Rugby League Today: Pearson slams Toronto, Widdop could face Wigan & back to school for SBW

A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.

What’s on site

Toronto Wolfpack coach Brian McDermott insists the sport needs to start doing things differently in the northern hemisphere in order to grow.

Rochdale have announced the signing of Sam Hopkins for the 2020 League 1 season.

Catalans prop Remi Casty will continue in his role as Dragons captain this season.

England women’s star Amy Hardcastle has been included in the Women’s Team of the Decade.

Toronto Wolfpack’s star signing Sonny Bill Williams says he will do whatever he can to help grow the sport of rugby league.

What’s in the papers

Hull FC chairman Adam Pearson has told Toronto Wolfpack to stop moaning and start enjoying being a Super League club, report Hull Live.

Tyla Hepi’s six-year return journey to Super League has seen him working in Australian kitchens, building furniture in New Zealand and learning French, report the Mirror.

York coach James Ford admits he loves the new-found rivalry between Bradford and the Knights, report The Telegraph & Argus.

Sonny Bill Williams has gone back to school after a career at the very top – and is not overly keen on the food, report The Sun.

Steve Price refused to rule Gareth Widdop and Leilani Latu out of contention for Warrington’s season opener at Wigan on Thursday, report Warrington Guardian.

What’s on social

The ball came down with snow on it!

Some fine-tuning to the timing is still required. Poor Cameron Scott. #RugbyLeague pic.twitter.com/wPUyx5wHbG

— Mick Gledhill ??? (@TheGameCaller) January 23, 2020

Love them or hate them, you can’t deny that Toronto aren’t making headlines.

Line that @TOwolfpack 'can change the face of #rugbyleague' is right, look at the wider PR created already, but only if the sport as a whole – domestically & internationally – decides what face it wants to paint, otherwise why bring them to the table in the first place

— Phil Caplan (@scratchingshed2) January 23, 2020

What a fantastic promo.

An epic year needs an epic promo. So we did this. ?? #9WWOS #NRL pic.twitter.com/SbYeOuYicL

— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) January 20, 2020

What’s on TV/Radio

There will be live interviews with various Super League representatives on Sky Sports News throughout the day.

Podcast: The Final Hooter 2020 #1 – we are back with a bang!

Episode 46: Love Rugby League Weekly, hosted by deputy editor Drew Darbyshire.

The latest Chasing Kangaroos – An International Rugby League podcast is available to download now.

The latest Howlin’ Hour podcast is available to download now. Toronto Wolfpack founder Eric Perez is a special guest on the show.

The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.

We’ve got some top video content coming soon (biased, we know).

Birthdays

Hull KR coach Tony Smith turns 53 today.

Also celebrating; ex-St Helens favourite Jamie Lyon (38), Hull FC prop Brad Fash (24) and former Warrington star Nathan Wood (48).Trivia

Trivia

St Helens, Wigan, Leeds and Bradford are the only clubs to have won the title in the Super League era.