Rugby League Today: Prime Bradford rivals NRL, Watkins’ England hopes & calls to scrap loop games
A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.
What’s on site
As sporting rivalries go, it does not get anymore fiercer than the interstate battle between New South Wales and Queensland. We’ve picked out the top 13 moments in State of Origin history.
The latest paper talk is out. Israel Folau and Sonny Bill Williams are reportedly on the NRL’s radar, Magic Weekend is set to be postponed and one Super League chairman has praised the RFL.
Mose Masoe’s pregnant wife Carissa has posted an inspiring message on the Hull KR co-captain. It’ll make you smile.
Broadcaster Phil Kinsella is the latest guest on My Set of Six. He talks Great Britain icons, Mal Meninga and his favourite ground.
It was a tough start for Tui Lolohea in Super League – but the Tongan now feels at home with Salford and has fully settled in to life with the Red Devils.
What’s in the papers
Castleford’s Liam Watts calls for scrapping of Super League loop fixtures in 2021 to keep stars fresh for Rugby League World Cup, reports The Yorkshire Post.
St Helens star Kyle Amor uses kids as weights to battle lockdown boredom in brilliant video, reports the Daily Star.
Joe Vagana reckons Bradford could have lived with the NRL’s finest during their Super League prime, reports The Telegraph & Argus.
James Cunningham offers cheeky health update as recovery from coronavirus continues, reports Hull Live.
Kallum Watkins still holds out England hopes despite coronavirus shutdown, reports The Sun.
What’s on social
Hilton Park was a cracking little ground.
Digging through some old photos – Fly Emirates ad at Hilton Park, presumably because it's on a flight path. Be interesting to know how lucrative this was to Leigh.
Proposals for Widnes to make the iPitch orange as part of a sponsorship deal with EasyJet were rejected by RFL. pic.twitter.com/Wn0wLCq6av
— James Gordon (@jdgsport) April 12, 2020
One of Rochdale’s Fijian favourites, Voate Driu, has sadly passed away. RIP.
Sad news via Facebook and the end of a remarkable rugby league chapter. A @RochdaleHornets legend and one of the whole sport’s genuine trailblazers. Rest in peace pic.twitter.com/6Xc3ULe3c5
— Gareth Walker (@garethwalker) April 14, 2020
An old school ding dong.
🗣 "Farrell and Sculthorpe normally are cool and calm" 😳
Good Friday 2004 – @pscully13 & Andy Farrell make a moment that has gone down in Super League folklore
Watch the full game at 3pm via @wiganwarriorsrl or @saints1890 Facebook pages
#SL25 pic.twitter.com/PaTg1lmYqr— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 10, 2020
What’s on TV/Radio
Former Super League and NRL forward Keith Mason is this week’s guest on The Last Tackle. He talks about his switch to the NRL at 20 as well as his new rugby comic – Rugby Blood.
Super League’s Out Of Your League podcast is back, featuring Jon Wilkin and Mark Flanagan.
Sky Sports’ Golden Point podcast is available to download now.
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.
Birthdays
Former England international Rob Purdham turns 40 today.
Also celebrating; ex-Scotland international Michael Robertson (37), former Australia international Luke Priddis (43) and former Spain coach Darren Fisher (37).
Trivia
Albert Rosenfeld holds the record for most tries in a rugby league season, scoring 80 times for Huddersfield in the 1913-14 campaign.
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