RUGBY LEAGUE: Big boost for new rugby league club

9:53am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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THE next Paul Sculthorpe could be waiting in the wings in Swindon, according to the Rugby Football League's regional development officer, writes GARETH MOORHOUSE.

Caro Wild has been so impressed with the renaissance of rugby league in the town that he is already predicting big things for the future.

Wild insists that with a little luck and a lot of hard graft, Swindon St George could soon have their very own Man of Steel to trumpet.

"When you see the people running the club it gives you an idea of how well they are going to perform," said Wild, "We would not normally take a brand new club and put them in the Rugby League Conference, but we were so impressed with Swindon.

"They have got some good plans in place and they are a really good group of people. We're really excited about what the future holds for them.

"There's no reason we can't find the next Paul Sculthorpe in Swindon."

While the success of the Sky Sports-backed Super League has helped raise the profile of rugby league, Wild insists there have been plenty of other contributing factors to the sport's increased popularity.

As the once exclusively northern game spreads to all four corners of the country, Wild is thrilled to see Swindon back on the rugby league map.

He said: "The game is definitely in a much better state now than it was 10 years ago when Bulldogs folded.

"Back then it was a real challenge just to get any fixtures. Teams were travelling miles and miles to play matches.

"Now there's a big family of clubs that Swindon can be a part of.

"We should also not underestimate the impact the internet has made. It is now much easier for people to contact each other via forums and websites."

While not wanting to blow his own trumpet, Wild is proud of the steps the RFL have taken to ensure rugby league is now accessible to everyone.

He said: "I think the RFL has done fairly well in helping the grass roots of the sport.

"We are in a good position to provide support for clubs through funding, coach education, media contacts and a whole range of areas.

"We hope the analogy of rugby league as a northern sport is now a thing of the past."