Rugby League Today: Big Bulls losses revealed, new look for Super League & Warrington hopeful Murdoch-Masila will stay
What’s on site
Here’s what we’ve learned from the first two weeks of the Great Britain tour and international rugby league in the latest editor’s column.
14 of the 16 places at the 2021 World Cup have now been claimed – we run through who has qualified, and detail the final two qualifying matches later this month.
St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus has been fined following his controversial comments about referees after their Challenge Cup final defeat to Warrington.
We’ve teamed up rugby league’s meal prep kings, Heaven N Health – find out more about the new partnership here.
In this week’s Paper Talk, there’s news on the futures of Brett Ferres, Ryan Brierley and Matt Frawley.
Salford have confirmed the signing of prop Sebastine Ikahihifo from Huddersfield on a season-long loan.
What’s on social
Super League have revealed a brand new look and logo ahead of today’s fixture announcement.
New look, new logo for 2020 ? #SuperLeague
Next season's fixtures coming tomorrow… pic.twitter.com/54TpZigaYG
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) November 4, 2019
We might have to add a politics section at this rate.
MPs have chosen the antithesis to John Bercow. New Commons Speaker @LindsayHoyle_MP has vowed to “tame the bear pit” of a “toxic Parliament”. As a huge fan of rugby league we can now watch to see how the rules of the game now change
— Nick Robinson (@bbcnickrobinson) November 4, 2019
Get me one of these.
New Zealand’s rugby league museum has some absolute historical gems, including this pin collection of the original 1895 founding clubs of the Northern Union pic.twitter.com/g9WwQWAyXI
— Julie Stott (@Julie_Stott) November 4, 2019
Tim Sheens met Widnes fans for the first time last night.
Sheens says Hull KR had four times the budget in the Championship than Widnes will have in 2020. Sealed promotion ironically by beating Widnes. The challenge, the support, opportunity to coach reasons behind taking job. Wants to replicate SL return. First aim is top 5.
— James Gordon (@jdgsport) November 4, 2019
What’s in the papers
Bradford’s accounts have revealed an astonishing £1.4m losses in just two years of trading, reports the Telegraph & Argus.
Warrington chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick says in the Warrington Guardian they are hopeful that Tonga forward Ben Murdoch-Masila will stay at the club, despite interest from NRL clubs following his international performances.
Brian Noble has backed Great Britain coach Wayne Bennett despite two opening defeats on tour, reports The Mirror.
James Webster has confirmed Featherstone’s interest in Brett Ferres, who could yet still be offered a deal to stay at Leeds, reports the Yorkshire Post.
Birthdays
Former Great Britain, Castleford, Sheffield, Leeds and Widnes back-rower Andy Hay turns 46 today (November 5th).
Also celebrating: four Yorkshire-club man James Evans (41); South Sydney playmaker John Sutton (35), ex-Widnes prop Alex Gerrard (28); current St Helens and Wales international Morgan Knowles (23).
Trivia
Toronto Wolfpack are the 23rd different club to play in Super League – only Workington and Gateshead have only managed one season.