Rugby League Today: Catalans relying too much on Tomkins, support for Coote’s GB inclusion & transfer gossip
There has been plenty of player movement over the last 24 hours.
What’s on site
Salford have confirmed the signing of Chris Atkin from Hull KR, who confirmed his departure at the end of the season along with Josh Drinkwater and James Greenwood.
Rangi Chase has agreed a deal to remain with League One side Doncaster for next season.
Win six hospitality tickets to a Super League play-off game in our latest competition with Batchelors Mushy Peas.
Check out all the latest gossip in our weekly Off the Record column.
The latest Final Hooter podcast is out now, featuring reaction and interviews from Wembley.
We have got the latest team news from Friday’s matches – Warrington v Wakefield, St Helens v Huddersfield, Leeds v Salford and Wigan v Catalans.
Kallum Watkins has been dropped by Gold Coast Titans, while Canberra Raiders will rest John Bateman this weekend.
Catalans star David Mead has suffered a season-ending injury.
What’s in the papers
Gareth Walker’s brilliant scouting reports are back. The Mirror journalist focuses on Hull KR starlet Elliot Wallis, who has been called up by the Nigerian national team.
Catalans are relying too much on ex-Wigan pair Sam Tomkins and Micky McIlorum, which has been highlighted by their recent slump in their absence, reports Wigan Today.
Ex-Scotland coach Steve McCormack says Lachlan Coote has proved his commitment to his heritage and deserves his Great Britain call-up, according to the St Helens Star.
George Burgess is not guaranteed a return to the Souths line-up for the NRL play-offs, despite his nine-match ban coming to an end, coach Wayne Bennett has told the Telegraph.
Warrington will give free Flakes to fans at Friday’s game against Wakefield, with marquee man Blake Austin being on the wrapper, report Warrington Guardian.
Leeds half-back Robert Lui says it will be “all business” when he links up to face his former club Salford on Friday, report Yorkshire Evening Post.
If you are into your expansion then I recommend reading Gavin Willacy’s column for No Helmets Required on The Guardian. Toulouse Olympique are starting to dream of Super League promotion, and there is plenty to speak about on the game in France.
What’s on social
Cadbury’s Blake anyone?
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) September 4, 2019
This is a fair try…
#MondayMotivation Get that to-do list blitzed by channelling your inner @MuizzMustapha #RugbyLeague pic.twitter.com/ZVdAOe7Tf1
— Newcastle Thunder (@ThunderRugby) September 2, 2019
Hat tip to Richard for this one…
Boris Johnson. The "James Webster after he said Wakefield were preparing for the middle 8s" of Prime Ministers. #RugbyLeague
— Richard Shaw-Wright (@thersw) September 4, 2019
Birthdays
The recently retired Gareth Hock, the former Great Britain, England, Wigan and Salford back-rower, celebrates his 36th birthday today.
Also celebrating: prop forward turned film star Rob Parker (38); Halifax playmaker Scott Murrell (34); Wales international Christiaan Roets (39).
What’s on TV/radio
5pm – Rugby League Back Chat – Free Sports
7pm – Live Super League: Castleford v Hull – Sky Sports Arena
The Super League Show is available to watch on demand right now.
The following podcasts are available to download now:
The Final Hooter – Love Rugby League
BBC Radio 5 Live Rugby League podcast
Trivia
London have won more games this season than they managed in any of their last five seasons in the top flight.
More on site
Salford confirm signing of Chris Atkin
Rangi Chase extends stay at Doncaster
Team news: Hull KR v London (Fri)