Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Watson all set to take Giants step
IAN WATSON has stunned Challenge Cup finalists Salford by quitting as head coach.
A statement from the Red Devils said: “The club were surprised and disappointed by Watson’s decision, following his previous statements of intent for the coming season.”
He is understood to be taking over at Huddersfield, with Watson known to be a big fan of the Giants’ marquee player Aidan Sezer.
Salford added that they “understand his desire to continue his development through the experience of a new environment.
“Watson was contracted to the club until the end of the 2022 season, after agreeing an extension in February, and
compensation has now been agreed between all parties.”
Watson, who has been on the Salford coaching staff since 2014, led the club to the Grand Final last year and to Wembley last month.
DARYL POWELL has urged Super League to put an end to the in-fighting and come together to grow the sport.
The controversial decision to stop Toronto getting back into the top flight exposed a huge rift between certain factions.
Only Leeds, St Helens and Catalans voted in favour of the Wolfpack, who pulled out in July because of cash problems.
The RFL also wanted Brian Mcdermott’s Toronto back but they, like Super League, only have the same voting rights as each individual club making it impossible for them to effectively influence things.
But Castleford coach Powell says it is time for the splits to stop, saying: “The sport has got to get its house in order in terms of who is running it and what it looks like.
“I would just like to see a unified sport to take us forward.”