RIMMER’S BATTLECRY
Top clubs can’t dictate change
RALPH RIMMER will tackle head on the problems threatening to rip rugby league apart.
Super League clubs dropped a bombshell last month when they announced that the Super 8s system was ending.
It has caused uproar among Championship and League One clubs, who are fearful for their futures.
The game’s bosses insist the elite clubs have no right to push through changes on their own say-so.
Discussions are being held to try to sort out the mess, but Rimmer, the RFL’s new chief executive, insists the huge debate should be welcomed and not feared.
He said: “We have a climate for change and it is really healthy. There is an element of disruption but we should not shy away from that.
“I get quotes about ‘civil war’ but I am excited about it, I think it is really good.
“We are in a critical period in rugby league history and we have to make sure we do the right things. It is hugely important that we are all pointed in the same direction. I appreciate it is causing some anxiety but we have to get it right.”
Rimmer refused to say whether any structure changes would be implemented in time for next season.
That doubt will cause many clubs, mostly second and thirdtier outfits, significant difficulties in planning for next year.
But Rimmer added: “I get the fact there are frustrations. It’s not sorted yet.
“If we have to wait a couple of weeks longer than expected before it’s resolved, then in the long run that will be far better.
“A lot of this is unhelpful if you want to celebrate what is great about the sport but we need everyone to work with each other.
“Another year of instability would be damaging, but if it has to be, it has to be. It’s all about the size of the prize.
“It won’t suit everyone, but it is up to us to find answers to satisfy the majority and take the sport forward.”
Rimmer also confirmed that Toronto will earn a Super League spot if they get promoted, following fears that some clubs may try to block them. DANNY RICHARDSON hauled Saints back from the brink to sound the battlecry ahead of next week’s Challenge Cup semi-final.
The runaway leaders were in danger of slipping to their first defeat in 14 games since mid-April.
Wolves deservedly led for much of the game as they looked for the win that would have taken them second.
Victory would also have sent them into their cup semi against Leeds on a massive high.
But Saints have learned how to win ugly this season and they needed every bit of the mongrel spirit here.
The hooter had sounded with the scores level when Saints got a penalty for a high tackle – and Richardson stepped up to kick a 55-metre beauty.
Justin Holbrook’s men, who face Catalans in the other semi in Bolton, were nilled in the first half for the first time this season.
Warrington ran riot but could only manage one try from Daryl Clark and two Tyrone Roberts goals.
That never looked like being enough and Ben Barba sounded the first alarm bells with a Saints try in the first minute after the break.
Warrington took their lead to six points with two Roberts penalties but a superb 64th-minute Jonny Lomax try pulled Saints level.
Roberts and Stefan Ratchford missed three late drop goal efforts for Warrington and Richardson was also off target for Saints with a drop goal attempt.