Rugby League Today: Sheens gone, no to Folau and six Championship targets
What’s on site
After a bizarre week, Hull KR have finally confirmed the departure of coach Tim Sheens.
There’s plenty of gossip in this week’s Off the Record, including the likely identity of the new Hull KR coach and the future of Anthony Gelling and Kallum Watkins.
Meanwhile, we’ve looked at six Championship players who may be ready to step up to Super League.
Read our match report on the first State of Origin game, as Queensland prevailed against New South Wales.
Leeds have confirmed the signing of Huddersfield forward Alex Mellor from next season.
What’s on social
Stuart Pearce doing his bit to spread the word at the Portugal v Switzerland Nations League football match last night.
? Perfect match day attire Stuart! ? https://t.co/9yybMfaJuE
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) June 5, 2019
If you’ve not seen this already from the NRL, it has a tremendous message.
Looking out for your mates is important, whether it’s on or off the field.
Make the Sideline Pledge by sharing this video with #DontStayOnTheSideline pic.twitter.com/Y1x4FElszw
— NRL Community (@NRLCommunity) June 4, 2019
Hard to disagree with Barrie Mac on this one…
I know we say it again & again in Rugby League but #StateOfOrigin is absolutely amazing the speed, intensity and skill is out of this world pic.twitter.com/vkEkRBW7c4
— Barrie McDermott ? (@RLBarrieMc10) June 5, 2019
What’s in the papers
Huddersfield coach Simon Woolford says they will miss Alex Mellor, but that they made him a fair offer to stay and he remains committed to their cause for the remainder of 2019, reports the Yorkshire Post.
Wigan Today reveal that Wigan coach Adrian Lam has gone back to Australia due to a family bereavement, but will be back for their Super League clash with Hull KR on Sunday.
London boss Danny Ward tells The Mirror that he is happy with where the Broncos are at, and has backed them to defy the odds and avoid relegation from Super League.
Disgraced rugby union star Israel Folau will not be allowed to resurrect his career in the NRL, chairman Peter Beattie has reiterated following speculation linking the multi-code player with a return to rugby league.
Birthdays
Scotland international winger or full-back Matty Russell, now with Toronto Wolfpack, is 26 today.
Also celebrating: Wales international Connor Farrer (24); France international Bastien Ader (28); visa troubled Darcy Lussick (30); ex-Ireland hooker Rory Kostjasyn (32)
What’s on TV/radio
8.15pm – Rugby League Back Chat – FreeSports
Trivia
The Wales Rugby League was formed in 1995 and recognised as the governing body of rugby league in Wales by the RFL, BARLA and Welsh Sports Council.