Rugby League Today: Leeds reach semi-finals, Lam bids farewell & Hastings’ emotional goodbye
James Donaldson, Brad Dwyer and Luke Briscoe of Leeds celebrate their win with the fans at the end of the game
A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league…
What’s on site
Wigan 0-8 Leeds: Ash Handley try sees Rhinos progress in play-offs.
St Helens confirm signing of James Bell.
Shaun Wane not being drawn on speculation of Wigan return.
“I like the way the club is going” – Matty English commits to Huddersfield.
Super League top try scorer Ken Sio extends Salford stay.
What’s in the papers
Adrian Lam proud of “gutsy” final Wigan performance and discusses what’s next. (Manchester Evening News)
Everything Richard Agar said as Leeds show grit to seal semi-final spot. (Leeds Live)
Ash Handley’s try for Leeds enough to see off lacklustre Wigan. (The Guardian)
How Kane Linnett aims to help Hull KR enjoy unlikely play-off triumph. (The Yorkshire Post)
Warrington’s Stefan Ratchford awarded testimonial. (Warrington Guardian)
What’s on social
Stefan Ratchford will have a testimonial year in 2022. Fully deserved!
🐺 Stefan Ratchford has been granted a testimonial year for 2022! #rugbyleague pic.twitter.com/m8GEFc9Vnl
— Love Rugby League (@loverugbyleague) September 23, 2021
It has been a pleasure to watch Jackson Hastings in Super League. Best of luck to him back in the NRL.
An emotional farewell from Jackson Hastings 😥#SuperLeague #SLWigLee pic.twitter.com/bT2T3SEg7z
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 23, 2021
Adrian Lam has bid farewell to Wigan. Good luck to him in whatever he does next!
🗣 AL: “I’ve spent a big chunk of my life in Wigan. I want to say a big thank you to the fans that have been by my side as a coach or player.”
— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) September 23, 2021
What’s on TV/Radio
LIVE NRL: Preliminary final: South Sydney Rabbitohs v Manly Sea Eagles (10:50am) – Sky Sports Arena, Sky Sports Mix and Watch NRL
LIVE SL: Elimination play-off: Warrington v Hull KR (7:45pm) – Sky Sports Arena
Birthdays
St Helens legend and now Leeds assistant coach Sean Long turns 45 today.
Also celebrating; ex-Catalans, St Helens and Bradford coach Mick Potter (58), ex-Wigan winger Desi Williams (36), Jamaica international Ross Peltier (29), Leeds forward Alex Mellor (27) and St George Illawarra Dragons centre Zac Lomax (22).
Trivia
Featherstone’s Gareth Gale finished as the Championship’s top try scorer with 27 to his name, one in front of his Rovers team-mate Craig Hall in second.