Rugby League Today: Getting one over the Aussies, horrible Catalans and Championship commentary

James Gordon

It’s the big one this morning – can Leeds get one over the Aussies and beat the mighty Melbourne Storm?

What’s on site

Steve McNamara says that Catalans couldn’t have played any worse than they did in the first half of their 23-4 defeat to Hull KR on Thursday night.

Leeds fly the flag for Super League this morning when they take on Melbourne Storm in their own backyard hoping for what would surely be the greatest World Club Challenge victory of all time.

The World Club Challenge has exposed one of rugby league’s ongoing issues – surely it’s time for the sport to have one set of rules/laws?

There’s more Super League tonight of course as Widnes host Warrington – check out our match preview.

It’s been a mixed week for Widnes, who have lost Charly Runciman through injury but yesterday handed Chris Dean a new deal.

If you haven’t seen it already, check out our feature on the countries that have hosted a Super League match.

There’s also some League One content ahead of that getting underway this weekend – we caught up with Richard Horne and Leon Pryce.

What’s in the papers

The Mirror speak with John Kear ahead of the new League One campaign, and he says turning around Bradford Bulls would be his greatest achievement.

There’s a new edition of one of our favourite rugby league pieces in The Guardian, No Helmets Required. Some very interesting bits in it about Hull and Wigan playing in traditional kits Down Under, and how TV viewing figures are more important than season ticket numbers…

What’s on social

Let’s bring back the feel good! How about this for a great start to the League One season on Sunday…

Our friends at BBC Radio Manchester set off a debate about whether Super League needs to play games around the globe. Cue some interesting responses…

The Rugby AM guys are doing good things for the sport (even if we aren’t convinced by Wayne Godwin’s segment – sorry Wagga!)

What’s on TV/radio

06:00 – Brian Noble: Sporting Triumphs – Sky Sports Arena

08:15 – Hull KR v Catalans highlights – Sky Sports Arena

08:30 – LIVE: World Club Challenge, Melbourne v Leeds – Sky Sports Arena & Main Event

09:00 – LIVE: World Club Challenge, Melbourne v Leeds – BBC Sport Website, 5 Live Sports Extra, BBC Radio Leeds

09:00 – LIVE: World Club Challenge, Melbourne v Leeds – Talksport 2

19:00 – Hull KR v Catalans highlights – Sky Sports Arena

19:15 – Melbourne v Leeds highlights – Sky Sports Arena

19:30 – LIVE: Super League, Widnes v Warrington – Sky Sports Arena & Main Event

This weekend we’ll be continuing our new LIVE Championship commentary at the AJ Bell Stadium, as Swinton host Batley. Join Dave Parkinson and James Gordon over on our Facebook page for full coverage of the game.

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