Rugby League Today: Magic Weekend ticket sales, concussion woes & Nikorima chase
What’s on site
Check out all the latest rumours, including an update on Magic Weekend ticket sales, in Off the Record.
Concussion protocols are getting attention in the world of sport, and rugby league is leading the way – despite it being ignored in an article on the BBC. Hull full-back Jamie Shaul is facing another month on the sideline due to concussion, while Catalans will be without three players this weekend too.
The new 1895 Cup gets underway this weekend, with a trip to Wembley the prize. The second round draw, which includes the English Championship clubs, takes place on Sunday evening.
With the Great Britain team on the agenda, we’ve had a look at the top six players who have played for more than one home nation.
Check out our in-depth preview of the NRL weekend.
New Zealand star Kodi Nikorima is being linked with a move to New Zealand Warriors.
What’s on social
Well, this is going to be interesting – or a car crash.
"There's no way [Toronto] had 9500 people in there…..
You can say what you want [about attendance figures], who's there monitoring it?
They need to be a lot smarter when they're plucking out figures!" – Derek BeaumontThis Thurs, 5pm on @FreeSports_TV
Sponsored by @TotalRL pic.twitter.com/MYMKevljwe
— RL Back Chat (@RLBackChat) May 1, 2019
It’s 20 years since the last Challenge Cup final at the old Wembley, won by Leeds over London Broncos.
? Highlights | 1999 Challenge Cup Final
? Watch all the tries as @leedsrhinos won the last Challenge Cup final to be held at the old @wembleystadium – 2️⃣0️⃣ years ago today. pic.twitter.com/nuH6ioqYHQ
— The Coral Challenge Cup (@TheChallengeCup) May 1, 2019
The rise of women’s rugby league is presenting new challenges…
The challenges of grassroots sports are wide a varied… due to the growth of female participation, one Rugby League Club is looking into a “child care officer” as a match day role. https://t.co/7jx6kQgvVC https://t.co/u4YBWdwkra
— Lewis Laing (@laing_lewis) May 1, 2019
What’s in the papers
Paul Sculthorpe raises an interesting point in his latest column in the St Helens Star, saying that too much focus is given to the rules and officiating of the game, and that more focus should be given to the players and competing.
A nice piece in The Mirror on Hull youngster Connor Wynne, who is an idol in coach Lee Radford’s household having played for the same community club as Radford’s two sons.
Barrow chairman Steven Neale is prepared to gamble on avoiding relegation, citing the significant drop in central funding for League One clubs, and has told coach Paul Crarey that if the right players come available, funds will be freed up to sign them.
Birthdays
Former St Helens coach Royce Simmons, who had a stellar playing career with Penrith and Australia, is 59 today.
Also celebrating: well-travelled Scotland international Oliver Wilkes (39); Dewsbury back-rower Michael Knowles (32); Toulouse and Scotland’s James Bell (25).
What’s on TV/radio
5pm – Rugby League Back Chat – Freesports
7pm – Live Super League: Wigan v London – Sky Sports Arena