Rugby League Today: GB reaction, NRL’s off season of shame & transfer news
What’s on site
The Thursday night Sky match this week is Warrington against Castleford. We have a look at the team news.
Liam Finn has left Newcastle Thunder after making just three appearances for the club.
Widnes have signed Luis Johnson on loan from Warrington, as well as hooker Dom Speakman to replace Liam Hood, who has signed for Leigh.
The dates for Great Britain’s tour to the southern hemisphere later this year have been confirmed.
The latest editor’s column looks at some of the sub-plots developing in this season’s Super League.
A bizarre new play-off system is being considered by the NRL.
What’s on social
Famous names have been lending their support to the return of Great Britain.
“Great Britain coming back is a big step forward. I felt it was narrow minded when England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales went their separate ways. The Lions history and heritage represents so much more and is the dream of every child who plays Rugby League."
– Barrie McDermott pic.twitter.com/AaUeSfFjbV
— Sky Sports RL (@SkySportsRL) March 5, 2019
“I am one of the biggest fans for international Rugby League and know first-hand how important it is for players to have the chance to represent their country on a tour Down Under. I was lucky to travel with GB in the early 90s and have so many wonderful memories."
– Phil Clarke pic.twitter.com/PDu34PqmIU
— Sky Sports RL (@SkySportsRL) March 5, 2019
“Playing for Great Britain is the pinnacle of your career. It’s a childhood dream growing up as a kid wanting to play on the international stage. Being a British Lion is a prestige honour that no one can ever take away from you.”
– Terry O'Connorhttps://t.co/hf8I6Y4cZd pic.twitter.com/PZrxBUYrbU
— Sky Sports RL (@SkySportsRL) March 5, 2019
There’s frustration over the BBC’s portrayal of rugby league, covering a story relating to an NRL scandal above the Great Britain news.
BBC Sport website never mentions NRL….but of course a sex tape scandal over the other side of the world top headlines an announcement of a GREAT BRITAIN tour. Pfft. pic.twitter.com/QgSVCtjWRN
— Bilko (@wiganrlfans) March 5, 2019
Toronto Wolfpack have revealed theme games for their home fixtures in this season’s Championship.
? "How do you keep your 8,000+ cardboard cutouts entertained?" – they ask in the heartlands of rugby league
THIS is how. Oh and beer.
? Lots and lots of tasty, craft beer in the Beer Garden.
PLUS match day pies in 2019. ?
See you this Summer at Lamport! ??? pic.twitter.com/ooEya4KqCb
— The Wolfpack Pack (@WolfPackPackTO) March 4, 2019
What’s in the papers
The Guardian have run a feature on what they’re calling the NRL’s off-season of shame, featuring Ben Barba and the recently disgraced Tyrone May.
Jamie Peacock says someone must be held accountable for the mess at Widnes, in his latest column in The Mirror.
St Helens have lent their support to a campaign for “Violet-Grace’s Law”, in memory of a four-year old girl who was killed in hit and run in the town.
Birthdays
Dual-code international Allan Bateman, who played for Great Britain in the 1990s, is 54 today. He played his club rugby league for Warrington and Cronulla.
Also celebrating: former Halifax, St Helens and Warrington forward turned actor Adam Fogerty (50); York forward Dave Peterson (27); ex-Salford, London and Halifax back-rower Andrew Brocklehurst (36).
What’s on TV/radio
7:30pm FreeSports: Rugby AM
The latest Super League show is now available on BBC iPlayer.
Super League chief executive Robert Elstone and Jon Wilkin feature on the BBC 5 Live Podcast, discussing the return of Great Britain.
Trivia
Great Britain have won their last four matches – three against New Zealand and one against France.