RL Today: Cooking with Champions, Hull captain change and more Championship movement

James Gordon
Warrington fans in RL Today

Happy Wednesday. Here’s what’s worth reading about in RL Today.

Lapsed fans

Good to see some debate and discussion around rugby league marketing in recent days.

In this week’s mailbox, one rugby league fan and marketer offers his opinion on the way forward.

And doing something to tap in to lapsed fans needs to be priority.

Cooking with Champions

A few of Super League’s top clubs have been ramping up their commercial partnerships this week.

Warrington have joined forces with TV chef Simon Rimmer to create ‘Cooking With Champions’ (ahem), an initiative to teach and encourage people to cook at home.

Unfortunately, three of the dishes mentioned have been inspired by three players that have now left the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

“Currently comprising of 11 tasty and nutritious dishes including, Simon’s Chickpea and Roasted Veg Tray Bake and Chicken Biriyani recipes, the players have also inspired the cookbook with a few of their own favourites such as Sita’s Pittas, Mamo’s Meatballs and Tom Lineham & Cheese Toastie.”

The scheme, in partnership with Hoover and delivered via the club’s Foundation, has seen the creation of a digital cookbook with the Wolves’ resident cook, ‘Chef Ryan’.

Warrington chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick, said: “Without the usual face-to-face opportunities in the local community being available, it was important that the club, via our charitable foundation, continued to support some of the most at risk and vulnerable members of our society through a varied and vibrant offer of sport, health and education projects.”

Sean O’Loughlin whisky

If you want something to wash it down with, or perhaps for a bit later on; a Wigan sponsor has launched a branded whisky.

Loch Lomond have launched a Sean O’Loughlin limited edition single malt. 500 bottles are available.

Loch Lomond Whiskies Head of Partnerships, Scott Dickson, said: “We are delighted to announce our second release single malt celebrating Club legend Sean O’Loughlin as part of our partnership with Wigan Warriors. We have also created a gin for the Club with our award-winning Ben Lomond Gin for those who enjoy a premium gin.”

Hull skipper

Hull coach Brett Hodgson has revealed a change to the club’s captaincy for next season.

Talking to Hull Live in the aftermath of Marc Sneyd’s departure, Hodgson said there will just be a sole skipper in 2022.

Sneyd was previously co-captain with Scott Taylor and Danny Houghton.

More Championship movement

There continues to be plenty of movement in the Championship.

Halifax have swooped for Wakefield hooker Kyle Wood, and forward Sam Hallas has swapped Bradford for Newcastle.

London Broncos have signed Italy international Ronny Palumbo and Leeds youngster Ben Shiels has joined Sheffield.

Birthdays

Friend of Love Rugby League and former Salford and Wales forward Paul Highton turns 45 today (November 10).

Also celebrating: Old Canberra favourite Clinton Schifcofske (46); James Graham’s partner in crime at Canterbury Aiden Tolman (33); Bradford prop Jordan Baldwinson (27).

Trivia

Since Warrington last won the league title, in successive seasons between 1953-55, they have finished runners-up seven times (1961, 1979, 1981, 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2018)

RL Today is out every morning at 7.30am.

Features Sean O'Loughlin