Rugby League Today: Saints confirm Smith exit, Tautai helps community, Matagi transforms life

Drew Darbyshire

There are a number of big stories today.

What’s on site

Wigan sealed a home semi-final thanks to a scrappy 13-6 win over Huddersfield. Read our report here…

Wigan coach Shaun Wane is just pleased that they will play at the DW Stadium in the semi-final play-offs following their win at Huddersfield.

Huddersfield coach Simon Woolford was over the moon with his side’s effort in their narrow defeat to Wigan.

St Helens have confirmed that Matty Smith will join another Super League club at the end of the season for an undisclosed fee.

The latest ‘five things’ feature is on site now. There are so many good games going on in every league this weekend!

York City Knights face Whitehaven this weekend needing just a point in order to be crowned League One Champions. Knights coach James Ford says there is no pressure on them.

Blackbrook Royals Under-18s have won it all in 2018; The National Cup, Lancashire Cup and Premier Division Title. We have had a chat with their head coach Paul Gartland.

St Helens bring in Louie Mcarthy-Scarsbrook, Ryan Morgan, Zeb Taia and Dom Peyroux, whilst Warrington bring back their half-backs Kevin Brown and Tyrone Roberts. The 19-man squads have been announced.

London Broncos will be without Will Lovell and James Cunningham, whilst Salford bring back Greg Johnson, Jansin Turgut, Jack Littlejohn and Ben Nakubuwai. The 19-man squads have been revealed.

Jamie Shaul and Carlos Tuimavave return for the black and whites, whilst the Dragons bring back Micky McIlorum and Antoni Maria. The 19-man squads have been confirmed.

The latest team of the week has been announced. There are three players each from Wigan, St Helens and Castleford in the team of the week.

The latest ‘off the record’ feature is out now. Which NRL forward are Leeds linked with? Which Widnes star are St Helens looking at? Where will Danny Walker be at next year? Find out more in Ray Mour’s gossip column.

What’s in the papers

Morgan Escare guides Wigan past Huddersfield and to home semi-final, report The Guardian.

Wigan forward Taulima Tautai turns attention from Super League pitch to domestic abuse, report the Mirror.

Paul Gallen injury rocks Cronulla on eve of NRL preliminary final, report The Guardian.

Huddersfield star Suaia Matagi hopes to inspire others after ending up in jail, report The Sun.

Shaun Wane in seventh heaven after win, report Wigan Today.

How Mark Percival is making good his promise to brother, report St Helens Star.

Joe Philbin shuns Warrington-St Helens ‘dead rubber’ talk, report Warrington Guardian.

Chris Chester tips Bill Tupou for dream team, report Yorkshire Evening Post.

What’s on social

An interesting choice in the back-row for Huddersfield last night…

Ryan Hinchcliffe has had a fantastic career.

There is rugby league history in Toronto after all…

It is now official.

What’s on TV/Radio

Super 8s Highlights: Huddersfield Giants v Wigan Warriors – 8.15am, Sky Sports Arena

LIVE NRL: Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks – 9.30am, Sky Sports Arena

LIVE SUPER 8s: Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity – 7.30pm, Sky Sports Arena

Super 8s Highlights: Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity Highlights – 12.15am, Sky Sports Arena

The latest Super League Pod is available to download now, in association with Love Rugby League.

The latest ‘Sport at Six’ podcast by BBC Radio Manchester’s Jack Dearden and Trevor Hunt is available to download now.

The latest Rugby League show on Proper Sport is available to download now.

The latest Whippets and Flat Caps podcast is available to download now, presented by Jon Wilkin and Mark Flanagan.

The latest 5 Live Rugby League podcast is available to download now, presented by Dave Woods.

The Final Hooter podcast by Love Rugby League’s Dave Parkinson and Adrian Jackson is now available to download.

Features Bill Tupou