RL Today: Hodgson on Ellis Longstaff & Minchella assesses Hull KR’s season
Brett Hodgson hints that he wants to keep Ellis Longstaff
Hull Head Coach Brett Hodgson has hinted that he would like to keep Ellis Longstaff once his loan expires. (Hull Daily Mail).
“I really like what Ellis has given us,” Hodgson said after the Wakefield game. “I know he’s still contracted to Warrington and I said last week that it’s not as easy as us saying we want him so he’s coming.”
Denis Betts to leave Newcastle
Newcastle Director of Rugby Denis Betts has confirmed he will not be at the club next year, as they revert to a part-time model. (Rugby League Live).
Betts told Rugby League Live: “I know that as a part-time organisation I won’t be at Newcastle next year.”
Elliot Minchella gives assessment of Hull KR’s season
Hull KR vice-captain Elliot Minchella believes not reaching the play-offs would be a failure for the club. (Hull Daily Mail).
Minchella told Hull Daily Mail: First and foremost we set out to reach the play-offs and if we don’t it is a failure to me. Every team has gone through bad form and injury runs and we’re doing that now with the injuries, we’ve had the bad form and the purple patch. It would be a failure and disappointing. We have a lot to do and need help from elsewhere.”
Paul Rowley says “Salford ready to be a threat”
Salford Head Coach Paul Rowley believes his side would be a serious threat if they made the play-offs. (Love Rugby League).
The Red Devils currently hold the final play-off spot with three games of the regular season remaining.
Super League Squad News
The squads have been announced the first Super League match of the week. Leeds welcome Huddersfield to Headingley. (Love Rugby League).
Leeds are hoping to maintain their good form and stay ahead of the chasing pack for the final two play-off spots. Meanwhile, Huddersfield still have hopes of a top-two finish.
Has respect for officials hit an all-time low?
James Tamou was sent off for Wests Tigers on Saturday after appearing to call referee Ben Cummings “incompetent” along with an expletive.
Considering this is not the first time this has happened this season, we ask the question about whether or not respect for referees has hit an all-time low.
READ MORE: Has respect for the referee & officials hit an all-time low?
Birthdays
Huddersfield half-back Theo Fages turns 28 today. (23rd August).
Also celebrating; former Australia internationals Josh and Brett Morris (36), former Wigan forward Andy Powell (41), former Hull and Castleford forward Sean Ryan (49) and former Hull and New Zealand full-back Gary Kemble (66).
Trivia
Danny Houghton made his 411th appearance for Hull FC on Friday, putting him eighth on the club’s all-time leading appearance makers.
READ MORE: Cornwall keep Supporters’ Player of the Year for 2023