Rugby League Today: Sonny Bill fever, England RU international next for Toronto & Bennett defends selection

James Gordon

What’s on site

It was one of the busiest days of the year – driven by the huge news that Sonny Bill Williams is heading to Super League with Toronto Wolfpack.

The 2020 Super League fixtures were released too, including the news that the Easter weekend double header has been scrapped.

Toronto revealed that they will play games on the road in York, and at Allianz Park, the home of rugby union side Saracens.

Great Britain and New Zealand revealed their line-ups for the weekend’s test match, with Warrington’s Jack Hughes named at centre.

Warrington target Zane Tetevano will be staying in the NRL, after turning down a move to Super League, but is heading for the exit door at Sydney Roosters.

Meanwhile, the Roosters have withdrawn their contract extension offer to Australia centre Latrell Mitchell, and say he can leave immediately if he finds a deal elsewhere.

Throughout the day, Leigh announced the bulk of their squad for 2020 – including Matty Wildie, Ben Hellewell and Nick Glohe.

USA and Cook Islands go head to head this weekend for one of the two remaining places at the 2021 World Cup, and they have announced their squads.

Oldham are to return to Bower Fold, home of Stalybridge Celtic FC, to play their home games in the 2020 Championship season.

Former Widnes hooker Lloyd White has signed for Championship club Toulouse.

What’s on social

Exciting times in Spain.

Don’t disagree.

Would love to know why too. Seems like it should be low on the list of priorities right now.

Great anecdote from Catalans’ pre-season training.

What’s in the papers

Wayne Bennett has told The Mirror that his Great Britain squad selection was deliberate, with England’s 2021 World Cup hopes in mind, as he wants to look at all of his options at half-back.

Toronto Wolfpack want to sign England rugby union international Manu Tuilagi, once they’ve got the deal signed with Sonny Bill Williams, reports The Telegraph.

Sky Sports pundit Terry O’Connor isn’t happy with the traditional Easter weekend double header being scrapped, writing in a column on the Sky Sports website.

Interesting piece in The Guardian on the growth of rugby league in the Pacific Islands, led by Tonga’s progress.

Birthdays

Super League Grand Final winner John Stankevitch, who played for St Helens and Widnes, turns 40 today (November 6th).

Also celebrating: Whitehaven’s Papua New Guinea international Dion Aiye (32); Bradford back-rower Connor Farrell (26); France international Jordan Dezaria (23).

Trivia

Sonny Bill Williams was New Zealand’s youngest ever test player when he made his debut against Australia in 2004 at the age of 19.

Features Manu Tuilagi