Talented young players from minority ethnic backgrounds are being invited to join rugby league’s new TACKLE IT Academy. It will offer players from under-represented communities a whole-athlete programme to support their development, alongside studying for the nationally recognised Diploma in Sporting Excellence.

n The news that Bobbie Goulding was among a group of ten players set to sue the game through Rylands Law after he was diagnosed with early on-set dementia, aged 49, has again raised the concussion spectre.

Phil Jones, RFL talent inclusion manager, said: “We’ve always been proud of our record on diversity and the outstanding contributions from great players such as Clive Sullivan, Ellery Hanley and Martin Offiah. But the reality is that our sport is not fully representative of our communities.”

Robert Hicks, interviewed on page 36 about his new RFL legal and operations role, is expected to take the lead in the discussions, with the likelihood being that, after latest recommendations from the RFL’s clinical advisory group, the length of time players must remain off the field after suffering a concussion will be extended to ten days next year, meaning missing the next game, and longer for multiple incidents.

The AFL had a mandatory 12day stand down period last season, and the NRL a similar 11-day edict, but allowed players to return within a shorter timeframe with clearance from a specialist concussion doctor.

Neuroscientist and associate professor from La Trobe University’s School of Allied Health, Prof Alan Pearce, said: “What we estimate is the number of concussions could be six to ten times higher than reported. That means we do need to educate and change the culture more.”

Dr Rowena Mobbs, a neurologist at Macquarie University, confirmed: “It is time the government stepped in to evaluate the risk of CTE,

knowing sporting bodies continue to show reluctance to uncover the truth when it comes to neurological disease after head trauma.

“This is not an issue that will disappear unless we institute strict, protocols for contact sports that include long-term brain testing and proper recovery. Concussion, postconcussion syndrome, and CTE are preventable conditions.”

n Hicks will also take the lead on touchline behaviours, especially in the community game, so it was worrying to see a club communique from the general secretary of Yorkshire Junior & Youth League.

To paraphrase Donna Simons after a touchline behaviours summit: “We discussed deterioration of behaviour on touchlines throughout the game and its adverse effect.

“One society withdrew match officials under the age of 18 from our games to highlight the situation. From next season there will be new

Good call

“It’s better to have one team dominating if it means them signing the best talent. Take all the big stars out of a blockbuster movie, would you pay to watch it?” – Martin Offiah calls for the salary cap to be scrapped processes and sanctions. Part way through the day, I was pulled to one side to be informed that a match official in one of our ‘friendlies’ had been threatened by a spectator. I know many people will think that we have over-reacted by pulling any further friendlies over one incident. Except it isn’t one incident, it is just the most recent of too many.

“The accumulation of swearing and insults will have an effect on even the most confident of referees. We are a junior league, so most of our referees are also children.”

n Elmbridge Eagles are celebrating their 40th year, the only community club to secure a 25-year lease at its own league facility in the South of England, in their case at Oaken Lane.

However, they need funds to complete the ground improvement works that are currently ongoing and have started a crowd funding page.

Over £27,000 of the £33,333 needed has so far been pledged for a club that runs 13 teams across all ages and both genders. Full details via www.crowdfunder.co.uk n Blackpool Borough’s RL Heritage Group is staging an evening for explayers and families to present heritage number certificates to

Big call

“From Newcastle and the Cumbrian teams, all the way down to Cornwall. For the first time in 126 years, rugby league is a truly national sport...” – Cornwall RLFC owner Eric Perez relocates Ottawa

Poor call

“An unvaccinated player is at no more risk than a vaccinated player. The only risk is that he will get very, very sick, while a vaccinated player may not get very sick at all...” – ARLC chair Peter V’landys as the NRL declines to mandate vaccines mark first team debuts.

The event will be at the Swinley, Coppull Lane, Wigan WN1 2LQ on Friday November 26 at 7.00pm.

Refreshments will be served on a night sponsored by Blackpool Borough Supporters Committee. More details can be got contacting Graham Mayor via graham.mayor1@sky.com if you would like to attend.