RL News: Ex Super League coach makes shock code switch, huge IMG grading update and Leeds Rhinos tie down star player

Below is a round-up of all the latest news from the world of rugby league over the last 24 hours. 

Former Super League coach joins Premiership side

Former Castleford Tigers head coach Lee Radford has been officially confirmed as defence coach at Premiership Rugby Union club Northampton Saints. Speaking on his arrival at the Saints, Radford said: ““Speaking to Phil and Sam gave me a really good feeling of what Northampton Saints are about, and also a great indication about their relationship as well, as you can tell there is a real closeness there in terms of how they work together.”

IMG grading criteria revealed 

Yesterday, the RFL revealed the full breakdown of IMG’s new grading criteria. The grades will be assigned based on five key factors: fandom (25%), performance (25%), finances (25%), stadium (15%) and catchment (10%). This full breakdown now allows fans the opportunity to estimate their clubs overall IMG grade.

Nene Macdonald signs new deal

Leeds Rhinos star Nene Macdonald has signed a new deal with the club, which will see him stay at Headingley for the foreseeable future. Speaking to the club about his new deal, Macdonald said: “I am really excited to commit my future to the club. It was a big decision for me and my family, especially because of all the guys back home in Australia. It was almost an easy decision in the end though as the club have looked after me and I have felt nothing but love since I arrived at Leeds.”

Jordan Johnstone joins Castleford

Castleford Tigers have announced the signing of Widnes hooker Jordan Johnstone on loan until the end of the season. Speaking about his move, Johnstone said: “I’m really excited to be coming to Cas until the end of the season. These opportunities don’t come around too often to be back playing Super League. It’s an opportunity that I definitely wanted to take straight away and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running potentially on Friday night.”

Castleford forward ban overturned 

Liam Watts has had his two match ban for grade C ‘dangerous contact’ rescinded after appeal last night. The forward was cited for a tackle during the Tigers loss to St Helens last week, however he has now been cleared of the charges and is free to face Leigh on Friday night.

Championship player retires at 23

Retiring from Rugby League is never easy for any player, however one player has decided to hand up their boots at 23 years old. Keighley Cougars have confirmed Nathan Roebuck has left the club with mutual consent, and will retire from the sport with immediate effect. Speaking on his retirement, Roebuck said: “it’s been difficult over the last couple of years playing with niggles and injuries. Now I have decided it is time for a break away from the game to physically and mentally allow myself to recover and get back to enjoying the sport.”

Rugby League and Union clubs to link up in exciting new venture

In recent years, we’ve seen a trend of League coaches crossing over into Union, but what if the sports worked together? We could finally see this, as incoming USAP coach Franck Azéma has confirmed that Catalans Dragons and USAP will now work closely together. Speaking to Treize Mondial, Azéma said: “we mentioned it. Possible synergies can be exchanged. We can work on semi-attacks with three-quarters, on wrestling work, in bodybuilding… We have to find the right timing because they are going to get closer and closer to the final stages.”