Rugby League Today: Bateman future, ref ratings & Toronto TV blackout
What’s on site
Leeds picked up a much-needed win to lift them off the bottom of the Super League table, and up to ninth, as they saw off Catalans at Headingley.
The Rhinos had earlier boosted their squad with the signing of Papua New Guinea international back-rower Rhyse Martin from Canterbury Bulldogs.
Bradford ran in 11 tries to boost their top five hopes in the Championship, as they hammered sorry Widnes 62-0.
Sheffield were quick to confirm that a mischievous tweet by former Bradford half-back Dane Chisholm wasn’t about them, saying that their player wages were up to date.
Toronto’s upcoming games against Halifax, Rochdale and Barrow will not be televised, after Sky Sports couldn’t accommodate them due to clashes with Catalans coverage.
Former Hull KR and Wakefield full-back Ben Cockayne has announced his retirement from the game, after picking up a knee injury in York’s recent win over Swinton.
What’s on social
Completely agree with Swinton chairman Andy Mazey, rugby league constantly at odds with itself.
We are going on about broadcast deals, looking as appealing and attractive as possible etc. AJ Bell is available Sunday and was happy to host and quoted for. Disgrace and makes you question your continued involvement in the sport. https://t.co/bbWmn4OgBM
— Andy Mazey (@andy_mazey) June 28, 2019
Nice touch from a couple of Super League’s finest young players.
Prom night for our @stephmh7 proud dad and what a pair of chaperones @JackWakka1 @morgan_smithies boom ? pic.twitter.com/iewQFHznKo
— ShowMeTheMoneyUK (@SMTMUK) June 27, 2019
Rumour has it Leeds are in for this chap…
SIGN HIM UP! ?
One of the craziest steps you'll see.
Watch: @Channel9 #9WWOS #NRL #NRLTigersSouths pic.twitter.com/oSpIkSwAxk
— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) June 27, 2019
Encouraging numbers watching the OurLeague app.
STAT: A total audience of 46,165 watched the live stream of our victory against @LondonSkolarsRL across three different platforms last Saturday afternoon.
The crowd of 686 was also a 32% increase on the attendance of the same fixture in 2018. #CDQ #OurTownOurTeam pic.twitter.com/R9699c0txP
— Keighley Cougars (@Cougarmania) June 27, 2019
Sounds about right…
1. Launch a massive campaign 2. Forget to tell the media beforehand ?
— Gemma Carter (@Gemma_L_Carter) June 27, 2019
What’s in the papers
John Bateman has taken the NRL by storm, and he has already asked his agent to begin talks to extend his deal at Canberra, which is a blow to Wigan, who had an agreement to potentially bring him back at the end of his current deal, reports Wigan Today.
Also in Wigan Today is the news that outgoing Wigan prop Taulima Tautai is hanging up his boots, following his departure from the Warriors after a drink driving charge.
Yorkshire Post journalist Peter Smith caused a stir with his match ratings following Leeds’ win over Catalans, giving referee Scott Mikalaukas a 4 out of 10 for his efforts.
Halifax coach Simon Grix has written off their Championship play-off hopes, in the Halifax Courier, after they went down to rivals Featherstone on Sunday.
Birthdays
Outspoken legend Garry Schofield, who served Great Britain, Hull, Leeds, Balmain and others with great distinction during his playing days, turns 54 today.
Also celebrating: former St Helens and Australia centre Matt Gidley (42); Hull FC full-back Jamie Shaul (27); Wales international Courtney Davies (25).
What’s on TV/radio
10pm – Super League Full Time – Sky Sports Action
11.40pm – Super League Show – BBC1
Trivia
Only two players have won both the NRL’s Dally M award and Super League’s Man of Steel – Gavin Miller and Ben Barba.