Golden Points - News from around the Rugby League world - May 18, 2021

Bite sized news from around the growing Rugby League World as heard on "Chasers", a Podcast by Chasing Kangaroo Media. 

Brasil

National Women’s grand finalists have been decided with undefeated professional club Melina Rugby defeating Remandadas 57-0 in their semi final. Franciny Amaral scored three tries, while Taina Amorim collected 17 points from a try, 6 goals and a field-goal.

In the other semi final Vitoria Rhinos Maringa Hawks 25-16, Incumbent Brasil women’s captain Karina Araujo kicked a field goal to break the deadlock, before the Rhinos ran in two late unconverted tries.

Melina will start as favourites in next Saturday’s grand final in São Lourenco, Minas Gerais. 

New Zealand

Ex NZRL board member and Bradford Bulls owner Andrew Chalmers has had discussions with The NRL and ARLC.

According to Fox Sports, “An expansion bid team for a second New Zealand side wants to rival the Warriors and land an All Black as its first recruit.”

Brazil

Amazona’s world cup coach Paul Grundy will select his 40-women extended squad. It should be announced by the time this show goes to air, so if you havent seen it, check out the blog at chasingroos.com.

Netherlands

After 18 months of inactivity due to the coronavirus pandemic, Netherlands Rugby League has made plans for a return to action. A three week 9s tournament, beginning on 26 June has been planned, with a Grand Final featuring the top two sides. The five existing clubs – Amsterdam Cobras, Den Haag Knights, Harderwijk Dolphins, Rotterdam Pitbulls and Zwolle Wolves - will be joined by newcomers Dordrecht Griffins, who will host the first round of round-robin festival matches.

Cleveland Panthers? 

In international club partnership news, the Penrith Panthers have thrown their support behind Monte Gaddis’ Cleveland Rugby League. The NRL table toppers release a video featuring some of their champion like Villame Kikau, Brain Toó, and Nathan Cleary professing their support for the NARL underdogs!

Wales/Ireland

Flintshire Falcons (Wales) and Forth Valley Vikings (Ireland) have announced a partnership which will see the clubs engaging with the coaches and committees to support each other where possible as well as aim to raise some exposure for both teams throughout other parts of Great Britain and the world!

Cook Islands

A try to former Olympic sprinter, Patricia Taea, in the 95th minute of play has secured victory for the Titikaveka Bulldogs in the Cook Islands Women's Rugby League Grand Final.

Played at the National Stadium in Nikao, fifteen minutes of extra time had to be played to decide the winners of inaugural Women's Premiership, with the Bulldogs claiming a 22 - 16 win over the Tupapa Panthers.

USA 

Chicago North Shore defeated Roots Rugby Family in the women’s final of the Tampa 9s. Jaxonville Axemen won the mens in an undefeated campaign. 

Meanwhile, California Rugby League have announced their Summer Rugby League 9s Tournament will commence in June. 

Ukraine

The Lviv Tigers get the 38-14 win over the Khmelnytskyi Eagles in the Ukraine Super League! In the other game of the round Kharkiv Legion scored a comprehensive 54-8 win over Carpathian Trinity.

Serbia

Fresh off their Serbian Challenge Cup win, Partisan Belgrade travelled Montenegro to face South Region in round five of the Serbian Championship, and they brought along a very vocal supporter base as well!

The Serbian side came away with a huge 72-8, with the highlight being the return to play for 8 Albanian players and 2 Turkish players who returned to the field for this game after an extended pandemic break.

Ghana

The second Rugby League Federation Ghana Championship is set to commence on 23 May at the Legon Rugby Field in Accra. The men’s competition will feature four sides, with newcomers Nungua Tigers joining 2019 champions Bulls, Accra Panthers and Ghana Skolars. The Grand Final is set for 4 July.

For the first time there will also be a women’s championship, together with the start of formal youth matches. Three women’s sides will take part; the Panthers, Skolars and Tigers.