RL Today: Sin-bin issues, six-again debate & Joe Burgess for England?

Drew Darbyshire
Joe Burgess Salford Red Devils

Joe Burgess in action for Salford

Burgess for England?

Salford boss Paul Rowley believes Joe Burgess – no relation to George – should be recalled by England after the winger’s match-winning performance against struggling Leeds.

Rowley told Love Rugby League: “What is he 6ft 3in? Absolutely rapid, brave, a clever footballer, he’s got everything that every other top winger in this competition has got so 100% yeah I’m right behind him for England.”

Sin-bin issues

Jamie Peacock says rugby league needs to find a solution to the sin-bin issue or else fans will switch off. (Mirror)

Peacock wrote in the Mirror: “We’re diluting the quality of the product. They really do need to find common ground so we get both the product we all want and the safety we need.”

Creating a buzz

Kevin Brown has praised the growth of rugby league’s TV coverage ahead of the World Cup. (Wigan Today)

Brown told Wigan Today: “It’s just positive for the game. I’ve always said we’ve got the best product, we just need to get people watching it. It’s good as it’s getting more eyes on the game and it’s creating a buzz.”

Ex-Leigh star impressing in NRL

Former Leigh half-back Drew Hutchison has been in good form in the NRL recently.

The 26-year-old, who played 35 games for Leigh in the 2018 season, scored in Sydney Roosters’ 26-12 win over Manly on Friday.

 

Hull KR’s World Cup hopeful

Hull KR’s new signing Frankie Halton has made a huge impression in his first taste of Super League (Hull Live)

Halton will be hoping to represent Ireland at the end of year World Cup.

On Halton, Hull KR coach Tony Smith told Hull Live: “I’m enjoying watching him develop and grow in confidence, and in some ways lead the way for our boys. He’s pulling some of their form through too.”

Six-again: Stay or go?

Richard Agar and Paul Rowley
Leeds coach Richard Agar (left) and Salford boss Paul Rowley (right)

Leeds coach Richard Agar and Salford boss Paul Rowley told Love Rugby League they would happily scrap the six-again rule, saying the game would be better off without it.

Rowley said: “I’d get rid, absolutely. It is too complicated for the referees and you are always going to get an opinion. It’s a grey area. Less grey areas in the game, the better. An unnecessary addition to the game I think.”

Agar added: “I feel it has brought nothing to the game but groans and I feel there is nothing wrong with having a penalty and allowing more players to be behind the ball and ask more questions in attack. I’d happily scrap it.”

Birthdays

Brisbane Broncos half-back Albert Kelly turns 31 today (March 21).

Also celebrating; Featherstone captain James Lockwood (36), ex-Warrington forward Andy Bracek (35), France international Antoni Maria (35), former Wigan forward Joel Tomkins (35), Hull forward Andre Savelio (27) and Halifax prop Dan Murray (26).

Trivia

Huddersfield winger Jermaine McGillvary made his 350th career appearance in their defeat at Hull yesterday.

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Features Drew Hutchison