All they'll get are some of the older players looking for a last payday, as with SL. I'd guess they'll probably have around half the side full of Aussies, so they'll compete round the edges. But a choice of more money to play out of PNG vs travelling to Europe is not a no-brainer at all. A lot will depend on how good the PNG side is, but its hard to see it not getting smashed on a regular basis, and once the novelty wears off no one will be interested. It will also disappear the moment Australian Government money dries up. Frankly its a stain on the actual competition, and it is only happening because of the huge subsidy from the government.

Perth is a more real threat to SL as that will require 30+ additional NRL players. If Arthur is the coach I'd expect him to tap a few SL players to reduce the need to grab players from other NRL sides.

agreed especially at 34 years of age.( I think!)

I'm in favour of the expansion of the game, especially in areas that draw good local crowds like Perpignan. 


But after so many years I don't think Catalans have the right culture to move the game in the northern hemisphere forward. Perhaps this is more an issue with their club's ownership and management. Catalans should be a superpower team in SL by now. Instead, we have in effect a less ambitious version of Warrington, a club still over-dependent on NRL and even SL talent (Makinson?!), despite in theory having the whole of the French domestic competition to select from.


I can't for the life of me understand McNamara's longevity as a coach. Which other top SL team would take him? Richard Agar has done as much in SL, with a much shorter top flight career. Hopefully not in the frame for Arthur's replacement! And then there is the persistent reliance on Tomkins etc. 

Would love him back at the club, but not sure a 34 year old trying to get away from a troubled club is holding too many aces.

I have been informed that Leeds will be announcing that Kallum Watkins will.be rejoining the club.
His signing should be announced early next week.


I have been told that the initial deal is for the remainder of this season and also for the 2026 season.


Fitness and form permitting then their is an option for the 2027 season too.


Kallum has a coaching role at the club in the pipeline for when he eventually hangs up his boots.


He is scheduled to play for Salford in the CC game against Catalans this week.
It will be interesting to see if he actually turns out for them or not?

Surely he can't play. Leeds would not want him to get crocked a couple of days before signing, which would be just our luck.