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Hamilton defends payment option

5/ 4/2006

ROUGHYEDS chairman Chris Hamilton has cautiously supported the RFL decision to offer £100,000 to the winners of this season's National League One Grand Final - if they give up their Super League place or fail to meet promotion criteria.

He claimed that the controversial move from the game's governing body actually came about as a result of a proposal by an unnamed National League club.

Hamilton said: "I suppose the cynical part of people says it tells you someone's not going to get promoted.

"What happened a few years ago when Dewsbury and Hunslet both won the Grand Final and didn't meet the criteria was that they didn't get anything for winning.

"This year one club asked if they were to win it and didn't want to go up, what the chances of a financial reward were?

"The RFL took it away and came back with this proposal with the caveat that you don't spend it all on players for bonuses or whatever.

"Something's better than nothing so you've got to say it's a good idea in that respect, but I daresay £100,000 is probably not what you'd expect to make if you went into Super League."

The Roughyeds have also announced that this season's replica shirts will be available to buy from the club office today (Thursday). They will cost £43 for adults and £38 for children.

They are also anticipating a decision whether Chris Campbell wants to extend his loan spell from Rochdale Hornets.

• SUPPORTERS group Rugby Oldham holds its first election tonight (Thursday) at the Oldham RLFC Social Club, Alfred Street, Werneth.

Although the meeting, which starts at 7.45pm, is a members-only affair, people will be able to join on the night and participate.

Acting chairman Simon Winnard said: "Rugby Oldham has come a long way in a short time and this members meeting is an important night for the Trust and not only in terms of holding our first board elections."

Entry is free and includes a supper.