IN THE BRAD BOOKS
Leeds Rhinos’ Brad Singleton is banned for six games for late hit – and his boss is not happy
Brian McDermott says the prop has let his team-mates down after his sickening on Catalans Dragons' Greg Bird
LEEDS coach Brian McDermott has blasted Brad Singleton after he was banned for six matches for a sickening hit.
The prop was punished for a late hit with his elbow on Catalans Dragons’ ace Greg Bird during Friday’s victory.
3
And Singleton, 24, was spared little in the way of sympathy by his boss after he was ruled out until Leeds enter the Challenge Cup in late April.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest rugby league news, gossip and rumours
The Cumbrian ace pleaded guilty to a charge of striking with the elbow at Tuesday’s disciplinary hearing.
However, he can expect to be put through the wringer during his enforced absence.
McDermott said: “He pleaded guilty as he knew the extent of his careless tackle and that type of incident has no place in the modern game.
“Brad has been a standout for us so far this year but last Friday he let his teammates down.
“We will now put Brad into a mini pre-season so he can be in good shape on his return should he get picked in the team after his suspension."
Catalans coach Laurent Frayssinous thought Singleton should have been sent off on the night.
Australian Bird had seven stitches in his head and also suffered a thumb injury during the game which will see him out for up to eight weeks.
3
Frayssinous said: “He’s elbowed Greg in the head, it should’ve been a red card.”
Leeds face Wakefield in a local derby on Friday, who could move home games to Bradford next season.
SunSport has learned Odsal, home of the re-formed Bulls, is one of two options currently open to them after they announced their intention to leave Belle Vue at the end of the season.
Moving into Dewsbury, where they have held talks with before, is the other possibility.
3
However, it is understood that they may be willing to move miles away if a wealthy backer comes in and wants to move them.
Super League chiefs have confirmed they are open to the idea of NFL-style franchising, as long as anyone coming in proves they are in it for the long-term.
General manager Mark Foster said: “We’d have to listen to the full argument, the pros and cons and weigh it all up.
“If any club owner came to us and said, ‘I think I can help grow the sport,’ then we’d have to listen to that.”
TOP RUGBY LEAGUE STORIES
Topics