Rugby League Today: Disciplinary row, stagnant Magic, Swift move & McIlorum deal

James Gordon

What’s on site

St Helens winger Adam Swift will join Hull in 2020 on a two-year deal.

Not going anywhere is Catalans hooker Micky McIlorum, who has signed a two-year contract extension with the Dragons.

Plenty of wide ranging gossip in this week’s Off the Record, including news of a national newspaper blackout, Toulouse’s stadium plans, expansion of the Championship and Warrington centre changes.

The RFL have defended their disciplinary process after stinging criticism from Hull KR owner Neil Hudgell.

Barrow half-back Lewis Charnock has been banned for eight matches after his dangerous tackle on Sheffield centre James Glover at the Summer Bash.

Jordan Lilley has left Leeds to join Bradford on a permanent deal, where he was already half-way through an 18 month loan deal.

What’s on social

How about this from Gareth Ellis…

One of the nicest guys in rugby league…

?Six-year old Hudson Tate meeting one of his heroes and general good guy Willie Isa at the Magic Weekend. Love Rugby League.

Posted by Love Rugby League on Wednesday, May 29, 2019

What’s in the papers

Peter Smith gives his thoughts on the Magic Weekend in his Yorkshire Post column, who hints that the event should return to targeting more expansion areas rather than being on the doorstep of the heartlands.

Nice piece in The Mirror builds up to Thursday night’s Challenge Cup clash between Hull and Catalans, with Dragons coach Steve’s son having recently signed professional forms with Hull.

St Helens coach Justin Holbrook has told the St Helens Star he would like to see the Magic Weekend return to Anfield, where his side beat Castleford on Sunday night.

Barrow coach Paul Crarey is targeting “vulnerable” Widnes, who are the Raiders’ next opponents in the Championship on Sunday week, reports the North West Evening Mail.

Birthdays

Wigan legend Andrew Farrell, who has since carved out a career in rugby union, turns 44 today.

Also celebrating: ex-Warrington winger Henry Fa’afili (39); 1999 Man of Steel Adrian Vowles (48); former Great Britain coach David Waite (68); 2016 World Club Challenge winner Antonio Winterstein (31).

What’s on TV/radio

10.55am – Live NRL: Penrith v Manly – Sky Sports Arena

5pm – Rugby League Back Chat – FreeSports

7.30pm – Live Challenge Cup: Hull v Catalans – Sky Sports Arena

Trivia

On this day in 2002, Karl Harrison was appointed coach at Salford on the same day the club suspended Bobbie Goulding over an alleged training-ground bust-up.

Features Adam Swift