RL Today: RFL review bans, Woolf future & Dwyer dismisses Saints talk

The RFL will review bans in the women’s game, Kristian Woolf shrugs off talk about his future and Paul McShane backs James Roby for England.

RFL review bans

The RFL say they will look at the disproportionate length of bans handed out, particularly in the women’s game.

Responding to stern criticism from Women’s Super League player Rhiannion Marshall, the RFL said the shorter season length in that competition, and League 1, warrants a review.

The disciplinary process has dominated debate around rugby league all season; following a spate of red cards, yellow cards and bans.

Mouthguard technology research

Part of the challenge around the disciplinary process is surrounding player welfare.

A new project between the RFL, Super League and Leeds Beckett University will measure head accelerations, which can be a cause of concussions, with new mouthguard technology.

Professor Ben Jones from the University said: “This project will ultimately support player welfare initiatives and feeds into other projects Leeds Beckett are leading in Rugby League, which is player load guidance.

“We’re working collaboratively with other governing bodies, and Government departments to combine our work with iMGs into our overall player load guidance which will include everything from contact training to psychological load, and travelling to sleep.

Kristian Woolf on future

St Helens coach Kristian Woolf shrugged off talk about his future after being linked again with an NRL job.

When asked by Love Rugby League in his weekly press conference, Woolf said he’ll confirm in the near future when he knows what he’s doing.

Dwyer rules out Saints talk

Leeds hooker Brad Dwyer has played down speculation linking him with a move to St Helens. (Yorkshire Post)

He is out of contract at the end of the year, but says his future is still up in the air.

Dwyer said: “I won’t be going to St Helens, I can say that, but I am just focused on my rugby now and getting back into the team at Leeds and finishing the year well.”

McShane backs Roby

On the subject of hookers and St Helens, Paul McShane has backed James Roby to come out of retirement and play for England at the World Cup.

Even if it means losing his own spot.

McShane was the guest on this week’s Love Rugby League podcast, where he discussed the World Cup, team-mate Joe Westerman’s hopes and, of course, Jacques O’Neill and Love Island.

Passport woes for Workington

Two loan signings from Catalans couldn’t feature for Workington recently due to a passport issue.

Romain Franco and Florian Vailhen arrived at the end of May and were due to play against Widnes last week.

But their passports had not been stamped with the required clearance, and both have returned to Perpignan without playing a game.

Fellow Dragons players Corentin Le Cam and Cesar Rouge were recalled from loans at Whitehaven; while Mathieu Cozza has returned from Barrow.

Birthdays

Former Great Britain, Salford and Wigan prop Andy Coley turns 44 today (July 7).

Also celebrating: London back-rower Rhys Curran (33); Wales international Ashley Bateman (34); Newcastle Knights half-back Phoenix Crossland (22)

What’s on TV

Live NRL: Cronulla v Melbourne – Sky Sports Arena (10.50am)

Trivia

Castleford have the best win percentage in Magic Weekend history – winning eight of their 11 games at the event.