Rugby League Today: Ex-ref slams Tony Smith, Boas wonder try & Rovers cool on Lui
What’s on site
Plenty to talk about in the Super League relegation battle, but also 1895 Cup and Toronto in this week’s editor’s column.
No debate on what the ugly should be this week, but how bad are Sky Sports’ mistakes on the TV planner, which probably meant your recordings of the weekend’s action didn’t make it.
They say things come in threes, so beware St Helens fans. A day after their shock defeat at bottom side London, it was confirmed legend Sean Long is to leave the club with immediate effect to take up a role with Harlequins rugby union.
As usual, plenty of headline grabbing action involving our Brits Down Under, with the Burgess’ in a fight, a top performance by Ryan Sutton and Ryan Hall catching the eye.
Castleford have confirmed the signing of Tyla Hepi from Toulouse.
Time to update our Leigh-united piece – Jordan Thompson has become the 12th player to return to Leigh under John Duffy, signing from Hull.
What’s on social
I wish Richard Silverwood would tell us what he really thinks about Tony Smith…
Shock horror. Tony Smith only back a week and blaming referees. I had 10 years of his whinging. Bloke is a weirdo
— Richard Silverwood (@SilversRef) June 10, 2019
If Watson Boas doesn’t win this for his effort for Doncaster against Oldham…
? #OURLEAGUE Try of the Week!
? Dan Toal – @BarrowRaiders
⚫️ Ratu Naulago – @HullFCOfficial
? Watson Boas – @Doncaster_RLFC
?? Paul Marcon – @TOXIII
? James Harrison – @FevRovers
⚔️ Liam Harris – @YorkKnightsRLFC? Head over to 'Polls' on the #OURLEAGUE app and vote! pic.twitter.com/LqSo39wSuo
— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) June 10, 2019
Widnes’ Danny Craven had a try flagged in touch by the touchjudge over the weekend. Difficult job that.
In touch?? pic.twitter.com/YMLlxCHK7b
— Danny Craven (@dannycraven21) June 10, 2019
Police stopping a game of rugby league taking place in Greece.
#LetGreecePlay
This (police stopping a rugby league match) cannot continue to happen! Tomorrow we will march (peacefully) to the sports minister's office and demand assurances that the GREECE vs @scotlandrl match for @RLWC2021 qualification can be played without any interference! pic.twitter.com/nX91JtAKpq— Greek Rugby League Association (@GreekRL) June 10, 2019
Always good to see…
Ha! Bloody love Rugby League. https://t.co/qixVerft5O
— Adam Hills (@adamhillscomedy) June 9, 2019
What’s in the papers
Joe Westerman has signed a deal with Wakefield for next season, according to Hull Live.
Hull Live says Hull KR’s interest in Salford’s Robert Lui is over following the departure of Tim Sheens, though they are still in the market for a half-back.
Huddersfield coach Simon Woolford bemoaned his side’s defeat to Castleford, as they lost in a narrow encounter for the third time, reports the Huddersfield Examiner.
Birthdays
New Zealand World Cup winning coach Stephen Kearney, who played for NZ Warriors, Melbourne and Hull, turns 47 today.
Also celebrating: Well-travelled Australia and Samoa international Reni Maitua (37); Catalans half-back or centre Samisoni Langi (26); former Man of Steel and Richard Agar’s dad, Allan (70)
What’s on TV/radio
1pm – Super League Show – BBC2
Trivia
Sunday was the seventh time London Broncos have beaten St Helens in the Super League era, and at the fifth different ground – Knowsley Road, Griffin Park, Halton Stadium, Twickenham Stoop, Ealing Trailfinders.