Rugby League Today: Price surprised by England omissions, Coote boosts Saints & NRL’s superb promo
A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.
What’s on site
Shaun Wane has named his first England squad, and heritage players Jackson Hastings and Blake Austin have not been included.
England Knights coach Paul Anderson has also named a fresh 32-man squad. Warrington speedster Matty Ashton, Wigan prop Ethan Havard and Huddersfield hooker Adam O’Brien are new faces in the side.
The latest mailbox is out now. Martin Finnegan shares his idea for a conference system in Super League, and it makes for interesting reading.
With the new Super League season on the horizon, and a historic World Cup just around the corner, women’s rugby league has never been in a better place, according to England captain Emily Rudge.
Warrington’s Matty Ashton could be out for up to five months with a torn hamstring, the club have confirmed.
What’s in the papers
Warrington coach Steve Price says he is shocked by the omission of Gareth Widdop and Blake Austin from Shaun Wane’s first England group, reports the Mirror.
Shaun Wane on the World Cup, Eddie Jones, players speaking up and respect, reports The Sun.
It looks as though Leilani Latu may not make his Warrington debut for some time, reports Warrington Guardian.
St Helens full-back Lachlan Coote has a chance of returning to the team for Friday’s home match against Huddersfield, reports St Helens Star.
Morgan Escare poised for loan exit from Wigan, reports Wigan Today.
What’s on social
The NRL pull it out the bag every single time.
Well done @NRL
Absolutely nailed this years ad campaign. 💪💪💪 well done @Todd_Greenberg pic.twitter.com/qbWK5u8vkE— NSW Blues Brothers (@NSWBluesBrother) March 2, 2020
The Tongan boys are certainly leaving their mark in Super League.
NOPE! Absolutely nope! 🤯😱
🇹🇴 @EhamFonua and the Terminator with a huge hit for @hullfcofficial! 💪 #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/vXqKxgdhL9
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 3, 2020
Good point…
Interesting squads. Some old heads axed, some others in Knights. Also @England_RL need a mid season test and yet pick 3 of @Irelandrl best players. Surely a full strength Ireland would provide decent opposition this summer. https://t.co/FYTPYbi8fF
— No Helmets Required (@NoHelmetsReq) March 3, 2020
What’s on TV/Radio
The Sin Bin – Our League (4pm)
Rugby AM – FreeSports (6:30pm)
Inside Super League – Sky Sports Arena (7pm)
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
New Zealand Warriors legend Manu Vatuvei turns 34 today.
Also celebrating; Ex-Hull prop Ewan Dowes (39), Scotland international Ben Kavanagh (32) and Halifax forward Jacob Fairbank (30).
Trivia
Danny McGuire holds the record for most Super League tries, having scored 247 tries for Leeds and Hull KR between 2001-19.
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