Rugby League Today: The real picture of COVID and rugby league as players offer suggestions to solve
The Huddersfield Giants fans arrive for their game against Leigh Centurions
What’s on site
Why I remain worried about the World Cup, especially in light of the increasing problems caused by coronavirus.
Former Wigan forward Joe Bretherton, who plays for Toulouse, has backed France’s bid to host the 2025 World Cup.
Doncaster and Rochdale postponed their games at the weekend, which triggered a flurry of others later in the day, including London’s home game with Widnes; while several other games are at risk.
Hunslet have appointed former Rochdale coach Alan Kilshaw as the successor to Gary Thornton, sacked earlier this month.
We caught up with in-form Batley full-back Luke Hooley, who is enjoying his rugby and attracting attention from Super League clubs.
What’s on social
It is, but is it realistic in the current climate?
The World Cup is a MUST for the growth of the international game, according to Trent Robinson. 🏆🤔#9WWOS #NRL #RLWC pic.twitter.com/J4sUc45fVr
— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) July 20, 2021
Well…
The worlds gone fucking mad because of a flu, people have lost their minds, let’s move on!
— Jake Trueman (@JT6Trueman) July 19, 2021
Here’s an expert on COVID and its impact on rugby league.
Rugby league doing it tough with COVID at the moment. No easy solution. Lots of challenges for the sport. Here’s my thoughts… pic.twitter.com/f8VhEII6Kt
— Nick Raynor (@DrNickRaynor) July 20, 2021
The reality of two codes.
The great @EnglandRugby team of 1892 that won the Triple Crown and Championship without conceding a single point. Look at the clubs the players came from: 13 from northern clubs. By 1895, most of this player base was gone after the 'Great Split' and the birth of #RugbyLeague. pic.twitter.com/qp7UR882dD
— James Stafford (@jpstafford) July 18, 2021
What’s in the papers
A suggestion to prevent coronavirus de-railing the rest of the season is to stop testing fit players, according to Hull prop Liam Watts. He told the Hull Daily Mail: “How can the rest of society open up and expect us to keep getting tested? It’s never going to work. We need to stop testing players ASAP or games will get called off every week until this happens.”
Steve Price has revealed to the Warrington Guardian that COVID has restricted squad numbers to just 12 at training, resulting in their games against Hull KR and Leigh being postponed.
St Helens legend Kieron Cunningham joined thousands around the town in greeting the open top bus parade of the Challenge Cup trophies on Monday night. The ex-hooker was photographed cheering on the current team in Thatto Heath, reports the St Helens Star.
Birthdays
Castleford’s Warrington-bound head coach Daryl Powell turns 56 today (July 21).
Also celebrating: Stephen Myler, who started at Widnes and enjoyed a successful career in rugby union (37); Australian Hall of Famer Gene Miles (62); Wales international Josh Ralph (24).
What’s on TV/radio
10pm – NRL Try Time – Sky Sports Mix
Trivia
Daryl Powell was part of the Leeds team that won the 1999 Challenge Cup – their first silverware in 21 years.