Rugby League Today: The wait is over plus the affect of fan abuse on refs
The wait is finally over – Super League is back tonight! As well as giving us something to put in the what’s on TV section of this column, it marks the start of what promises to be an exciting season.
What’s on site
The next time you give a referee some abuse, just bear this article in mind. Some superb words from former referee Ian Smith on the affect it had on his mental health.
In a new feature, Tipping Super League, editor James Gordon will take on a rugby league personality each week. Up first is State of Mind’s Dr Phil Cooper. Check out their predictions.
With Super League starting tonight, it’s about time you read through all our club previews, listed below:
Castleford
Catalans
Huddersfield
Hull
Hull KR
Leeds
Salford
St Helens
Wakefield
Warrington
Widnes
Wigan’s will be hitting the site today.
What’s in the papers
On the subject of mental health, if you haven’t seen Gary Carter’s excellent piece with Bryson Goodwin and coping with the death of his brother in The Sun, you really should.
Jon Wilkin has called on rugby league to stop the gimmicks and offer a clear vision.
What’s on social
There’s been a great response to the story mentioned above with Ian Smith over on Twitter.
Next time you give a ref some abuse, just bear this article in mind. Superb words from @Iansmith2468 and thanks to AFP for allowing us to reproduce this on @loverugbyleague https://t.co/B3pbDoLBzf
— James Gordon (@jdgsport) January 31, 2018
Eddie Hearn’s name is still circulating in despatches, even if his involvement does seem unlikely.
Eddie Hearn tells Talksport he has been inundated with calls over a possible involvement with rugby league, and that he is open to talks to revive “a big and powerful sport”https://t.co/dpdp1CjuX5
— Gareth Walker (@garethwalker) January 31, 2018
Say what you like about Garry Schofield, but he’s got a point with this one.
Sky sports advertising what's on in February – football, cricket, six nations etc but no rugby league! We kick off on Thursday. pathetic marketing!
— Garry Schofield (@GarrySchofield6) January 30, 2018
What’s on TV/radio
Super League XXII: Super Tries of 2017 – Midday, Sky Sports Arena
Super League XXII Grand Final Highlights: Castleford Tigers v Leeds Rhinos – 12.30pm & 5.30pm, Sky Sports Arena
20 Years of Super League – 1.30pm, Sky Sports Arena & 3.30pm, Sky Sports Mix (A special programme celebrating two decades since the dawn of the Super League era in 1996)
Super League XXIII Preview – 6.30pm, Sky Sports Arena & Sky Sports Main Event
Live Betfred Super League: Warrington Wolves v Leeds Rhinos – 7.30pm, Sky Sports Arena & Sky Sports Main Event (Presenters/Commentators: Brian Carney; Eddie Hemmings; Phil Clarke, Barrie McDermott, Terry O’Connor & Jon Wells)
Betfred Super League: Warrington Wolves v Leeds Rhinos Highlights – 1.30am, Sky Sports Arena
5 Live Rugby League, 5 Live Sports Extra – 7.00pm
Live commentary of Warrington Wolves v Leeds Rhinos in the Betfred Super League plus interviews, previews and debate (Presenter – Dave Woods / Guest: Jon Wilkin)
5 Live Rugby League, 5 Live – 9.00pm (Tanya Arnold and guests, Brian Noble and Jamie Peacock, look ahead to the 2018 Betfred Super League Season)