Rugby League Today: Betts sacked, Castleford sign QLT, Riley on his future

Drew Darbyshire

There has been a lot of breaking news in the rugby league world over the last 24 hours.

What’s on site

Widnes have announced that they have terminated the contract of head coach Denis Betts with immediate effect.

There are four televised Challenge Cup quarter-finals this weekend as well as live coverage on the Greater Manchester derby from Love Rugby League. We have picked out five things to look forward to…

Castleford have signed full-back Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e from Halifax on a deal until the end of the season.

Belle Voci will perform ‘Abide with Me’ at the Challenge Cup final and will conduct the semi-final draw on Sunday.

Melbourne Storm star Young Tonumaipea will leave rugby league in July to follow his faith and serve a full-time mission in Germany for two years.

The Rugby League European Federation has confirmed that England, Italy, France and Lebanon are all prospective hosts for the 2020 Under-19 European Championship.

We have picked out six good reasons why the Challenge Cup semi-final double header at Bolton will work effectively.

We have done an opinion piece on why it was probably time for a change for Widnes and Denis Betts.

Former Super League star Chris Riley says he hasn’t completely retired from rugby league and will weigh up his options for a possible return in 2019.

The 19-man squads have been announced for the Warrington v Wigan clash in the Challenge Cup.

Huddersfield star Ryan Hinchcliffe insists the team are slowly improving under new head coach Simon Woolford.

Huddersfield forward Oliver Roberts has praised former interim coach Chris Thorman for his efforts.

Here at Love Rugby League HQ, we have taken a crack at some predictions for the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

Josh Drinkwater inspired Catalans to proceed to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup after defeating Huddersfield 20-6. Read our report right here…

What’s in the papers

Adam O’Brien and Huddersfield back on the rise, report the Mirror.

Parramatta Eels star Corey Norman accepts $20,000 fine, report The Guardian.

New Huddersfield boss Simon Woolford started his job on computer in Australia, report The Sun.

Sam Tomkins says Wigan’s loss to Hull KR was a kick up the backside we needed before Cup test, report Wigan Today.

Warrington linked with Kyle Eastmond and Jason Clark, report Warrington Guardian.

Saints boss Justin Holbrook calls on fans backing for Hull FC cup clash, report St Helens Star.

Leeds coach Brian McDermott urges referee to get tough if Challenge Cup tie against Leigh turns feisty, report Yorkshire Evening Post.

Leigh not overawed by Leeds in Cup clash says Liam Hood, report Leigh Journal.

What’s on social

Will there be a bit of biff between Leeds and Leigh again tonight?

This is well worth a watch!

This is a good bit of marketing and advertising by the Giants.

What’s on TV/Radio

LIVE NRL: South Sydney Rabbitohs v Cronulla Sharls – 10:55am, Sky Sports Arena

CC Highlights: Huddersfield Giants v Catalans Dragons – 10:30am, Sky Sports Action

LIVE CC: Leeds Rhinos v Leigh Centurions – 7:30pm, Sky Sports Arena

CC Highlights: Leeds Rhinos v Leigh Centurions – Midnight, Sky Sports Arena

The latest ‘Sport at Six’ podcast by BBC Radio Manchester’s Jack Dearden and Trevor Hunt is available to download now.

The latest Rugby League show on Proper Sport is available to download now.

The latest Whippets and Flat Caps podcast is available to download now, presented by Jon Wilkin and Mark Flanagan.

The latest 5 Live Rugby League podcast is available to download now, presented by Dave Woods.

The latest Rugby League on talkSPORT 2 podcast is available to download now.

The Final Hooter podcast by Love Rugby League’s Dave Parkinson and Adrian Jackson is now available to download.

Features Adam O'Brien