innsaneink
Referee
- Messages
- 29,384
O'Neill set for move to Castleford
October 4, 2005
http://www.smh.com.au/news/Sport/ONeill-set-for-move-to-Castleford/2005/10/04/1128191718031.html#It won't be just Castleford rugby league fans sweating on the outcome of its English League One grand final against Whitehaven on Monday (AEST).
If Castleford downs Whitehaven it gains promotion to the English Super League - and Wests Tigers backrower Mark O'Neill's signature.
The veteran forward, who drew the curtain on an 11-year Australian first grade career when the Tigers downed North Queensland 30-16 in last Sunday's NRL grand final, said he would commit to the club if it was promoted.
And Warrington and former Sydney Rooster half Nathan Wood will be picked up by Whitehaven if it makes the jump from League One.
Castleford and Whitehaven were told this week that their National League One final would ensure promotion after finally meeting criteria laid down by governing body the RFL for admission.
The ruling ensures Widnes - who placed second last in Super League this season - will be relegated next year.
Widnes has ruled out mounting a legal challenge against its relegation after early threats.
"It was our understanding that Whitehaven's proposal of taking some home games to Carlisle while they redeveloped their stadium was not within the criteria for promotion," Widnes chairman Tony Chambers told The Guardian newspaper.
"But the Rugby League have told us it is, so we have to accept that and concentrate on putting together a team that will bring us straight back."
Whitehaven's Recreation Ground does not meet Super League's minimum standards, with a capacity of less than 7,000.
But the club will begin work this month on a new 1,000-seat stand to increase the capacity to more than the necessary 8,000, irrespective of Monday's result.
October 4, 2005
http://www.smh.com.au/news/Sport/ONeill-set-for-move-to-Castleford/2005/10/04/1128191718031.html#It won't be just Castleford rugby league fans sweating on the outcome of its English League One grand final against Whitehaven on Monday (AEST).
If Castleford downs Whitehaven it gains promotion to the English Super League - and Wests Tigers backrower Mark O'Neill's signature.
The veteran forward, who drew the curtain on an 11-year Australian first grade career when the Tigers downed North Queensland 30-16 in last Sunday's NRL grand final, said he would commit to the club if it was promoted.
And Warrington and former Sydney Rooster half Nathan Wood will be picked up by Whitehaven if it makes the jump from League One.
Castleford and Whitehaven were told this week that their National League One final would ensure promotion after finally meeting criteria laid down by governing body the RFL for admission.
The ruling ensures Widnes - who placed second last in Super League this season - will be relegated next year.
Widnes has ruled out mounting a legal challenge against its relegation after early threats.
"It was our understanding that Whitehaven's proposal of taking some home games to Carlisle while they redeveloped their stadium was not within the criteria for promotion," Widnes chairman Tony Chambers told The Guardian newspaper.
"But the Rugby League have told us it is, so we have to accept that and concentrate on putting together a team that will bring us straight back."
Whitehaven's Recreation Ground does not meet Super League's minimum standards, with a capacity of less than 7,000.
But the club will begin work this month on a new 1,000-seat stand to increase the capacity to more than the necessary 8,000, irrespective of Monday's result.
