Doug Thomson

Scotland

Journalist at Rugby League World

Journalist League Express.

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Articles

Mike Eccles sees signs of London Broncos progress in rough year

3 days ago | totalrl.com | Doug Thomson

LONDON BRONCOS coach Mike Eccles has told his makeshift team to take real heart from their spirited tilt at Toulouse. The survival-seeking capital side might have lost 24-16 at Stade Ernest Wallon, where an 18-14 win on their previous visit, for the Championship Grand Final of 2023, sent them up to Super League.
‘Bullmania never went away’: Bradford Bulls bring back Friday-night spectacle

3 days ago | totalrl.com | Doug Thomson

BRADFORD BULLS coach Brian Noble reckons a bit of Friday-night razzamatazz is a great way to spread the word about the club’s ambition of a top-flight return. Friday home games were a feature of the noughties glory period of Bullmania, when Noble had his first spell at the helm. His current side have just won 32-6 against Batley, with a live DJ set and a pyrotechnics display part of the entertainment.
Barrow Raiders hope injured forward can make quick recovery

4 days ago | totalrl.com | Doug Thomson

BARROW RAIDERS coach Paul Crarey hopes Ryan King will maintain his reputation as a quick healer and return sooner rather than later to boost the Cumbrian side’s bid to make the play-offs for the first time since 2022. The popular Australian, who generally plays in the back row but has shown his versatility down the years, last featured in the 24-19 home win over Doncaster in late April.
Featherstone Rovers puzzled by injury to key playmaker

4 days ago | totalrl.com | Doug Thomson

FEATHERSTONE ROVERS coach Paul Cooke is hoping to get to the bottom of a nagging shoulder issue for playmaker Calum Turner. The coach hopes scans for the former Castleford, Newcastle Thunder and Dewsbury fullback or halfback, signed in the close-season, will identify the problem and the right treatment.
Batley Bulldogs to take cautious approach to coaching role

4 days ago | totalrl.com | Doug Thomson

BATLEY BULLDOGS chairman Kevin Nicholas says the club are likely to make a short-term coaching appointment as they wait for details of next year’s divisional and funding structure outside Super League. The Championship team are adjusting to the resignation of Mark Moxon, who was in his second season since succeeding Craig Lingard. The 44-year-old stood down after an eighth defeat in the twelve Championship games under his command this campaign.
Featherstone Rovers’ zero tolerance of troublemakers

4 days ago | totalrl.com | Doug Thomson

FEATHERSTONE ROVERS have vowed to come down heavily on any errant fans after reports of unacceptable behaviour and language from some spectators during the home Championship clash with Halifax Panthers on Friday. The Yorkshire club have been fined over similar incidents a number of times over the last six years and have set up the Blue Wall Voice fans’ group in a bid to create a welcoming and family-friendly feel at their Millennium Stadium home.
Mark Applegarth grateful for new assistant at York Knights

5 days ago | totalrl.com | Doug Thomson

YORK KNIGHTS have former player and coach Chris Thorman back on board as an assistant to Mark Applegarth. The 44-year-old ex-Super League halfback originally switched from Hull FC in 2010 and made 61 appearances across three seasons, the last of those as player-coach, before joining the staff at former club Huddersfield. In 2010, Thorman played a key role as York were promoted from League One under Australian coach Dave Woods. They beat Oldham in the Grand Final at Warrington.
Bradford Bulls prospect looks for game time at Batley Bulldogs

5 days ago | totalrl.com | Doug Thomson

BATLEY BULLDOGS have taken young Bradford backrower Jacob Bateman on loan for the remainder of the season. The deal was confirmed as the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium side absorbed the news of Mark Moxon’s departure as coach – and before they faced the Bulls at Bartercard Odsal on Friday. Assistant coach Jaymes Chapman and Ben Kaye took charge for the trip to Bradford, where Bateman featured in his temporary team’s 32-6 defeat.
‘We want more’: Oldham prop driving for big end to season

1 week ago | totalrl.com | Doug Thomson

OLDHAM prop Ted Chapelhow says there are no limits on what Sean Long’s side can achieve this season. The Roughyeds are currently recharging, with the weekend off for finals day being followed by a bye round. The promoted team are next in action against pacesetters Toulouse in France on Saturday, when they will be seeking a third straight win after beating Halifax at home and Hunslet away before their break.
Barrow Raiders count down to big anniversary dinner

1 week ago | totalrl.com | Doug Thomson

BARROW RAIDERS are counting down to their 150th anniversary dinner. The big night is in the MKM Marquee at the club’s Northern Competitions Stadium (aka Craven Park) on Saturday week, June 28. It’s being run in partnership with the Blue and White Knights, a consortium supporting the club in making signings. All proceeds from the dinner will be ringfenced by the Knights for team recruitment, including the continued funding of winger Tee Ritson’s loan from St Helens.