Rugby League Today: Warrington blow, TV nasty & Hull boost pack
What’s on site
Warrington are sweating on the fitness of key trio Blake Austin, Josh Charnley and Jack Hughes for the Challenge Cup final later this month. Coach Steve Price has provided an injury update.
There is doubt over whether Catalans’ games will be broadcast on TV next season, after beIN Sport pulled out due to the increasing fees wanted by Super League chief Robert Elstone.
It wasn’t a great day for TV coverage, as Toronto Wolfpack’s game with York this weekend was mysteriously pulled from Sky Sports with no real explanation.
Ryan Sutton returns to the Canberra side this weekend – Zach Holland takes a look at the NRL weekend ahead.
It’s that time of week again – your weekly dose of exclusive rumour and gossip.
More on the RFL rejecting Keighley’s bid to run a reserve team in the Championship next season.
What’s on social
Rugby league doing good things…
“Hull KR have shown an incredible passion for the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League.
"It will be a dream come true for the players to step out on such a famous rugby league stadium."
Hull KR to host @LDSuperLeague Festival:https://t.co/wslTXByTvA pic.twitter.com/AzWl5DXS5v
— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) August 7, 2019
And more inspiring stories…
I was told I'd never play rugby league again after 2 strokes and a brain injury in the past year I'm playing again scored 2 ace tries yesterday for @WTCommunityRL and even played @GCTitans and scored @CbusStadium never ever give up on your dreams ❤ #rlfamily #nevergiveup pic.twitter.com/LlIQ3i0S2J
— Connor lynes (@con_lynes) August 5, 2019
Decent match day promo. Even if the fixture is being played too many times.
Warrington ? St Helens@adamhillscomedy ? @JohnnyVegasReal
It's time for the rematch! pic.twitter.com/dKQlX94sDY
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) August 7, 2019
Baffling.
So to summarise, after Catalans + Warrington’s dismal exhibition of indiscipline on and off the field last Saturday, the net result is no sanction whatsoever to either club, no charging of either coach, a grand total of 3 players suspended and a referee hung out to dry. Well.
— Rod Studd (@Rod_Studd) August 7, 2019
What’s in the papers
Hull KR coach Tony Smith is hoping that hooker Matt Parcell will be fit for their crunch relegation clash with London Broncos next month, according to Hull Live.
Patrick Ah Van has spoken about the support offered to him by Widnes fans following his return to the club, and their progress to Wembley.
There’s a nice Q&A in the St Helens Star with Justin Holbrook, where he talks his reception from the fans, the second successive league leaders’ shield and Warrington’s signing of Matty Smith.
Birthdays
Highly-rated Leeds full-back Jack Walker turns 20 today.
Also celebrating: New South Wales rep Tyrone Peachey (28); retired Grand Final winner Lee Smith (33); ex-Hull KR winger David Hodgson (38)
What’s on TV/radio
10.45am – Live NRL: North Queensland v Brisbane – Sky Sports Arena
5pm – Rugby League Back Chat – FreeSports
7pm – Live Super League: Warrington v St Helens – Sky Sports Arena
Trivia