Rugby League Today: Legends’ birthdays, State of Mind and Hull KR moves
What’s on site
Hull KR have been busy in the loan market, signing Harvey Livett from Warrington and Daniel Murray from Salford, with Ryan Lannon going to the Red Devils.
It’s international weekend Down Under, with Tonga taking on New Zealand the highlight – Michael Jennings is missing for Tonga, with veterans Benji Marshall and Kieran Foran in the Kiwis squad.
Transfer deadline day has been moved back to August, the RFL have confirmed.
Ryan Hall and the Canberra trio have been causing a stir in the NRL once again, catch up with all the latest in Brits Down Under.
Leeds are after Jason Demetriou to be their new coach, while there’s talk of expanding the Championship – as first reported on this site a few weeks ago – in the latest Paper Talk.
What’s on social
Realism wins.
Plenty Lee, but I tend to live in something like the real world, and not thos fantasy one many do.
If that's negative, so be it.#NegativeRugbyLeague https://t.co/GwfdLJ2TZ0
— Richard Shaw-Wright (@thersw) June 17, 2019
Still trying to work out whether this is good for British rugby league or not. I’m going with yes.
Huge signing for Titans. What about the class of English players in the NRL now: Widdop, Graham, Hall, Watkins, Bateman, Hodgson, Whithead, Sutton, G Burgess, S Burgess, T Burgess https://t.co/RcGAaWujLH
— Brad Walter (@BradWalterSport) June 14, 2019
A fine sight in full flow throughout his career.
I’ve have achieved 300 games as a professional rugby league player. For a lad who started in London it’s not too bad an achievement. I just want to thank you to the staff and clubs who have given me the opportunity to make this landmark.
— Rob Worrincy (@Rdotworrincy) June 15, 2019
What’s in the papers
Former Warrington and Wakefield forward Ian Knott spoke with The Guardian over the weekend, discussing his work with State of Mind and the problems he has faced following the end of his playing career.
Chris Thorman’s efforts to support a fan following tweets about his mental health have been noted by The Mirror.
Hull KR’s Chris Atkin is set to join Salford on a two-year deal, according to Hull Live. He has found chances limited this season, appearing off the bench and being an unused substitute on several occasions this season.
Birthdays
Australia, Queensland and Melbourne legends Billy Slater and Cameron Smith are both 36 today.
Also celebrating: dropped NSW Origin centre Latrell Mitchell (22); Batley’s Scotland international David Scott (26); Toronto’s Blake Wallace (27); London hooker Eloi Pelissier (28); ex-Warrington and Canterbury half-back Michael Sullivan (39); former Hull KR forward Clint Newton (38).
What’s on TV/radio
7.15am – Super League Show – BBC2
New rugby league recruit Luther Burrell is a guest on the latest BBC Radio 5 Live Rugby League Podcast.
Trivia
London Broncos are one win away from earning a points tally that would have seen them avoid relegation in each of the last eight seasons it was in place – only in 2006, when immune Catalans finished bottom on 16 (Castleford were relegated as a result on 19 points)