Rugby League Today: Sonny Bill latest, Burgess retirement talk and campaign for Bradford return

James Gordon

What’s on site

The team news is out for Great Britain’s second game on tour against New Zealand on Saturday, with Jonny Lomax named at full-back.

Warrington back-rower Jack Hughes will have surgery when he returns from the Great Britain tour.

A campaign has been launched to bring Bradford back to the city, but perhaps not necessarily to Odsal.

League One side Coventry Bears will not appoint a new head coach following the departure of Tom Tsang, preferring to take up a director of rugby model similar to Sheffield.

One for debate with the work colleagues today – can you name every player to have scored 100 or more tries in Super League?

What’s on social

Make sure you check this out on Friday with our good friend Dave.

Just going to leave this here…

What’s in the papers

Sonny Bill Williams says he has held positive talks with Toronto Wolfpack, as a sensational move to Super League edges nearer, reports The Telegraph.

Sam Burgess could be forced to retire from the game, according to the Daily Star, due to an infection that has eaten away at his shoulder since surgery.

Warrington prop Joe Philbin says his selection in the Great Britain team for Saturday’s test against New Zealand is the proudest moment of his life, and has promised his dad he will rip in, reports The Mirror.

Former Wales international Tyson Frizell is being lined up to replace Sam Burgess at South Sydney Rabbitohs, according to reports Down Under.

Birthdays

New Widnes coach Tim Sheens turns 69 today (October 30)

Also celebrating: former Italy international Cameron Ciraldo (35); ex-Wakefield and Bradford back Luke George (32); Wales twins Ben and Rhys Evans (27); Hull KR hooker Matt Parcell (27).

What’s on TV/radio

The latest BBC rugby league podcast asks whether Toronto really can lure Sonny Bill Williams to Super League.

Trivia

In 2014, Sam Burgess became the first Englishman to win the Clive Churchill Medal for man of the match in the NRL Grand Final, and was named RLIF Player of the Year.

Features Bradford Bulls