Rugby League Today: More Wigan woe, triple Warrington boost & Magic Weekend
What’s on site
Wigan’s turbulent season suffered yet another blow last night as it was revealed Australian prop Gabe Hamlin, one of their better performers this season, has failed a drugs test.
There was better news at Warrington, who announced that Tom Lineham, Toby King and Joe Philbin have all penned new deals to stay at the club until the end of 2021.
There’s also been player movement at Castleford, who have brought in prop Daniel Smith following his release by Huddersfield.
Tomorrow night’s live televised clash sees Leeds look to build on their dramatic golden point victory over Castleford with a trip to Hull KR.
Golden point is the subject of this week’s Have Your Say debate, after its second instance in Super League again ended with only one team touching the ball in the extra period.
Don’t forget you can write to us at any time to be featured in the Mailbox column – this week’s writer has a bold suggestion for Magic Weekend.
What’s on social
It’s not a great time to be a Wigan fan at the moment – just six months from their Grand Final win.
Anybody want to challenge me on this again? There’s a culture of recreational drugs in the club – A particular group. The only way it’ll be sorted is if the rest of the playing group is punished when they get caught because they evidently don’t give a toss about the club. https://t.co/DL0dxPdRSR
— Alex Tyrer Graham (@AlexG6) April 2, 2019
You couldn’t have dreamed up the sequence of stories surrounding Wigan so far this year.
Tell you what, Wigan can't be far off a full house in "Bad PR Bingo". Salary cap deduction, coach u-turn, chairman not signing contracts, marquee man apparently off to NRL, player drink driving, now player fails drugs test. ? #rugbyleague
— James Gordon (@jdgsport) April 2, 2019
Not sure what to say about this one…
Limited Edition Signed hardback copies of my debut novel TOUGH SEASON the first ever raunchy crime thriller featuring rugby league £17.99 incl p&p pay by BACS cheque or cash need to know ASAP for numbers as strictly limited hardback edition here's the cover. Message me now! pic.twitter.com/DpPlnTNaqP
— Chris Berry (@CHRISBERRY50) April 2, 2019
Widnes continuing their admirable work with fans following their survival.
Thanks to everyone involved @WidnesRL for organising the inaugural Members Monday a special heartfelt thanks to our CEO Phil Finney for having Neve as your guest and to @dannycraven21 @BrandKeanan for your amazing presents. @sam_wilde apparently your are taking us to Nando’s ???? pic.twitter.com/RbzXb7ALAG
— Sarah Ireland (@sarahireland75) April 1, 2019
What’s in the papers
Nice feature in The Mirror on the wedding of Ben and Roxy Murdoch-Masila, with the latter attending her shirt presentation ceremony with the Wolves women’s team in her wedding dress on the same evening!
Jarryd Hayne is being pursued in the civil court of an alleged rape during his time in America playing in the NFL, reports The Daily Telegraph, though he has been allowed to give evidence from Australia.
The Hull Daily Mail explains the change in ownership at Hull KR following the departure of major investor and vice chairman, Rob Crossland.
The Warrington Guardian is reporting that Jake Mamo will miss Warrington’s clash with London Broncos this Friday night.
Birthdays
He’s a man that might be getting a bit more game time in the near future, Wigan’s Taulima Tautai is 31 today, April 3rd.
Also celebrating: Former Australia, Queensland and Brisbane flyer, now a rugby union star, Israel Folau (30); London hooker/half-back James Cunningham (25); New Zealand international half Kodi Nikorima (25)