RL Today: Reynolds lands in UK, Leeds squad numbers & Super League kits
A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.
What’s on site
Six rising stars to watch in Super League in 2021.
Leeds captain Stevie Ward has been forced to retire at the age of 27 due to long-term concussions.
All rugby league activity other than Super League stopped in UK lockdown.
Keighley have confirmed their squad numbers for the 2021 season.
What’s in the papers
Suspension of training for Championship and League 1 sides “a big blow” says Bradford and Dewsbury’s Mark Sawyer, reports The Yorkshire Post.
Leeds forward Stevie Ward retires following long-term concussion issues, reports the Mirror.
Leeds announce 2021 squad numbers – Mikolaj Oledzki moves up as place is left open for possible recruit, reports Yorkshire Evening Post.
Leeds’ Stevie Ward, 27, retires after concussions cause memory loss, reports The Sun.
Leeds’ Stevie Ward ‘haunted’ by future as concussion forces retirement at 27, reports The Guardian.
What’s on social
Stevie Ward has had a remarkable career!
Former Leeds Rhinos skipper Stevie Ward has announced his retirement aged just 27. Thank you to Stevie for his contribution to the club having come through the Academy ranks to become a Challenge Cup and Grand Final winner
➡️ More here https://t.co/zFpBXugG3O pic.twitter.com/fAEu3uSMY5— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) January 5, 2021
A throwback to a Challenge Cup upset…
📆 Today is #NationalBirdDay…
🦅 Here's a throwback to when the @SheffieldEagles soared in 1998!
🏆 #ChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/cgVOUBMfIj
— The Challenge Cup (@TheChallengeCup) January 5, 2021
Josh Reynolds has landed in the UK!
👋 𝙒𝙀𝙇𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙀 𝙅𝙊𝙎𝙃 👋
🛬 He's here – new recruit @joshreynolds9 has just landed in the UK, and he's got a quick message for you Black & White fans…👀
(Also, shorts?! 😳🥶)
⚫⚪ #COYH pic.twitter.com/bjuNIhIVYR
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) January 5, 2021
What’s on TV/Radio
Podcast: The Final Hooter 2020 #15 – Grand Final review, RL fatigue & nostalgia.
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 New Zealand and Samoa international Roy Asotasi turns 39 today.
Also celebrating; Scotland and Leigh hooker Liam Hood (29) and USA international Corey Makelim (27).
Trivia
Eight teams will compete in the women’s Rugby League World Cup this year – Brazil, Canada, Australia, Cook Islands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, England and France.
Listen to The Final Hooter podcast, featuring exclusive interviews, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on Apple Podcasts.