Rugby League Today: Coronavirus pandemic could see clubs go under & Pearson fears for Super League’s future

Drew Darbyshire

A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.

What’s on site

The Challenge Cup sixth round draw has been made. Holders Warrington face a tricky opening to their defence of the Challenge Cup, after they were drawn at Wigan.

The rugby league season in the UK has been suspended until April 3 – including all Super League, Championship, League 1 and women’s games.

The latest paper talk feature is out now. North America eyes Ryan Brierley, Craig Fitzgibbon has been linked with Hull FC and Catalans suffer a financial blow.

The NRL is back so we have taken a look at how the British contingent got on in round one. George Williams shines on debut, Elliott Whitehead was a workhorse and Kallum Watkins was impressive in defeat.

The International Rugby League board say they will not be making any decisions about future competitions at this stage due to the coronavirus pandemic.

What’s in the papers

There is no further disciplinary action against St Helens duo Matty Lees and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook after they were sin-binned at Castleford, reports St Helens Star.

Sheffield Eagles just want to play as rugby league makes coronavirus decision, reports The Yorkshire Post.

Unless the sport secures financial support from the government, Hull FC owner Adam Pearson fears the coronavirus could not only spell the end of his club but Super League too, reports The Yorkshire Post.

Wakefield chief executive fears ‘astronomical’ impact on some rugby league clubs, reports The Guardian.

Lawyer believes it could be ‘weeks’ before clubs go under because of shutdown, reports The Sun.

What’s on social

Derrell Olpherts has enjoyed a fine start to his Castleford career.

Mystic Bilko!

Don’t say that…

What’s on TV/Radio

The Fan – Fox League (8:30am)

Super League Show – BBC Two (1pm)

1895 Cup Round 1 and Round 2 draws – Our League app (6:30pm)

Former Super League and NRL forward Keith Mason is this week’s guest on The Last Tackle. He talks about his switch to the NRL at 20 as well as his new rugby comic – Rugby Blood.

Super League’s Out Of Your League podcast is back, featuring Brian McDermott.

Sky Sports’ Golden Point podcast is available to download now.

Tanya Arnold hosts the Super League Show.

Podcast: The Final Hooter #4 – featuring rugby league royalty Ellery Hanley.

The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.

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

Birthdays

St Helens youngster Jack Welsby turns 19 today.

Also celebrating; Salford winger Krisnan Inu (33), former Widnes favourite Patrick Ah Van (32) and Wakefield forward Adam Tangata (29).

Trivia

Pat Richards holds the record for most points in a Super League season with 434 for Wigan in 2010.

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