Rugby League Today: Women’s Super League, Mal Meninga and the pull of Toronto

Happy Thursday! Here’s your daily morning dose of rugby league.

What’s on site

Bradford’s Women’s Super League opener against Leeds will be the headline clash of a double header at Odsal next Sunday – after the men’s team take on Coventry in League One.

Meanwhile, the Rhinos’ scheduled opener against Featherstone tonight has been called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Tommy Makinson should be a contender for the England team, after notching his 100th career try over the Easter period.

You can see a photo of that try and a few others in our five photos that tell a story from the Easter weekend.

We ask does rugby league make enough of its rich history, including a video of Great Britain’s 1963 test match against Australia.

What’s in the papers

There’s a brilliant piece on Kangaroo legend Mal Meninga’s time at St Helens, as Mike Critchley draws comparisons with the Super League leaders’ current superstar – Ben Barba in the St Helens Star.

For the NRL followers, there’s a lengthy piece in The Guardian about Manly Sea Eagles and how they will be impacted by a salary cap cut later this year. May not have a direct impact on Super League player recruitment, but could affect some other players lower down the foodchain.

The RFL have volunteered information on its gender pay gap, with the average pay for men being 24.5% more than for women.

Brian Carney discusses the Sam Tomkins Catalans links and clamping down on the rules in the NRL in his latest Sky Sports column.

What’s on social

Dewsbury and Batley are the latest clubs to ramp up their marketing efforts around their games against Toronto Wolfpack.

TORONTO OFFER 3

The Rams would like to see as many new fans down at The Tetley's Stadium as possible.

Therefore any Rams season ticket holder can bring a friend for free.

If you don't have a friend to bring to the game, the Rams will find one for you. pic.twitter.com/zh4WxYy8Tz

— Dewsbury Rams ? (@DewsburyRams) April 4, 2018

NEXT UP:

?@TOwolfpack
?@Betfred @RLChampionships
?Sunday 8th April
?@foxs_biscuits stadium, Batley, WF17 7NZ
⌚️3pm Kick Off
?PAY ON THE GATE. Adults £17, Concessions/Students £12, Juniors £3#COYD ? pic.twitter.com/O5r2r8FH05

— Batley Bulldogs RLFC (@BatleyRLFC) April 3, 2018

In 1895, Mount Pleasant slope held its first game under the new code.
In 2017, the Wolfpack became the first transatlantic professional team.
On Sunday, the newest club in the game visit the oldest stadium in the game.
Thanks to @BatleyRLFC for their help in creating this video! pic.twitter.com/bkTnFmh7BN

— Toronto Wolfpack (@TOwolfpack) April 3, 2018

The Wolfpack’s presence hopefully contributing to the growth of rugby league all round.

Tbf, some clubs are now doing that. York's recent work for Keighley game was v good. Workington doing good job of pushing Bradford game – as are Newcastle. Think the Toronto interest will have nice knock-on effect/ripple across the leagues

— Aaron Bower (@AaronBower) April 4, 2018

If there’s an award for the best fan photo of the season, this is the definite winner – from Wigan against Hull KR on Monday.

Look at that for a Try! Centimetres in the pouring rain #WiganRL #superleague pic.twitter.com/wPR4rRFdLl

— KittyCat (@CherryNWhite) April 2, 2018

What’s on TV/radio

Live NRL this morning as Canberra Raiders take on Canterbury Bulldogs live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena from 10.50am.

Rugby League Back Chat is back on FreeSports at 5pm too.

You can watch the latest Super League Show now on BBC iPlayer.

Our very own Final Hooter podcast, Easter weekend special, is now available to download

TalkSPORT’s rugby league podcast is also available, looking ahead to the weekend.