Rugby League Today: Burrow motivates Leeds, some Catalans players unhappy & latest gossip

Drew Darbyshire

A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.

What’s on site

Our Super League 2020 preview is out now. We’ve compiled a list of all the squad numbers as announced by the 12 Super League clubs.

Catalans chairman Bernard Guasch has defended the controversial signing of Israel Folau and says he can become a role model for youngsters in the game.

The off the record column is filled with juicy gossip this week. Will the Women’s Super League be on TV? Which heritage stars are Jamaica looking at? What are the latest visas issues at Toronto? Find out in the rumour mill.

New Leeds captain Stevie Ward says they will use Rob Burrow as motivation and inspiration for a climb up the Super League table in 2020.

Our FREE Fantasy Rugby League for Super League and Championship is back for 2020. Join now!

What’s in the papers

Warrington’s new recruit Leilani Latu says he needs to make his mark quickly on Super League, report Warrington Guardian.

Luke Gale will use Rov Burrow as inspiration as he steps into Leeds No. 7 shirt, report the Mirror.

Great Britain’s only openly gay professional rugby league player Keegan Hirst says some Catalans players are not happy about Israel Folau’s signing, report TalkSPORT.

Stuart Pearce says watching rugby league hardmen makes him more frustrated with football, report The Sun.

Former dual-code international Gareth Thomas has hit out at Catalans signing Israel Folau, report The Guardian.

What’s on social

It’s hard not to like Sonny Bill Williams!

Matty Smith has his say on Catalans’ signing of Israel Folau.

A special effort…

What’s on TV/Radio

Wigan v Warrington – Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Arena (7:45pm)

Super League’s Out Of Your League podcast is back, featuring Sam Burgess.

Sky Sports’ Golden Point podcast is back, with Warrington chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick being a special guest.

Betfred have launched a magazine show called The Last Tackle on YouTube, hosted by Mark Pearson.

Tanya Arnold is joined by the stars of Super League to look ahead to the 2020 season in the first Super League Show of 2020.

Podcast: The Final Hooter 2020 #1 – we are back with a bang!

The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.

The latest 5 Live Rugby League Podcast is out now, hosted by Dave Woods.

The latest Total Rugby League Show is available to download now, hosted by Ben Hughes.

The In Touch Show is out now by Betfred.

We’ve got some top video content coming soon (biased, we know).

Birthdays

Bradford legend Shontayne Hape turns 39 today.

Also celebrating; former Hull FC back-rower Mark Minichiello (38), Wakefield loose forward Brad Walker (22) and France international William Barthau (30).

Trivia

Wigan hold the record for the most league titles with 22 to their name.

Features Barrow Raiders