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Five things we learned from this week #49

Cas win first Grand Final replay

Sunday’s biggest friendly was the Grand Final re-run between Leeds and Castleford, with the Tigers coming away 16-4 winners. It’s safe to say it wasn’t the prettiest of games, strewn with errors and lacking much high-quality rugby, mainly down the soaking weather conditions.

Daryl Powell’s biggest priority seemed to be trialling his halfback partnerships, fielding four different combinations throughout the afternoon. Contrary to his squad numbers, Powell started youngster Jake Trueman alongside Luke Gale and it’s got to be said he played better than rival option Jamie Ellis. The 18-year-old looked much more confident and seems to be winning the race for the starting spot so far. Cory Aston put in a decent showing in his short spell too, but he’ll simply back up the other three.

 

Toronto announce captains – but lose big three

Toronto could be in trouble after losing three of their biggest names this week. The exact circumstances behind Fuifui Moimoi, Dave Taylor and Ryan Bailey’s departure are still a mystery, with the club simply commenting that they had left the club. Paul Rowley has insisted that the Wolfpack have plenty of other options to bring in but they’ll struggle to sign anyone of the same calibre so close to the new season.

Elsewhere, the club also announced their new captain and vice-captain for the season. New Aussie halfback Josh McCrone will lead the side, with Ashton Sims his deputy. I think it’s a strange call, but Rowley must see plenty of leadership in his new signing. Blake Wallace would have been my pick but players like him will still lead naturally, even without being captain.

 

Minga in limbo

It seems Toulouse’ PNG-born winger Kuni Minga is currently in limbo, after a transfer to Featherstone was blocked by the RFL. Minga fell just one game short (73.7%) of the required 75% appearance rate in order to obtain a visa and having reportedly being released by Toulouse, currently finds himself without a club and with very limited options.

It’s a huge shame, as someone with his talent deserves to be playing to at least Championship standard, and it’s looking probable that he may be consigned to the French league. Fingers crossed he may still have a spot at Toulouse so he doesn’t disappear from British rugby league.

Position switch for Powell?

Wigan released their squad numbers last week, with a fair few tweaks to their system. Michael McIlorum’s departure sees Thomas Leuluai move to nine, with Sam Powell taking the seven jersey alongside George Williams.

While the numbers suggest Powell will shift into scrum half, as he did at the weekend in their win over Leigh, I think we could expect to see Sam Tomkins partner George Williams. Wigan fans have long been calling for Shaun Wane to move him back there, especially with Morgan Escaré as a reliable option at the back. The Wigan coach is seemingly sticking to his guns for the time being, but I’m positive he’ll rotate his halves options throughout the year.

Eddie Hearn in Rugby League?

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