Rugby League Today: Cameron Smith conspiracies, Nuuausala and Houston waits on ref charge
What’s on site
After his skirmish with Phil Bentham on Friday night, Widnes forward Chris Houston has been handed a charge that could land him a two match ban. We’ll find out whether he’ll appeal later today.
Wigan and Hull are back in the UK after a successful fortnight or so in Australia, and it will hold them in good stead for the remainder of the season.
Only seven of the 12 Super League teams were in action over the weekend, but we’ve clobbered together a Team of the Week.
Don’t forget to read through five things we learned over the weekend.
It was another successful night for our new Championship live commentary, which saw Dewsbury register a 38-6 win at Rochdale. Listen again here.
What’s in the papers
Cameron Smith has been handed a warning for his elbow on Leeds’ Matt Parcell during the World Club Challenge, which came after Parcell was penalised a little harshly for a one-on-one tackle on the Melbourne skipper. The Yorkshire Evening Post says that’s caused quite a stir Down Under, with some claiming Smith receives favourable treatment.
The future of Wigan forward Frank-Paul Nuuausala remains unclear, with Wigan Today reporting that Shaun Wane was tightlipped following his non-appearance in the exhibition against South Sydney.
What’s on social
The RFL wanted to appoint someone on a four-year deal for the England job – and now they’ve given Wayne Bennett a new two-year deal. We were scratching our heads too.
Dear @RLonRY – irrespective of Mr Bennett's re-appointment, did not Mr Rimmer not brief the press that the next deal would be a four year one (please can you let me out the cupboard)
— Phil Caplan (@scratchingshed2) February 19, 2018
Here, here…
Fair to say yesterday's @YorkKnightsRLFC and @BarrowRaiders games were great ads for promotion and relegation? Movement between divisions livens up all the divisions, strengthening whole game
— Forty20 (@Forty20magazine) February 19, 2018
Things not looking great for Salford at the moment…
Given what happened at Bradford, and the fact they’ve appointed an insolvency specialist as a director… I think it’s quite clear what’s going to happen https://t.co/fXzBbQE6GS
— George Clarke (@GLR_Clarke) February 19, 2018
What’s on TV/radio
The BBC 5live podcast is now available, with a feature on Wayne Bennett.
Keep an eye out for the Super League Show on the BBC iPlayer too.