RL Today: Leeds star pens new deal, Leuluai praised & latest on Ottawa Aces

Drew Darbyshire

A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.

What’s on site

As the race gets under way to find a 12th team for Super League, it has emerged that the newcomers will receive almost half the central funding given to the other 11 clubs.

As Tommy Leuluai prepares to make his 300th appearance for Wigan in Friday’s last match of the regular season, the veteran half-back has been told he is playing too well to retire.

Irishman Ronan Michael is set to make his Super League debut for Huddersfield against Wigan on Friday night.

Former Widnes forward Simon Finnigan has left his role at Newcastle Thunder to become head coach of the Vikings.

Leigh have signed Scotland international James Bell from Toulouse for the 2021 Championship season.

What’s in the papers

Silent assassin Tommy Leuluai the key to Wigan’s bid for League Leaders Shield, reports the Mirror.

Leeds reward prop Mikolaj Oledzki with new four-year contract, reports Yorkshire Evening Post.

‘He was in tears’ – Hull’s Andy Last discusses Albert Kelly’s emotional farewell, reports Hull Live.

Wakefield coach Chris Chester proud as Trinity end their Super League campaign, reports The Yorkshire Post.

Ottawa Aces have deferred their entry into League One until 2022, reports Warrington Guardian.

What’s on social

Leigh have made an impressive signing in the shape of James Bell.

This is class!

Wigan’s 2021 home shirt.

What’s on TV/Radio

LIVE SL: Wakefield v Salford (Sky Sports Mix – 5:30pm)

LIVE SL: Wigan v Huddersfield (Sky Sports Mix – 7:45pm)

Podcast: The Final Hooter 2020 #12 – NRL Grand Final, Challenge Cup final & Return to Play.

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

Tonga and New Zealand Warriors prop Addin Fonua-Blake turns 25 today.

Also celebrating; Penrith Panthers forward Isaah Yeo (26), Bradford forward Connor Farrell (27), Whitehaven half-back Dion Aiye (34).

Trivia

If Ronan Michael makes his Huddersfield debut on Friday, he will be the first Irish-born player since Brian Carney to play in Super League.

Listen to The Final Hooter podcast, featuring exclusive interviews, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on Apple Podcasts.