Rugby League Today: Folau’s influence on TV deal, Leeds training ground flooded & Latu’s thongs

Drew Darbyshire

A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.

What’s on site

Our latest quiz is proving popular. Can you name the 12 Englishmen who played in the NRL in 2019?

Four teams made it two wins from two on a storm-hit weekend in the Championship. There was a belter of a try from Toulouse prop Joe Bretherton.

Our ‘Sunday Social’ feature is a cracker. We talk Hull KR’s try of the season contender, St Helens were nilled and Lussick brothers face off.

Underbank Rangers, who are the oldest rugby league club, are in the fourth round of the Challenge Cup for the first time after beating League 1 side West Wales Raiders on Sunday.

Catalans have confirmed that David Mead will miss the next few weeks after suffering a torn abductor tendon.

What’s in the papers

Super League clubs could land Israel Folau cash windfall as Catalans negotiate new French TV deal, report The Sun.

Seven talking points from rugby league weekend as Hull FC continue winning start, report the Mirror.

Frozen pitch actually played cupid as I met my future wife Rachel – Gareth Ellis, report The Yorkshire Post.

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington confirmed there has been “some flooding” at the training complex which is close to the river Aire, report Yorkshire Evening Post.

Leilani Latu’s immersing himself into Warrington town – in his thongs, report Warrington Guardian.

What’s on social

When rugby league was at its peak.

Pure speed from the Welsh Wizard…

But could Lionel Messi do it on a wet and windy Sunday afternoon in Wakefield?

What’s on TV/Radio

Former referee Ian Smith on abuse, why he quit and what it’s like being a full-time official. The second episode of The Last Tackle is out now.

Matty Smith on Israel Folau, life in Catalans and Saints or Wigan? The first episode of The Last Tackle is out now.

Super League’s Out Of Your League podcast is back, featuring St Helens forward Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook.

Sky Sports’ Golden Point podcast is back, featuring Danny McGuire and Barrie McDermott.

Betfred have launched a magazine show called The Last Tackle on YouTube, hosted by Mark Pearson.

Tanya Arnold hosts the first Super League Show of 2020.

Podcast: The Final Hooter 2020 #2 – Super League season launch.

The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.

The latest 5 Live Rugby League Podcast is out now, hosted by Dave Woods.

The latest Total Rugby League Show is available to download now, hosted by Ben Hughes.

The In Touch Show is out now by Betfred.

Birthdays

Wigan and Bradford favourite Henry Paul turns 46 today.

Also celebrating; ex-Australia international Greg Bird (36), former New Zealand prop Iafeta Paleaaesina (38) and Great Britain hooker Daryl Clark (27).

Trivia

Leeds have the most consecutive Super League title wins with three (2007, 2008 and 2009).

Watch our Last Tackle podcast, featuring a guest, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2GCG8P8

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