Rugby League Today: Melbourne eye Mulhern, Frayssinous to coach Ottawa & Hardaker puts past behind him
A wrap up of the latest rugby league news.
What’s on site
Ottawa Aces have been officially launched to League 1 in 2021.
Catalans are expecting an answer within the next 24 hours regarding their home game with Leeds, after the French government banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people due to coronavirus.
Wigan prop Ben Flower and Catalans full-back Sam Tomkins have been given two-match bans. Hull FC forward Ligi Sao has been handed a one-match suspension.
Man of Steel Jackson Hastings is set for an emotional return to Salford when his Wigan team visit the AJ Bell Stadium on Friday night.
The latest paper talk feature is out now. Warrington want Ricky Leutele, rugby union are eying Jackson Hastings and clubs have received advice from the Rugby Football League on coronavirus.
What’s in the papers
Melbourne Storm are leading the race to sign Ireland and Hull KR prop Robbie Mulhern for next season, reports The Mole for Wide World of Sports.
Hull FC kicker Marc Sneyd is simply world class says record holder Lee Briers, reports The Yorkshire Post.
Ottawa Aces outline Super League plans after confirming 2021 entry to League 1, reports the Mirror.
Catalans’ hopes of seeing Israel Folau take on Sonny Bill Williams in front of a bumper 67,000 crowd appear over because of the coronavirus, reports The Sun.
Wigan’s Zak Hardaker puts bad times in the past and targets World Cup role, reports The Guardian.
What’s on social
Former Catalans boss Laurent Frayssinous favourite for the Ottawa job.
▪️5/6 weeks to name the head coach (which we all suspect is Laurent Frayssinous btw)
— Gary Carter (@GaryCarter_1979) March 9, 2020
We sense sarcasm…
Just you wait til West Wales Raiders get there. https://t.co/3rGQ1WogFn
— James Gordon (@jdgsport) March 9, 2020
The Aces say they are in no rush to reach Super League.
“Our goal is to one day do what they (Toronto Wolfpack) did and make it to Super League. We’ll do that with patience and hopefully some homegrown talent as well.” New Ottawa Aces chairman Eric Perez at press conference confirming club’s entry to L1 next season pic.twitter.com/IqMP0aJie5
— Gareth Walker (@garethwalker) March 9, 2020
What’s on TV/Radio
Super League Show – BBC Two (1pm)
1895 Cup round one and two draws – Our League app (6:30pm)
Toronto Wolfpack ‘superfan’ Sandy Shipley is this week’s guest on The Last Tackle. She talks about following the Wolfpack’s Canadian rugby league dream.
Super League’s Out Of Your League podcast is back, featuring Aidan Sezer.
Sky Sports’ Golden Point podcast is available to download now.
Betfred have launched a magazine show called The Last Tackle on YouTube, hosted by Mark Pearson.
Tanya Arnold hosts the Super League Show.
Podcast: The Final Hooter #4 – featuring rugby league royalty Ellery Hanley.
The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.
The latest 5 Live Rugby League Podcast is out now, hosted by Dave Woods.
The latest Total Rugby League Show is available to download now, hosted by Ben Hughes.
The In Touch Show is out now by Betfred.
Birthdays
Former New Zealand international Greg Eastwood turns 33 today.
Also celebrating; Salford centre Kris Welham (33), Huddersfield utility Chester Butler (25) and Hull KR hooker Jez Litten (22).
Trivia
Henry Paul holds the record for most goals in a game with 14 for Bradford in a 96-16 win over Salford back in 2000.
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