Rugby League Today: Kelly shirt snub, Castleford eye Grand Final & SL’s private equity deal
A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.
What’s on site
Hull FC have revealed their squad numbers for next season. Jake Connor has been given the number six shirt, with Albert Kelly moving to 14.
Television presenter Clare Balding will become the president of the Rugby Football League next summer, succeeding ex-footballer Tony Adams.
Leigh have announced their squad numbers for 2020. Jarrod Sammut will wear the number seven shirt.
It has been confirmed that the pre-season friendly between Valencia Huracanes and Featherstone will be played at El Campo del Pantano in Villajoyosa.
Rochdale have signed former Widnes winger Sam Freeman for 2020.
What’s in the papers
Super League’s private equity deal in very early stages – and may not happen, report The Sun.
Lee Radford praises Hull FC’s Albert Kelly despite number six shirt snub, report Hull Live.
Deal for Hull KR to buy Craven Park will be sealed very soon, report Hull Live.
George Griffin is aiming to go one better with Castleford and win the Grand Final, report The Yorkshire Post.
Club support for inquiry into RFL’s handling of Bradford evaporates, report the i.
What’s on social
A great way to announce a signing!
?✍#AnnounceFreeman pic.twitter.com/V19ML3aVmq
— Rochdale Hornets (@RochdaleHornets) December 18, 2019
An emotional message from Salford’s favourite son.
A message to the @SalfordDevils on behalf of Jacko, he is currently having trouble with his twitter. He's so grateful from the bottom of his heart! #WeveGot #31 ?❤ pic.twitter.com/mAupqX7VUI
— Meg Harrod (@Megsharrod) December 17, 2019
Another reminder of how powerful sport can be.
Martin Taupau makes an emotional return to Samoa to visit families affected by the country’s deadly measles outbreak.
?- https://t.co/8Kx2kWCpC9 via @ZacBailey14 @MartyKapow pic.twitter.com/amHVISFMZd
— NRL (@NRL) December 18, 2019
What’s on TV/Radio
The latest Love Rugby League Lunch Hour was recorded on Thursday.
RUGBY LEAGUE LUNCH HOUR 12.12Drew and Josh discuss all things rugby league. Join the debate, comment below.
Posted by Love Rugby League on Thursday, December 12, 2019
Podcast: The Final Hooter International #2 – full-time report and analysis by Love Rugby League.
Episode 46: Love Rugby League Weekly, hosted by deputy editor Drew Darbyshire.
The latest Chasing Kangaroos – An International Rugby League podcast is available to download now.
Birthdays
Castleford loose forward Adam Milner turns 28 today.
Also celebrating; Halifax hooker Ben Kaye (31), former Leeds forward Carl Ablett (34) and South Sydney Rabbitohs prop Tom Amone (23).
Trivia
Toronto Wolfpack will be the 23rd club to have played in Super League next season.
Current clubs: Castleford, Catalans, Huddersfield, Hull FC, Hull KR, Leeds, Salford, St Helens, Toronto, Wakefield, Warrington, Wigan.
Former clubs: London, Bradford, Widnes, Halifax, Sheffield, Crusaders, Leigh, Oldham, Paris Saint-Germain, Gateshead, Workington.