Rugby League Today: Wane’s world, Bateman’s call & Masoe progress
What’s on site
Shaun Wane has signed a new contract as England coach, despite not yet taking charge of a game!
Wigan will wear special embroidered shirts to pay tribute to Rob Burrow, when they take on Leeds on Sunday.
Former Super League forward Chris Clarkson has agreed a new deal at York.
Ottawa Aces have continued building their roster for their inaugural year in 2021, signing former Warrington forward Pat Moran from Widnes.
Salford chief executive Ian Blease has called for there to be more testing in Super League, especially ahead of games.
What’s on social
Incredible, inspirational progress from Mose Masoe.
How good is this ⁉️ 🙌
Mose Masoe continues his recovery from spinal injury as he passes a ball for the first time 💪 💚
(🎥: flexhealth/IG) pic.twitter.com/RkNtxFPlVs
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) August 13, 2020
Netherlands will take on Germany in a friendly next month, in front of a limited number of spectators.
CONFIRMED!Netherlands will face Nationaler Rugby League Deutschland e.V at the home of RC DIOK, Leiden on Saturday…
Posted by Nederlandse Rugby League Bond on Friday, 14 August 2020
Heritage.
‘There is no loss of prestige in doing the most menial job [for your club], and men and women everywhere in the North are proud to help their club in this way.’ Stanley Chadwick, ‘Rugby League Review’ editor on how rugby league fans kept their clubs going in the 1930-40s, 1949 pic.twitter.com/0XPFxYZ79m
— Tony Collins (@collinstony) August 13, 2020
What’s in the papers
John Bateman revealed one phone call made him decide to return home with Wigan in 2021 – “I want you to come home, dad”, reports the Canberra Times.
Wigan Today asks whether Thomas Leuluai will play on in 2021, with the Warriors half-back/hooker saying he hasn’t yet reached a decision on his future.
Warrington coach Steve Price says they must do whatever it takes to complete the season, after Super League was rocked this week by a coronavirus outbreak.
Birthdays
Recently retired Australia and New South Wales forward Paul Gallen, a one-club man with Cronulla Sharks, turns 39 today (August 14).
Also celebrating: Catalans prop Sam Moa (34); former Leeds back-rower Matt Adamson (48); ex-Great Britain international Steve Hampson (59); Wales international Ollie Olds (27)
What’s on TV/radio
What next for Super League after its COVID crisis? That’s the question posed on this week’s BBC 5 Live Rugby League podcast with Dave Woods.
9am – Live NRL: NZ Warriors v Penrith – Watch NRL
10.55am – Live NRL: Parramatta v St George – Watch NRL
Trivia
James Roby will make his 500th career appearance this weekend – he has played 456 games for hometown club St Helens, plus seven for Great Britain and 36 for England.