Rugby League Today: Wolfie meets Sonny Bill, Gildart blow & French season preview
What’s on site
Sonny Bill Williams held his first press conference as a Toronto Wolfpack and Super League player at the home of Arsenal FC.
He says he is unlikely to return to the NRL, after being posed the question by an Australian journalist during the press conference.
Meanwhile, the former All Black is 16/1 to win the 2020 Man of Steel, with Blake Austin and Jackson Hastings the joint favourites.
It’s the French Magic Weekend this Saturday and Sunday, and we’ve profiled all 10 clubs from the Elite 1 Championship that will be in action in Carcassonne.
Wigan centre Oliver Gildart will miss the start of the season due to the shoulder injury he suffered in Great Britain’s tour opener against Tonga.
The latest Rugby League Lunch Hour show is out now, as James and Drew chat all things Great Britain, run through the week’s news and look ahead to their trip to Carcassonne for the French Magic Weekend.
The shortlist for the 2019 Golden Boot award has been trimmed to three, amidst a backdrop of ignorant Australian journalists bemoaning the non-selection of James Tedesco.
What’s on social
Super League’s best mascot found a way to Sonny Bill before the press got hold of him at his unveiling press conference at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
?️♂️ After receiving intel of @SonnyBWilliams' arrival in the UK, @wire_wolfie went undercover to track down @TOwolfpack's newest recruit pic.twitter.com/piDBZUnkFj
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) November 14, 2019
He’s got a point…
He hasn’t earned the role. Same with Peacock. The game’s gone back to giving great players post-playing roles they’re not ready for. You need more than a degree from Leeds Met and a book of motivational sayings. https://t.co/kZIHRBFxDp
— RichdelaRiviere (@RichdelaRiviere) November 14, 2019
Some really nice content and moments coming out of the GB visit to Papua New Guinea.
Elliott Whitehead and Josh Hodgson pay respects to former Canberra team-mate Kato Ottio at his family’s village in Papua New Guinea. Kato died in 2018 shortly before due to join Widnes pic.twitter.com/pWckPoNIuh
— Julie Stott (@Julie_Stott) November 14, 2019
We’re loving some of the new kit work on show this week, notably Sheffield and York.
? Your 2020 Kits are here!
? A new decade and a new dawn for your 1895 Cup Champions.
? Home Kit: https://t.co/wqSbX3eURG
⚡ Away Kit: https://t.co/z3mOXjQayA
? Sponsors: https://t.co/RVVRgJebwD
? #EaglesNewDawn pic.twitter.com/oMMiM4F0of
— Sheffield Eagles (@SheffieldEagles) November 14, 2019
New decade. New stadium. Iconic kit.
York City Knights are delighted to reveal their brand new playing kits for the 2020 Betfred Championship season.
➡️ https://t.co/rPI7L7QWOX#WeAreYork⚔️ pic.twitter.com/4QRW3DI6bC
— York City Knights⚔️ (@YorkKnightsRLFC) November 14, 2019
What’s in the papers
Brian McDermott says Toronto is the right place for Sonny Bill Williams, and that Toronto will make the world sit up and take notice of rugby league, reports The Mirror.
Papua New Guinea international Rhyse Martin has turned Leeds around since his mid-season arrival from Down Under, says Great Britain captain James Graham, reports the Yorkshire Post.
The Warrington Guardian have the story on the launch of the new Warrington Wolves kits, at a special event at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Birthdays
New Wakefield signing Joe Westerman, who counts Castleford, Hull, Warrington and Toronto among his former clubs, turns 30 today (November 15th).
Also celebrating: young Widnes winger Owen Buckley (21); Wakefield’s recent signing from Salford Josh Wood (24); Samoan centre Tangi Ropati (35); three-time Dally M Hooker of the Year Ben Elias (56).
Trivia
Winning teams in the French Magic Weekend games will receive four points for a win, as opposed to the normal three points for every other league fixture.