Rugby League Today: Kear’s cheers, SL swap, Chase is back & Widnes debt details
What’s on site
Leeds are set to mark the full opening of their new north stand in front of the Sky Sports cameras against Castleford on Thursday. Read the preview here.
Rangi Chase will make his return to the professional game with League One side Doncaster, once his two-year drugs ban comes to an end.
Full details of the debt facing Chase’s former club Widnes have been revealed by a report by the administrators.
Ellery Hanley says he is enjoying the new Man of Steel format.
Warrington’s marquee man Blake Austin says playing in the Magic Weekend at Anfield will be a dream come true.
Salford and Wakefield have swapped Junior Sa’u and Pauli Pauli for a month.
What’s on social
Ryan Hall is set to take to the field Down Under…
Former @leedsrhinos powerhouse @Ryan5Hall is set to make his return to the rugby league arena this weekend? Congrats Hally! #EastsToWin pic.twitter.com/HOHRuWxC97
— Sydney Roosters ? ⭐️ (@sydneyroosters) May 14, 2019
Following my column on referee abuse earlier this week, there have been worse suggestions…
Note to @TheRFL @RFLReferees @SuperLeague to avoid negativity aimed at the referees in advance of each game. Don’t announce the match officials appointments. #rugbyleague
— Martin Crossley (@M_Crossley80) May 14, 2019
Top prize here…
? GIVEAWAY ?
WIN a signed @DragonsOfficiel Camp Nou shirt ?
To enter, just retweet this post and make sure you follow us ? Good luck! pic.twitter.com/onP59lmdoV
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 14, 2019
What’s in the papers
A full list of players in and out of contract in Super League has been published on the Hull Live website, with out of contract players now free to speak to other clubs.
John Kear orchestrated another famous Challenge Cup upset on Saturday, and then unwittingly became a social media superstar courtesy of his wife Dawn. He caught up with Gareth Walker in The Mirror.
Kevin Brown is on his way back to fitness, reports the Warrington Guardian, after he started running again following an Achilles tendon injury that ended his season before it began back in January.
Birthdays
Former Widnes winger Corey Thompson, now with Wests Tigers and who was second top try scorer in Super League back in 2016, celebrates his 29th birthday today.
Also celebrating: Scotland international Josh Barlow (28); Hull and England Knights forward Masi Matongo (23).
Trivia
Saturday’s historic clash between Catalans and Wigan at the Nou Camp is likely to break the Super League record crowd of 25,004.