Rugby League Today: Toronto chase Leeds pair, Bateman to leave Canberra & Thompson arrives at Canterbury

Drew Darbyshire
Stevie Ward

Stevie Ward in action for Leeds

A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.

What’s on social

The 2020 Magic Weekend has been cancelled, Super League has revealed.

Brits Down Under: Herbie Farnworth scores, Elliott Whitehead stars in defeat & Ryan Hall helps Roosters win.

Great Britain, England and Canberra forward John Bateman is our latest guest on My Set of Six. He talks Andy Farrell, his World Cup wish and making his first-team debut for Bradford.

Catalans will return to training on Monday, July 6.

Toulouse prop Joe Bretherton has signed a two-year contract extension with the club, with the option of a further year.

What’s in the papers

Toronto take pole position in race to sign Leeds stars Stevie Ward and Richie Myler, reports Yorkshire Evening Post.

Wakefield’s Lee Kershaw on delivering parcels to make ends meet in lockdown, reports the Mirror.

Hull KR coach Tony Smith fears many Super League clubs will not be able to bring players out of furlough soon enough with the rugby season restarting on August 2, reports the Daily Star.

Canberra have confirmed that John Bateman will leave the club at the end of this season, reports Wigan Today.

Ryan Brierley column: Return date came as a shock but I can’t wait to get back, reports Hull Live.

What’s on social

Who am I?

Some tremendous rugby on show here…

Luke Thompson has arrived for training with new club Canterbury.

What’s on TV/Radio

NRL Tonight – Watch NRL (9am)

NRL 360 – Watch NRL (9:30am)

The Fan – Watch NRL (10:30am)

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.

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

Former Wigan favourite George Carmont turns 42 today.

Also celebrating; former Wales international Michael Channing (28), Wakefield prop Romain Navarrete (26) and Manly winger Reuben Garrick (23).

Trivia

Ireland has hosted the Rugby League World Cup twice – 2000 and 2013.

Listen to The Final Hooter podcast, featuring exclusive interviews, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on Apple Podcasts.

Watch our Last Tackle podcast, featuring a guest, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on YouTube.

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