Rugby League Today: Bateman’s amateur return, Nzoungou’s Bradford bow & Stranger Things in Wigan
A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.
What’s on site
Valencia have ambitious plans to attract more teams for exhibitions in 2020, along with competing in the new Spanish national league.
Leeds have signed centre Rhys Evans from Bradford on a season-long loan deal. The Welshman has earned three caps for his country.
Our weekly round-up of the French game is out now. Limoux have lost their unbeaten record as Toulouse were thumped again.
Editor James Gordon has been spending hours on end writing reviews of the 2019 season, with part three being the latest of the series. He looks in detail at what went on between July and September.
Salford have revealed their squad numbers for 2020. Kevin Brown will wear the number seven, while Dan Sarginson gets four.
What’s in the papers
John Bateman goes back to his roots to train and run water at old amateur club, report the Mirror.
Ben Flower has one driving New Year ambition – to land a new Wigan deal, report Wigan Today.
New Bradford signing Levy Nzoungou will make his first Bulls appearance in the friendly with Leeds next week, report The Telegraph & Argus.
Leeds’ new recruit Matt Prior sure he can adapt quickly to Super League, report The Yorkshire Post.
Regan Grace believes Super League champions St Helens can get even better, report The Sun.
What’s on social
Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown was pictured wearing a Wigan jersey on her Instagram. She is apparently dating Warriors’ academy player Joseph Robinson, who is the son of Jason.
? Probably the STRANGEST Thing to happen in 2020 so far…
Eleven herself, (Millie Bobby Brown) spotted in the 2020 @WiganWarriorsRL Home shirt on @instagram ?⚪️ #StrangerThings #milliebobbybrown
Head over to our Instagram for more:
https://t.co/p80zjT7jrA pic.twitter.com/Jx75m3lnjs
— Wigan Warriors ?⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) January 2, 2020
Hats off to John Bateman.
? @johnbateman1 in 2019 ?
? 23 @NRL appearances
? 2,675 metres
? 820 tackles
? NRL Grand Finalist with @RaidersCanberra
? Dally M back-rower of the year
?? Great Britain caps? @BDH_RLFC waterboy ?
? [Lyndsey Cunnett] pic.twitter.com/vhSs0rh9Bp
— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) January 2, 2020
A story that needs to be told!
Here's something which would make 2020 #rugbyleague exciting. In the 1966 CC semi-final between Dewsbury and St Helens, a Saints player received a nasty tackle. His landlady, Minnie Cotton, then rushed onto the field and attacked the Dewsbury player with her umbrella. pic.twitter.com/jKJYIoZlaX
— Catherine Warr – Yorkshire's Hidden History (@HiddenYorkshire) January 2, 2020
What’s on TV/Radio
Podcast: The Final Hooter International #2 – full-time report and analysis by Love Rugby League.
Episode 46: Love Rugby League Weekly, hosted by deputy editor Drew Darbyshire.
The latest Chasing Kangaroos – An International Rugby League podcast is available to download now.
The latest Howlin’ Hour podcast is available to download now. Toronto Wolfpack founder Eric Perez is a special guest on the show.
Birthdays
Wakefield prop Chris Green turns 30 today.
Also celebrating; Tonga international Sio Siua Taukeiaho (28), Australia international Dane Gagai (29) and Widnes centre Lloyd Roby (21).
Trivia
South Sydney Rabbitohs are the most dominant club in the history of Australian rugby league, having won 21 Premierships.