Rugby League Today: Wigan win, Lam coy & Brexit’s impact

James Gordon

What’s on site

The Wigan coaching saga shows no sign of resolution as Adrian Lam remained coy on his own future amidst the Shaun Edwards debacle.

There was at least some good news for Wigan fans over the weekend, as the Warriors held off a stern test at Salford to win 30-22, only their second win of the campaign so far.

St Helens are beginning to look ominous at the top of the table, and coach Justin Holbrook says his half-backs are only going to get better.

Toronto, Ottawa, New York. Carolina? A partnership has been announced between the London Nines and their American equivalent in Carolina, which could sow the seeds for further rugby league expansion.

Is Darren Lockyer the greatest ever? Zach Holland is back for another in depth look at one of the finest players of his generation and maybe beyond.

A late story at the back end of last week was the revelation that Shaun Edwards does not have a contract to join Wigan for 2020 – it’s all been announced off the back of a handshake and oral agreement with chairman Ian Lenegan.

What’s on social

Ouch.

Wigan have been a good source for the comedians on social media this weekend…

Yes Martin!

What’s in the papers

The Guardian run an interesting piece on how Brexit will affect rugby league, and it will most likely purely be financially, rather than player movement. The Kolpak ruling is an EU law, so could affect the qualification of Pacific Islanders, for instance, to play in the UK.

Brexit is also given as a reason as to why rugby league should expand to North America by Eric Perez, who is behind the efforts to get Ottawa in to the professional leagues. An exclusive in The Sun digs deeper in to his intentions.

Lachlan Coote says he is ready to be called up by Great Britain, reports the Yorkshire Post, following his impressive start to life in Super League. The Australian does have three caps for Scotland.

Birthdays

NRL debut at the weekend, a Wigan win and today it’s Lachlan Lam’s 21st birthday. Happy times in the Lam household.

Also celebrating: Hull powerhouse Mickey Paea (33); Greek hooker who had a brief spell at Huddersfield, George Gatis (41); well-travelled (along the M62 at least) former Scotland international Dave McConnell (38).

What’s on TV/radio

10:45pm Sky Sports Arena: Super League Full Time

11:25pm BBC One North England: Super League Show

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