Rugby League Today: Barba to Valencia Huracanes, Makinson banned & Wane praises Hull boss

Josh McAllister

What’s on site

Tommy Makinson has received a five-match suspension after pleading guilty to a grab on Castleford’s Liam Watts.

Morgan Knowles has switched his international allegiance from Wales to England.

The latest NRL preview is out now.

Trio to depart Widnes ahead of the 2021 season.

What’s on social

Matty John’s son, Cooper Johns, is set to make his NRL debut.

How good is John Bateman?

Swinton Lions have announced a formal community club partnership with Devon Sharks…

NRL stars try to translate some British slang…

What’s in the papers

ABC are reporting that Ben Barba is set to join Valencia Huracanes after no conviction was recorded against him for the assault of his brother-in-law.

Shaun Wane has praised Hull FC’s and England assistant coach Andy Last, report the Yorkshire Post.

Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Peter Smith says it’s “too easy” to blame the RFL following COVID-19 outbreak.

Birthdays

Rochdale head coach Matt Calland turns 49 today (August 20).

Also celebrating: Barrow’s Jamie Dallimore (32); former NRL and Super League half-back Brett Finch (39); former New Zealand international and St Helens star Francis Meli (40).

Trivia 

Originally known as ‘Warrington Zingari’, Warrington RFC (later Warrington RLFC) was formed by Timothy Grix of Chatburn. Their first game was against Walton in Liverpool.