Rugby League Today: Watkins reaction, Sheens exit & Grixy’s semi-on

James Gordon

It’s all about Love Rugby League Island, so we’ve heard.

What’s on site

You might say captain Kallum Watkins has been mugged off by Leeds. The Rhinos confirmed his departure at the end of the season, as they look to rebuild under their own Caroline Flack, Sir Kevin Sinfield.

Doing bits at St Helens for another two years is France international half-back Theo Fages, who put an end to speculation linking him with a move to Catalans by signing a new deal at The Totally Wicked Villa.

There’s news on who Castleford might be looking to pie off come the season’s end in this week’s Paper Talk, while Jake Bibby might be getting coupled up with a new three-quarter partner at Wigan, according to the rumour mill.

Stepping forward to make an impression in the women’s game over the weekend were St Helens, Wigan and Leeds, who all recorded one-sided victories – while the quarter-final draw created a match-up sure to get the public tuning in.

Widnes will have no choice but to stay loyal to their current crop of players, given the RFL have said they’ll be in special measures until the end of the season, meaning no new meat for them in 2019. That’s the bad in this week’s The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.

Despite his best efforts to crack on, Sam Burgess will miss a handful of games coming up after opting to have shoulder surgery following this weekend’s game against Newcastle.

What’s on social

Unconfirmed reports that the winners of this year’s Love Rugby League Island (read 1895 Cup) wins this branded supercar.

I guess we know who these fans have got their eye on.

If you like what you see, please step forward.

What’s in the papers

I got a text about this story. It’s a cracker from Dave Craven in the Yorkshire Post, looking at the issues at Leeds, and how it seems to be getting worse before it’s getting better.

Manina Spurr has decided once again that Bradford Bulls are more her type, rejoining the Odsal club after a trophy-laden spell at rivals Leeds, reports the Telegraph & Argus.

Hull KR appear set to stop putting all their eggs in one basket and start playing the field, with strong talk Tim Sheens is on his way out, reports Hull Live.

Birthdays

Wishing he was celebrating his birthday abroad today is Whitehaven prop Carl Forster (27), who left his post as player-coach at Rochdale last month.

Also celebrating: Leeds new boy Ave Seumanufagai (28); old St Helens and Leigh sort Tommy Martyn (48); former Wakefield full-back Matt Blaymire (37)

What’s on TV/radio

Love Island is on ITV2 at 9pm.

Trivia

Jordan James and Mike Bishay both appeared on ITV gameshow Take Me Out, where then Salford forward James became the first contestant ever to have every single girl leave their light on for him.

Features Kallum Watkins