Rugby League Today: Bonkers relegation, Hastings future & the horrible division

James Gordon

Photo courtesy of Richard Long

What’s on site

For Wigan and Catalans, it was the Nou Camp last week and now Anfield this week. There’s ever more theatre for rugby league players these days, and Wigan centre Oliver Gildart has revealed what stadium he most wants to play in.

Brian Noble says it would be “bonkers” for rugby league if Leeds were relegated from Super League.

Highly-rated half-back Jackson Hastings says he is focused on playing for Salford and is in no rush to decide on his future.

Jansin Turgut’s family have issued a positive update on his condition following his fall in Ibiza.

A poll of fans reveals 58% of rugby league supporters are in favour of more overseas clubs joining RFL competitions.

Clubs are facing a race against time to get out of the “horrible” League One, according to Keighley chief Mick O’Neill.

What’s on social

This is a fine effort, and stands alongside women’s football which is remarkable considering the agenda-driven flooding of coverage the round ball gets in the media.

There’s an interesting mood around Super League at the moment, here’s some insight from chief executive Robert Elstone.

Our friend Andy Dakin has got a fantastic rugby league book out very soon…

What’s in the papers

Warrington chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick has told his social media staff to keep on tweeting, despite accusations of disrespect from rival clubs, according to The Mirror.

Ava Seumanufagai says Leeds are close to turning a corner in the Yorkshire Post. He said: “I feel like once something clicks with us it will all just come together and then we will go well.”

Warrington are doing great things on and off the pitch at the moment, and their links with their local community clubs are part of that, as reported by the Warrington Guardian at Crosfields.

Birthdays

Castleford assistant coach Ryan Sheridan, who played for Sheffield, Leeds, Widnes and the Tigers during his playing days, turns 44 today.

Also celebrating: Widnes hooker Jordan Johnstone (22); ex-Wales international Jordan James (39); Australia and Sydney Roosters full-back Anthony Minichiello (39); former Castleford, Widnes, Wakefield and Catalans winger Damien Blanch (36); Wakefield flier Mason Caton-Brown (26).

What’s on TV/radio

11am – Live NRL: Newcastle Knights v Sydney Roosters – Sky Sports Arena

7.30pm – Live Championship: Sheffield v Toronto – Sky Sports Arena

Trivia

It’s the indigenous round in the NRL this weekend, and statistics  last season showed that 12% of NRL players are indigenous, significantly higher than the 2.8% of the overall population.