Brooklyn link can help develop global appeal for Tigers

Just as it was announced yesterday that the Rugby League World Cup 2013 had made a record profit, the West Yorkshire club, fittingly, chose to reveal their link with the USA, a country that had such a memorable impact on last year’s tournament.

Underdogs USA Tomahawks stunned everyone by reaching the quarter-finals, a fine feat they hope will help build the sport’s profile in the States.

This new partnership is seen as another development to help potentially progress that.

Australian Youngquest, who scored 28 tries in just 37 Super League games for Castleford between 2011 and 2012 before moving to New York to pursue a modelling career, has joined Brooklyn to lend his expertise in a coaching and development capacity.

His contacts facilitated the link and Castleford chief executive Steve Gill admitted: “We are very pleased to offer the Tigers brand as a means of developing the Brooklyn Kings not only in the States, but in the UK as well.

“It is great to envisage one day having a New York-bred player pull on the famous black and amber of the Tigers.”

The partnership will see the clubs share resources and implement initiatives to develop the game and their brands worldwide.

Leeds Rhinos have recalled Liam Sutcliffe after his month-long loan at Bradford Bulls, suggesting the teenage stand-off could be involved against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in Sunday’s Tetley’s Challenge Cup fourth round tie.

Bradford coach Francis Cummins will be desperate to land a replacement soon given Lee Gaskell is still recovering from his knee injury.

Cummins could also be without Tom Olbison for Sunday’s Challenge Cup visit from part-timers Oldham after the second-row was charged with making a Grade C dangerous contact on Danny Tickle in their 22-18 loss at Widnes.

Olbison has the option of a early guilty plea or attending the RFL disciplanary tonight where Wakefield Trinity Wildcats hooker Paul McShane will answer the same charge after a tackle on Hull KR’s Rhys Lovegrove, putting in danger his own chances of playing against former club Leeds.