Rugby League Today: Sonny Bill on radar as Toronto plan union swoop, Leeds in on day off and no to ref abuse
What’s on site
The dates and times for the four Challenge Cup quarter-finals have been revealed, with Bradford’s all-Championship clash with Halifax to be shown live on BBC Sport on the Sunday.
Referee abuse is doing more harm than good, and while we all want to see changes and improvements, alienating those that pull on the officials kit is not the answer.
There are plenty of talking points in this week’s papers, as clubs step up their recruitment for the remainder of this season and beyond.
The women’s game continues to build momentum, and Seb Sternik is back with another weekly round-up, including unbeaten Castleford’s win over St Helens.
Olsi Krasniqi has returned to London Broncos following his release by Toronto Wolfpack.
What’s on social
A picture says a thousand words…
This is what rugby league is all about. ❤️??
Tom Burgess and Sam Burgess spent time with young South Sydney Rabbitohs fan after their Magic Round on Thursday. #rugbyleague #NRL pic.twitter.com/BC54M15bUY
— Love Rugby League (@loverugbyleague) May 13, 2019
Still splitting debate…
Chapeau Shaun Wane. At last someone who actually knows the laws and their interpretations! Incredible that *some* current players don’t. That’s a story in itself! https://t.co/onqIwxPE9d
— Rod Studd (@Rod_Studd) May 13, 2019
Classic…
When you walk back into school on Monday and see all the kids who said Leeds Rhinos were going to smash us ?☕️?? @OfficialBullsRL pic.twitter.com/7ubNpHcKWU
— Steve Crossley (@SteveCrossley2) May 13, 2019
What do you reckon?
Has anyone ever watched a game on TV and thought “I know what would make this better, seeing someone ask non-descript questions to one of the players live on the pitch”?
— James Gordon (@jdgsport) May 12, 2019
What’s in the papers
Toronto Wolfpack are looking at 10 rugby union stars to sign for their possible promotion to Super League next season, with Sonny Bill Williams top of the list.
Leeds players were called in on their day off by coach Richard Agar following their Challenge Cup embarrassment at Bradford on Saturday, reports the Yorkshire Post.
Hull KR featured prominently in Monday’s paper talk, with Jordan Abdull reported to have agreed a deal to join them in 2020, while they have also knocked back offers for Josh Drinkwater and Danny McGuire, according to Hull Live.
Meanwhile, Hull Live also reports that the injury to Gareth Ellis is not as bad as Hull FC fans first feared, and that he could return in the next fortnight.
Widnes coach Kieron Purtill told The Sun just how he found out that the club had been saved from administration.
Birthdays
World Cup winning forward and St Helens Hall of Famer George Nicholls, who was Man of Steel in 1978 and also won the Harry Sunderland Trophy (1976) and Lance Todd Trophy (1978) is 74 today.
York forward Jack Teanby (23); retired New Zealand and Canterbury back Sam Perrett (34)
Trivia
Toronto Wolfpack have used 57 different players in their 72 games in existence, since joining League One in 2017.