Rugby League Today: Player facing drugs ban, more streaming capers and Wigan bank on Isa

James Gordon

What’s on site

Another week brings another statement from Bradford Bulls around streaming their games – this time after Warrington turned down a request to show the Challenge Cup tie between the clubs this weekend.

Wigan have handed Willie Isa a new three-year deal – as well as announcing that their upcoming game with Salford has been brought forward to Friday May 4 (previously Sunday May 6).

There’s a new face at the helm of the USA national team, and he’ll be familiar to some Salford fans – their former back-rower Sean Rutgerson, who had been assistant to Brian McDermott before the Leeds chief stepped down following the World Cup.

Sticking with an international theme, long-term injury victim Danny Addy is to cut his coaching teeth by taking over Scotland’s Under 19s programme for the remainder of this year.

We predicted a 7/5 split in Super League earlier this season, and Lorna Eden looks at whether we’re now seeing that all fall in to place in the latest Stat Attack column.

The latest gossip column was out on Wednesday too, shortly before Ryan Bailey became another player on the increasingly long list of those who have played for both Leigh and Toronto in recent years.

What’s in the papers

The Hull Daily Mail report that Hull KR centre Thomas Minns has been suspended by the club after failing a drugs test. A two-year ban looks likely for the former Leeds man after he failed the test following the win over Huddersfield last month, and was hastily withdrawn from the squad that faced Warrington last week.

Super League legend Leon Pryce reckons that over-coaching is affecting England’s ability to usurp Australia, particularly when it comes down to half-backs, reports The Guardian.

What’s on social media

Tara Jones, Super League’s first female official, is making waves – sort of.

Garreth Carvell, heading up the new players’ union, is well worth a follow on Twitter. Lots of talk about things he wants to do, proof will be in the pudding…

Shout out to Widnes fan Alfie, sporting some Love Rugby League gear seven years apart.

What’s on TV/radio

Live NRL this morning as Canterbury Bulldogs take on Sydney Roosters on Sky Sports Action from 10.50am.

Live Super League this evening as Hull host Leeds, Sky Sports Arena from 7.30pm.

Rugby League Back Chat is on FreeSports at 9pm, and The Golden Point is on Sky Sports Arena at 7pm.

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