Rugby League Today: Toronto lift League Leaders’ Shield, Holbrook talks & West Wales win!
New South Stand Opening - Leeds Rhinos v Wakefield - Festive Challenge Wednesday 26 December at Emerald Headingley
What’s on site
Reports suggest that St Helens coach Justin Holbrook is set to hold talks with Gold Coast Titans about their vacant coaching post.
Catalans coach Steve McNamara is an admirer of James Maloney, who is looking even more likely to make a move to Super League.
The return of the reserves means Super League clubs will look to recruit even more Championship players for next season.
West Wales Raiders finally secured their first win since changing from South Wales Ironmen, beating Coventry over the weekend.
Six rugby league related books that you must read!
What’s on social
Toronto received the League Leaders’ Shield after their win at Widnes. Would have been a better picture in front of 8,000 at Lamport, no?
? The moment @TOWolfpack were crowned @Betfred Championship League Leaders’ Shield winners. ? pic.twitter.com/D28hj2Cabg
— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) July 21, 2019
Not together, stronger? Unfortunate, but Salford doing well without these two.
This is awkward, @SalfordDevils ? pic.twitter.com/7K15tmR3Cp
— Nathan Youd (@nathanyoud) July 21, 2019
Lots of fuss over a tweet about reading a book in the press box the other night, this response has it spot on.
Sad to see someone that has given up so much to support her husband and allow him to continue to work after a horrible attack get grief for having a book at a game she isnt getting paid to be at. Her husband who is interested in the game is there because of her total commitment.
— RLPIX (@rlpix) July 18, 2019
Missed this last week. Anyone feel old?
2006 – Fast forward to 2019.
What a player to present you with your first ever @England_RL shirt. pic.twitter.com/Wh1fxMtiRU— Leon Pryce (@leonpryce6) July 16, 2019
Another one from last week that’s worthy of another run.
AUCTION: We can confirm that Jack Coventry's #CougarPride shirt has now been sold in @TheBHF auction in memory of @WillCooke96's father.
Today's referee, Joe Stearne, has bought the shirt with a donation of his match fee for today's game. Class act, Joe! #CDQ #OurTownOurTeam pic.twitter.com/BOqRvEep2I
— Keighley Cougars (@Cougarmania) July 14, 2019
What’s in the papers
Daryl Clark tells the Warrington Guardian that it isn’t time to panic following the Wolves’ recent dip in-form, ahead of their Challenge Cup semi-final with Hull.
John Kear wasn’t happy with gamesmanship on York’s behalf, accusing them of feigning a head injury assessment late in their win over Bradford.
Jackson Hastings says he wants to repay Salford and show his full commitment to their cause before he leaves for Wigan at the season’s end, reports The Guardian.
Gareth Hock says he was moved to tears by messages sent to him following his retirement, reports The Mirror.
Birthdays
Castleford centre Michael Shenton, who has also played for St Helens and England, turns 34 today.
Also celebrating: new Leeds Hall of Famer Barrie McDermott (47); ex-Widnes centre Charly Runciman (26); Swinton’s Wales international back-rower Rhodri Lloyd (26); well travelled former Great Britain prop Nick Fozzard (42); former New South Wales and Widnes stand-off Steve Carter (49).
What’s on TV/radio
11pm – Super League Full Time – Sky Sports Action
11.40pm – Super League Show – BBC One
Trivia
Toronto are the third team to win successive Championship League Leaders’ Shields in the past eight seasons – Sheffield (2012, 2013), Leigh (2014, 2015, 2016) and Toronto (2018, 2019)