Rugby League Today: Happy Rob Burrow day, fans’ survey and RL in the south

James Gordon

What’s on site

“It’s important to spread the message that Rugby League is alive, and it kicks, in the South” – we caught up with Eastern Rhinos, the only active club in East Anglia, to discuss the challenges they face, their history and their aims moving forward.

More movement in the coaching market as Hunslet sack Gary Thornton, following Sunday’s defeat to Coventry were they squandered a 44-22 lead to lose 46-44.

Former Wigan prop Eddy Pettybourne has signed for a third different club in a third different country in the past three months, after confirming he will return to France with Limoux after his stint in Serbia at Red Star. He had previously penned a deal to move to the now cancelled North American rugby league.

It’s Rob Burrow Day – Leeds have announced that July 7th will be dedicated to their club legend, who has been made a patron of Motor Neurone Disease Association along with Kevin Sinfield, following his marathon fundraising effort.

Barrie McDermott is the latest in the “My Set of Six” hotseat, as he tells us about his favourite things in rugby league and his hope for the future. The photo on it is a belter too.

Don’t forget to do the rugby league fans’ survey to have your say on how the sport communicates with its fans.

What’s on social

You can now get a video message from your favourite rugby league star, apparently.

This will be worth the shipping.

Try of the week is the best addition to the RFL’s content output in recent seasons.

Happy Rob Burrow Day!

What’s in the papers

Wigan are set to sign Canterbury prop Renouf Atoni, reports the Manchester Evening News. The Kiwi is out of contract at the end of the season and the Warriors are offering big money to lure him to Super League and fill the void left by marquee man George Burgess.

The way the Super League Man of Steel award will be decided has been tweaked, with Super League now determining it by “points percentage” – which takes the points earned by a player and divide them by the number of games his team has played to decide who comes out on top, as explained in the Warrington Guardian.

Hull KR pair Joe Keyes and Will Dagger will be allowed to remain out on loan at Bradford and Featherstone respectively, Hull Live has reported.

Birthdays

London back-rower Rhys Curran, who previously played for Toulouse and France, turns 32 today (July 7).

Also celebrating: Wales international Ashley Bateman (33); former Great Britain, Salford and Wigan prop Andy Coley (43)

What’s on TV/radio

8.15am – Super League Show – BBC Two

7pm – NRL Try Time – Sky Sports Arena

Trivia

Eastern Rhinos, then known as Ipswich Rhinos, played against South London Storm at Twickenham Stoop in a curtain raiser to the Super League clash between Harlequins and Castleford back in 2008.

Features Amos Roberts