Knock On 2 with Jonny Bell

Another week, another interesting week in the world of rugby league and everyone is looking ahead to the Super League licensing decision that is due on Thursday. Whatever your views are on the licensing decision, and I’m not going to get involved (well, other than to say that in my opinion it is daft), it is something that takes up most of the rugby league news this week. See Jim Green’s expert opinion here.

Team of the week – Warrington Wolves

Not again I hear you cry, but how can it not be? Warrington showed no signs of letting up on Friday night when they eased through the gears to a brilliant 24-6 victory at Wigan. The expectations were there for an exciting game and it was an intriguing affair, both for the attacking and defensive play.

It went to further show Warrington’s potential as they made light work of the Warriors in the end and this sees them go two points clear at the top of Super League. You’d be a brave man to question the Wolves at the minute. You can find all your Warrington rugby league news right here at Love Rugby League.

Honourable mentions go to Leigh, who put in a stunning second half to dispatch of Widnes, and Whitehaven, who beat Keighley to make it three wins out of three and put them on 0 for the season.

Unusual happening of the week – Hull KR floodlights

Possibly the biggest piece of rugby league news from the weekend came from Craven Park, where a faulty floodlight nearly put pay to their game against Huddersfield. It was an easy win by all accounts for the Giants who, despite falling behind early on, flexed their muscle against a KR team that never runs as smoothly without Dobson in the ranks.

The floodlight in question shut off in the 32nd minute and although they played on until half-time the game was in doubt. There had to be an extra 15 minutes at the interval, but eventually when it came back on the Giants hadn’t switched off and Nathan Brown was relieved to see his team finish the job comfortably. As always, we have reviews of every rugby league game, read the match report here.

Story of the week – Kyle Eastmond

The lad just can’t stay out of the rugby league news can he, but he has seen his suspension lifted following club disciplinary procedures. It was revealed that his suspension was due to the gestures he made to the club’s fans after the game against Harlequins.

He wasn’t put back in to the team mind, and they finally found their feet at their adopted home with a 28-16 triumph over Bradford. We aren’t sure what’s going to happen with Eastmond for the rest of the season, but it would seem that Jonny Lomax may emerge from his shadow if that game is anything to go by.

New Super League Franchise name of the week – Hemel Hamsters

In the rugby league news this week was that the Hemel Stags are keen to apply for the re-structured Championship competition. They have opened some new facilities down there and are looking to get in shape to be in the mix for a spot in rugby league’s second tier.

But I think Hemel Stags is a bit of a mismatch, I much prefer alliteration when it comes to this type of thing and I can’t help but think that Hemel Hamsters would aid there bid in so many ways. And, it sounds a little like Hampstead.

Merchandise of the week – Thinsulate Beanie

As everyone in England begins to gear up for the few days of spring and summer that will hopefully come to our island in the near future, it’s turning cold in South America. Today I’ve swapped my shorts and flip flops for jeans and a cardigan. Tragic I know. But, it’s not all bad because I get to sport one of our Love Rugby League beanies! Find what you need in our shop.