Rugby League Today: Bonkers relegation, Hastings future & the horrible division
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.
OFFICIAL ATTENDANCE: 1,148
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO TURNED OUT! CASTLEFORD FANS – YOU ARE IN A CLASS OF YOUR OWN! #COYF pic.twitter.com/I7X2ac4guV
— Cas Tigers Women (@CTRLFCWomen) May 23, 2019
There’s an interesting mood around Super League at the moment, here’s some insight from chief executive Robert Elstone.
Ahead of #MagicWeekend, and hot on the heels of an extended sponsorship deal, we caught up with @SuperLeague CEO Robert Elstone.
You can watch our chat with the man running top level #RugbyLeague in Europe here: https://t.co/OCqCuvIxHi pic.twitter.com/CHATt7jUZL
— Forty20LIVE (@Forty20LIVE) May 23, 2019
Our friend Andy Dakin has got a fantastic rugby league book out very soon…
Rugby League Grounds – A Photographic Archive is due out soon, grab your pre-publication offer while you can. Don't forget…… Father's Day is coming….. #RugbyLeague pic.twitter.com/Yno1UOqZTa
— Andy Dakin (@groundhopper23) May 23, 2019
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.