Rugby League Today: Wire youngsters pipped & Salford to appeal ban again
What’s on site
St Helens breezed past Wigan 42-0 on Tuesday night, with the Warriors fielding several debutants as in a youthful team.
Krisnan Inu’s late penalty pinched a 20-18 win for Salford in a dress rehearsal of their Challenge Cup semi-final against Warrington, with the Wolves having led 18-0 with a youthful side of their own.
Dan Sarginson will be able to play in the cup semi after Salford had his two-match ban overturned on appeal.
We’ve got everything you need to know about the 2020 NRL play-offs ahead of them getting underway this weekend.
Former St Helens prop Luke Thompson has been banned for four weeks for an eye gouge.
What’s on social
Great to have an England coach with his eye on the future.
It's great to watch young talent coming through from all of the clubs playing tonight. It's a fantastic opportunity for young players to show what they're capable of @TheRFL @SuperLeague #talent
— Shaun Wane (@Shaun_waney) September 29, 2020
Listen to what Jodie Cunningham says.
A perfect example of how amazing our community clubs are and how important the @RLWC2021 CreatedBy funding is for grassroots rugby league 💜🏉 https://t.co/eSn47sMx7Z
— Jodie Cunningham (@Jodie_cunny) September 29, 2020
Pathways.
@KaipearcePaul | @WiganWarriorsRL
A massive shout out to former Panther Kai Pearce Paul who is making his @SuperLeague debut for the Warriors tonight. We are so proud of you 👊#RugbyLeague pic.twitter.com/TzIQAl3xcc
— 𝙄𝙉𝙑𝙄𝘾𝙏𝘼 𝙋𝘼𝙉𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙍𝙎 𝙍𝙇 (@InvictaPanthers) September 29, 2020
What’s in the papers
A change to the video referee system in the NRL is set to be made permanent following a successful trial. The Guardian reports that tries will only be referred to the bunker if sent up as a no-try, whereas any tries given will be reviewed while the kicker prepares for the conversion.
Salford are to appeal their failed appeal against Luke Yates’ ban, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Birthdays
Canberra’s Wigan-bound England back-rower John Bateman turns 27 today.
Also celebrating: Hull KR winger Nick Rawsthorne (25); former St Helens and Toronto centre Gary Wheeler (31); veteran Whitehaven prop Jamie Thackray (41); one-time record goalkicker Barry Eaton (47).
What’s on TV/radio
8pm – Rugby AM – FreeSports
Trivia
The average age of the Warrington team against Salford was 21.