Rugby League Today: England’s message to Australia, Wane on ‘irrelevant’ Clarke & McShane’s challenge
A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.
What’s on site
England coach Shaun Wane has appointed Andy Last and Paul Wellens as his assistants.
We’ve selected a Dream XIII based on players who have never won a NRL Grand Final. It’s a very good team as well.
St Helens fan Bobby Lee is our latest guest on My Set of Six. He talks Jamie Lyon, War of the Roses and Saints’ 75-0 win over Wigan.
Warrington forward Joe Philbin says he is willing to play multiple games a week to keep the game going.
The French Rugby League Federation have confirmed they will scrap the 2019-20 season, with no club being awarded the title. Staying on France, Harrison Hansen has signed a new deal with Toulouse.
What’s in the papers
England coach Shaun Wane would play on Christmas Day to save planned Ashes series, reports the Mirror.
Shaun Wane dismisses criticism from ‘irrelevant’ Phil Clarke, reports Wigan Today.
England coach throws down challenge to Castleford hooker Paul McShane, reports The Yorkshire Post.
My favourite game: Warrington v Wigan, New Year’s Day 1988, reports The Guardian.
England boss Shaun Wane tells Aussies, ‘We’ll play you there at Christmas!’, reports The Sun.
What’s on social
Check these out…
How nice are these?! 😍 #rugbyleague https://t.co/oVZauWF0wP
— Love Rugby League (@loverugbyleague) April 15, 2020
Fair point.
Astonishing that, 25 years on & the last 'reset' moment, the debate is still – if not more than ever – relevant, & the fundamental questions of what the sport is, can and should/could be remain unanswered #rugbyleague https://t.co/I2lj6CAB0t
— Phil Caplan (@scratchingshed2) April 15, 2020
This is a great idea from the NRL!
Pen Pals 😍 Write a letter to your favourite #NRL player and we will make sure they get it ❗
….we may even get a few replies ✌✏ https://t.co/8sJjLTjbbL pic.twitter.com/WyMnXUaB5M
— NRL (@NRL) April 16, 2020
What’s on TV/Radio
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 Jon Wilkin and Mark Flanagan.
Sky Sports’ Golden Point podcast is available to download now.
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
France and Scotland international Kane Bentley turns 33 today.
Also celebrating; Fiji international Isaac Lumelume (22), ex-Leigh player Jason Duffy (33) and former Gateshead and Oldham utility Jamie Russo (39).
Trivia
Jim Sullivan holds the record for most goals kicked in a rugby league match, having kicked 22 for Wigan against Flimby & Fothergill in the Challenge Cup in 1925.
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