Rugby League Today: BMM keen on Warrington stay, Bennett shrugs off England talk & Hadley’s horrific injury
A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.
What’s on site
Widnes half-back Matty Smith is the latest guest on the rugby league diet, in partnership with Heaven ‘N’ Health. He is aiming to lose weight before the Championship season gets underway.
Our latest quiz is out now. How well do you know Wigan’s new signing George Burgess?
Leigh have signed Hull pair Cameron Scott and Lewis Bienek on season-long loan deals.
Toronto have released their squad numbers for 2020. Marquee man Sonny Bill Williams will wear the number 21.
Gareth Widdop is excited to live a more relaxed life in the UK and get away from the attention in Australia.
What’s in the papers
Wigan back-rower Liam Farrell has a burning ambition to regain his place in the England team, report Wigan Today.
Ben Murdoch-Masila has spoken of his “love” for Warrington and his openness to remaining at the club beyond this year, report Warrington Guardian.
Kevin Brown ready to step up at Salford but not into Jackson Hastings’ boots, report the Mirror.
Wayne Bennett shrugs off England job talk with gym session – aged 70, report The Sun.
Hull KR’s Dean Hadley facing lengthy lay-off after suffering horrifying injury, report Hull Live.
What’s on social
Ricky Gervais being Ricky Gervais!
Ricky Gervais' message to Rob Burrow
Comedian Ricky Gervais offered his support to Leeds Rhinos Legend Rob Burrow, who's been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, in his own unique way…
Posted by Love Rugby League on Friday, January 17, 2020
We enjoyed hospitality at Castleford yesterday to celebrate Michael Shenton’s testimonial. We are biased but our logo looks ace on his shirt!
?? A great moment for our skipper, leading out the Tigers with his family. #COYF@Ms4Testimonial #COYF pic.twitter.com/Hl2rlBLyLo
— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) January 19, 2020
Toronto boss Brian McDermott certainly doesn’t beat around the bush.
Another fascinating Brian McDermott press conference. Reiterated his belief Toronto should get more cap dispensation for the good of the Wolfpack's development and admits they'd be open to looking at 'projects' from Saracens
— Aaron Bower (@AaronBower) January 19, 2020
What’s on TV/Radio
Podcast: The Final Hooter 2020 #1 – we are back with a bang!
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.
The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.
We’ve got some top video content coming soon (biased, we know).
Birthdays
Leeds coach Richard Agar turns 48 today.
Also celebrating; ex-St Helens and Huddersfield prop Keith Mason (38), New Zealand international Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (31) and Catalans back-rower Matt Whitley (24).
Trivia
Eight teams have only ever won the Challenge Cup once – Salford, Hull KR, Barrow, Workington, Bradford FC, Catalans, Rochdale and Sheffield.