Warrington pride of Leeds
TOMMY MAKINSON insists Super League’s stars will not be broken by the problems caused by the coronavirus. All games have been suspended until next month at least and clubs have either halted training completely or are doing reduced sessions.
There is also massive uncertainty about whether the game can survive a lengthy lay-off. But St Helens and England winger Makinson says the players will do everything possible to counteract the crisis.
He said: “Rugby league has been going for 125 years and a thing like this will NOT break the rugby league spirit.
“The players are in a fortunate position because we get to play rugby for a living and we need to do everything possible to help people in our communities who are struggling. Rugby league is not about players at the end of the day – it’s about the fans who make all these clubs tick.”
That’s why
Makinson says every player will be committing fully to their strange new training regimes, however inconvenient they are.
He said: “When we get the all-clear we have got to be ready
JANET BAIRSTOW, mother of England batsman Jonny, was elected as Yorkshire’s first female vice-president at the county’s annual meeting yesterday. A club statement said she had “committed her adult lifetime to Yorkshire cricket” after 13 years as an adminstrator. Former Yorkshire pace bowler Mike Cowan was also elected as vice-president. to crack on. If there is a little rustiness I don’t think anyone will care as long as we’re playing.” Saints players are being allowed to train in small groups but are not using their gymnasium.
Other clubs, like Salford, are hoping to reintroduce some full squad sessions outdoors next week, after having their last session last Tuesday.
Red Devils hooker Joey Lussick said the players are also being encouraged to follow individual training plans at home or at the club. He said:
“Fingers crossed we all stay fit so that we can carry on training. We don’t know when we will be playing again but, for the fans and for the game as a whole, we need to be ready when they say we can play. “All clubs will be in the same boat and we’ve all got to be prepared. “It is scary because none of us have experienced anything like this before but we have to try to stay on top of things.”
JOSHWARRINGTON says he is giving Leeds United fans their best nights since the city’s football team were bidding to conquer Europe 45 years ago.
“Lads my age don’t remember the glory days in the 1970s,” said Warrington (right), 29, a supporter at Elland Road since he was a boy.
“Now lads who have lost heart in the football and rugby clubs and want to cheer on a local lad who is trying to achieve things have got behind me.
“I have made an impact on a lot of people’s lives. Lads tell me they met their girlfriends and wives at one of my fights. I have given Leeds fans some glory nights.”