RL Today: Chase to captain Raiders, Lenagan talks TV deal & Pearson on Exiles
Rangi Chase will captain West Wales Raiders in 2021
A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.
What’s on site
Ottawa still planning for League 1 in 2022.
Mailbox: The best referee Super League never had?
French final dates confirmed, Dragons too strong for Elite Select & bright future for France.
Transfer Watch: NRL’s ins and outs.
Helping or hindering? – French teams in the ‘English’ pyramid.
What’s in the papers
Adam Pearson fires warning Hull players won’t be released for Exiles as alternative suggested, reports Hull Live.
Ian Lenagan talks TV deal, Wigan’s 2021 hopes and Wigan Athletic’s future, reports Wigan Today.
Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan has no issue with Jackson Hastings’ plan to return to the NRL, reports the Mirror.
Queensland Rugby League offers Israel Folau fresh hope of NRL return, reports The Guardian.
Brad Dwyer hails Leeds’ youngsters – fringe players have proved their worth in pre-season, reports Yorkshire Evening Post.
What’s on social
Former Man of Steel and England international Rangi Chase will captain West Wales Raiders in 2021.
☠️The Raiders are pleased to announce that this years captain will be non other than ex “Man Of Steel” Rangi Chase.
💚TEULU RAIDERS 💚 pic.twitter.com/R4RPxmFDlX
— West Wales Raiders (@WWRaidersRL) March 9, 2021
Former New Zealand international Shaun Kenny-Dowall will captain Hull KR this season, with Elliot Minchella as vice-captain.
🤝 Hull Kingston Rovers are delighted to announce Shaun Kenny-Dowall as captain, and Elliot Minchella as vice-captain for the 2021 campaign.
Congratulations, guys! 👏
— Hull Kingston Rovers (@hullkrofficial) March 9, 2021
The NRL season gets underway on Thursday!
🗣️"I came here to win an NRL Premiership and that will help with being the best halfback to ever come over"@England_RL & @RaidersCanberra star George Williams is aiming high as he joined our podcast for an NRL Season Preview
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) March 9, 2021
What’s on TV/Radio
NRL Tonight – Fox League (7am)
NRL 360 – Fox League (7:30am)
Fox Theatre: 2020 Grand Final – Fox League (8:30am)
Games from the French Elite Championship are being streamed live every weekend.
Sky Sports’ Golden Point podcast is available to download now.
The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.
The latest 5 Live Rugby League Podcast is out now, hosted by Dave Woods.
Birthdays
Former Australia, New South Wales and Catalans forward Jason Croker turns 48 today.
Also celebrating; ex-New Zealand international Greg Eastwood (34), Featherstone centre Kris Welham (34), Hull KR hooker Jez Litten (23) and Hull KR forward Matty Storton (22).
Trivia
The lowest Grand Final attendance (excluding 2020 Grand Final played behind closed doors) came in 1998, when 43,533 people watched Wigan beat Leeds 10-4 at Old Trafford.
Rugby League Nostalgia is here! Get involved with Love Rugby League’s new group on Facebook to share all your rugby league nostalgia and celebrate the rich heritage of our sport.