RL Today: Rugby league is not dying, new coach for Toronto & World Cup wait
What’s on site
Ken Davy, the acting Super League chairman, held a media briefing on Monday where he discussed the current situation facing the top flight clubs and the plans to re-align with the RFL.
Toronto Wolfpack have appointed a new head coach, ahead of the new North American Rugby League competition commencing.
The rugby league world waits with baited breath regarding the end of season World Cup, with many now believing it will be postponed until 2022.
Ellis Robson is set to play for a fourth different club in 2021, after joining Salford on loan from Warrington. He has previously been on loan at Widnes and Bradford, as well as turning out for the Wolves this season.
Leigh are without a win all year, and coach Kurt Haggerty has provided an update on their search for players to boost their chances of avoiding relegation.
What’s on social
Rugby league isn’t dying, it never will. Here’s a good case study as to why.
'Rugby League is dying'… it's a claim that's been made regularly ever since 1895, yet the sport continues to survive. So why does the meme keep appearing? The new 'Rugby Reloaded' asks if it's a meme of misunderstanding or maliciousness. Listen now via: https://t.co/iTxcktWn1w
— Tony Collins (@collinstony) June 28, 2021
Not sure whether it’s a rights issue, but seems strange that it takes from Friday to Tuesday to get highlights of an international match online.
📹 Highlights | #EnglandRL 𝟐𝟒-𝟐𝟔 Combined Nations All Stars
🤝 A hard-fought contest in Warrington… pic.twitter.com/a9gGrmSHvs
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) June 29, 2021
All Plebs might be a new contender for rugby league team name of the year.
🇨🇿 Results from Round 2️⃣ @CzechRL
All Plebs 18-50 Krupka Dragons
Hradek Kralove 26-16 Chrudim-Havl. Brod pic.twitter.com/Vmx0KV0eaF— European Rugby League (@EuroRugbyLeague) June 29, 2021
If you’ve not seen it already, check out the Fan Insights survey to rugby league fans.
We're outsiders, but I think they need to stop these big strategic shifts, & focus on what makes their clubs, fans and sport, special. They've got such a rich heritage that too many seem to overlook far too often. Reconnect with that & they'll their find purpose. #RugbyLeague https://t.co/c1dLQEV3ud
— Think Fan Engagement (@ThinkEngagement) June 29, 2021
What’s in the papers
Warrington winger Tom Lineham is on the lookout for a new club in 2022, and says recent press coverage has helped raise interest in him. Here’s an interview with him in The Mirror.
The NRL is waiting to make a call on State of Origin Game III, amidst COVID outbreaks Down Under, reports The Guardian. Based on the first two, it might be better for Queensland if it is off.
Bradford have been given further dispensation to play their upcoming home game with Batley on the narrow and shortened pitch at Odsal, reports Yorkshire Live. Their loss to Widnes at the weekend was the third home game they’ve played back at their home ground, and it remains to be seen just how they are going to get things back to standard.
Birthdays
London’s France international prop Romain Navarrete turns 27 today (June 30).
Also celebrating: ex-Wigan centre George Carmont (43); former Rochdale, Oldham and Leigh forward Tommy Goulden (40); Wales international centre Michael Channing (29).
What’s on TV/radio
Live Super League – Wigan v Warrington – Sky Sports Arena (7.30pm)
Fans in the UK and beyond can once again watch every NRL game live and on demand in 2021 through the WatchNRL service.
Trivia
The first Rugby League World Cup final was played at the Parc des Princes in Paris in November 1954, with Great Britain beating France 16-12 in front of a crowd of 30,368.