Rugby League Today: Super League played at Christmas, Titans have no hard feelings & clubs pull together
A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.
What’s on site
RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer is hopeful they will receive support from the government to ease financial strain on the game.
Halifax fan Tim Hardcastle is the latest guest on My Set of Six. He talks Kevin Ward, Thrum Hall and Halifax beating St Helens at Wembley in 1987.
Our latest power rankings feature looks at six of the best centres in the NRL at present – but who is better than all the rest?
New South Wales Rugby League is celebrating its 112th anniversary of its first game and remarkably, both teams who played in the inaugural final over a century ago remain present in the NRL today.
What’s in the papers
Leeds’ Richie Myler admits being no use helping wife train for SAS: Who Dares Wins, reports the Daily Star.
July at the earliest for next St Helens Super League game, reports St Helens Star.
Gold Coast Titans have no hard feelings over Kallum Watkins, reports The Canberra Times.
Gareth Widdop reveals family impact of COVID-19 – no pigeon racing, reports The Sun.
Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington reckons Super League could be extended until Christmas, reports The Yorkshire Post.
What’s on social
Nice touch from Keighley.
Keighley Cougars can this morning reveal our 2020 charity kit, to be worn in our first home game, to celebrate, thank & raise monies for #CougarsHeroes and frontline providers!
Order Yours Now ➡️ https://t.co/4ZCJgSETRz
Full Press Release ➡️ https://t.co/6kBxTjjqkI pic.twitter.com/QJCHosjPMG
— Keighley Cougars (@Cougarmania) April 20, 2020
And more good work from the Cougars!
Keighley been doing a great job in Covid fight. @captaintommoore fundraiser extraordinaire born there. Rugby League team @KeighleyCougars sourced, bought and donated 5000 quality facemasks to local hospitals/hospices, with more to come. 1/2
— ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) April 20, 2020
Classy Cas.
We’ve put a little thank you message to the @NHSuk on the centre spot of The Jungle pitch.
Thank you for looking after us all, stay strong. 🧡 #ThankYouNHS pic.twitter.com/vikmUAsOHE
— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) April 20, 2020
What’s on TV/Radio
Former Super League and NRL forward Keith Mason is this week’s guest on The Last Tackle. He talks about his switch to the NRL at 20 as well as his new rugby comic – Rugby Blood.
Super League’s Out Of Your League podcast is back, featuring Jon Wilkin and Mark Flanagan.
Sky Sports’ Golden Point podcast is available to download now.
Podcast: The Final Hooter #4 – featuring rugby league royalty Ellery Hanley.
The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.
The latest 5 Live Rugby League Podcast is out now, hosted by Dave Woods.
Birthdays
England internationals Tom Burgess and George Burgess turn 28 today.
Also celebrating; Australia and Fiji legend Petero Civoniceva (44), ex-Italy international Josh Mantellato (33) and Wales international Dalton Grant (30).
Trivia
Martin Hodgson holds the record for longest penalty goal, having kicked it from 77.75 yards for Swinton against Rochdale Hornets at the Athletic Grounds, Rochdale in April 1940.
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