Rugby League Today: New captains, the Hearns, adverts

Drew Darbyshire

We have got a lot of content for you today.

What’s on the site

St Helens coach Justin Holbrook has handed the captaincy to someone new for 2018.

Our weekly ‘have your say’ feature has gone down like a house on fire on our socials! We discussed whether sporting supremos Barry and Eddie Hearn should get involved with Rugby League after recent comments made by Eddie.

Dave Taylor was sacked by Toronto Wolfpack last week but he is set to receive a lifeline in Australia this year.

Some Super League clubs have ditched their Reserve teams in recent weeks but a League 1 club have confirmed that they will run a second-string side this season.

In our ‘six tackles’ feature, we take a look at the overseas signings to get excited about ahead of the new Betfred Super League season.

What’s in the papers

The Mirror report that RFL interim chief executive Ralph Rimmer says a deal for a Test match in June between England and New Zealand in Denver could be finalised by the end of the month.

Rimmer told Mirror Sport: “We’re hoping to have an announcement by the end of the month, that’s what we’re aiming for.”

Widnes Vikings ace Gil Dudson has called for the international set-up to improve in an exclusive interview with the Daily Star.

He told the Daily Star: “I do not want to say it’s amateurish but our international set-up is a bit like an after-thought.

“You look at Rugby Union, how well it’s run, with the international fixtures set in stone and it’s turned into an international game.”

Wigan Warriors star Sam Tomkins has been talking to The Sun about being determined to get back in the England squad in 2018 after not being taken to the World Cup last term.

He told The Sun: “Getting back in the England team is right up there for this year, 100%.”

What’s on social

If you haven’t seen it already, here is a snippet of the official Super League advert for 2018.

Staying on topic with the Super League advert made by the Rugby Football League, a different advert has been created by the BBC for a preview show this weekend.

One of our most read articles on the site in the last 24 hours, James Gordon’s column on the new official Super League advert has created a lot of discussion on Facebook and Twitter…

What’s on TV/Radio

Not a live show, but make sure you check out the new Rugby League on talkSPORT 2 podcast hosted by Mark Wilson. Download now.

Monday’s Rugby League on Radio Yorkshire podcast is now available to download, hosted by Mark Wilson plus special guests.

The Final Hooter podcast is back on loverugbyleague.com, hosted by Dave Parkinson and Adrian Jackson. This week the podcast includes exclusive interviews with Steve Price, Tyrone Roberts, Micky Higham and Chris Houston. Not to be missed.

Features Barry Hearn