Rugby League Today: Promotion & relegation update, points deduction & Olympics dream
What’s on site
There are no plans to change the planned promotion and relegation to and from Super League this season, despite the ongoing disruption caused by COVID.
Owner of relegation favourites Leigh, Derek Beaumont, issued a statement about their progress, and said he will always support retaining promotion from the Championship, even it is to the detriment of the Centurions.
London Broncos have been hit with a two-point deduction for forfeiting their away game with Toulouse earlier this season. The French side were awarded a 24-0 win.
Rugby league at the Olympics? International Rugby League chief Troy Grant is targeting the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane to get Rugby League 9s on the Olympic programme, after the Australian city was awarded the Games yesterday.
Wednesday on the site means one thing – rugby league gossip column.
There’s a few changes to the fixture programme this weekend, with Hull KR making the trip to Catalans instead of Castleford.
What’s on social
What’s in the papers
Rumours linking Wakefield winger Tom Johnstone with a big money move to Warrington have been rubbished, though there is talk of Wolves winger Tom Lineham heading in the other direction at the end of his contract. (Manchester Evening News)
Leigh pair Joe Mellor and Ben Hellwell are being offered to clubs for next season, as the Centurions continue to battle against relegation. Liam Hood is already thought to have signed for Wakefield and Matty Russell to Salford. (Manchester Evening News)
Birthdays
Former Great Britain international and everyone’s favourite Sky Sports pundit and Phoenix Nights fan, Barrie McDermott, turns 49 today (July 22).
Also celebrating: another ex-GB prop Nick Fozzard (44); Castleford centre Michael Shenton (36); former Widnes pair Steve Carter (51) and Charly Runciman (28); Toulouse centre Latrell Schaumkel (27); Swinton and Wales back-rower Rhodri Lloyd (28).
What’s on TV/radio
10.50am – Live NRL: Parramatta v Canberra – Sky Sports Mix
7pm – Live Super League: Huddersfield v Hull – Sky Sports Mix
Trivia
Niall Evalds is the fourth Castleford player to have won the Lance Todd Trophy.