Rugby League Today: Ref abuse, Sarginson try debate & World Club expansion

James Gordon

Photo courtesy of Richard Long

What’s on site

A Championship team will be in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup after Bradford were drawn against Halifax in the last eight.

Warrington coach Steve Price said he has the best pack in Super League, following their 26-24 win over Wigan in the Challenge Cup on Sunday.

Ian Watson revealed that seven Salford players have already been approached by other clubs for next season, in the aftermath of their Challenge Cup exit at the hands of Hull KR at the weekend.

Super League have revealed that the Dream Team will be announced at a new-look Man of Steel awards ceremony, which fans will be able to attend.

Get your hands on a Love Rugby League goodie bag in our latest competition.

What’s on social

Not a great look for rugby league, especially given the warnings dished out to players and clubs recently.

Looks like Jon Wilkin will be down the job centre this morning then…

We’re still laughing at this one from last week so had to share it again.

What’s in the papers

London owner David Hughes wants to see all Super League sides take on NRL counterparts, akin to the doomed 1997 World Club Championship that was scrapped following the brief Super League war in Australia, reports The Sun.

In one of the more bizarre announcements of the year, Toronto Wolfpack have launched their own cannabis-based product, as reported in The Mirror.

An interesting piece on the current situation at Leeds in Forbes, as speculation continues over just what changes the Rhinos might make to turn their season around.

Birthdays

Former Warrington hooker Michael Monaghan, who returned Down Under following a spell as assistant coach at Wakefield at the end of last season, is 39 today.

Also celebrating: Halifax winger Will Sharp (33); Australia test forward Josh Papalii (27); France and Scotland international Andrew Bentley (34)

Trivia

Hunter Mariners won eight games in the 1997 World Club Championship, before losing to Brisbane Broncos in the final, in what was the Mariners’ only year in existence.

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