Rugby League Today: World Cup decision delayed and don’t write Leeds off

James Gordon

Wigan Warriors stormtrooper in the crowd with a mask on cheers as the wigan team come out

What’s on site

Catalans maintained top spot in Super League with a 50-12 win over Huddersfield.

Teenager Jack Broadbent scored four tries as Leeds beat Leigh 48-18 on Thursday night.

A decision over whether the World Cup will go ahead at the end of the year has been deferred, as organisers try their best to salvage the tournament and ensure it goes ahead in 2021.

Warrington’s Jake Mamo will join Castleford on a three-year deal from 2022.

The coronavirus era for rugby league has been tough on us all – we’ve even made it way through the full list of Alphabet Dream Teams. Which letter do you think has the best all-time Super League side?!

What’s on social

A couple of All Blacks stars (no, me neither) bigging up the NRL and New Zealand Warriors.

Rugby league’s version of that Spider-Man meme?

The PRC could catch on!

What’s in the papers

Leeds hooker Kruise Leeming says they shouldn’t be written off for the Super League title, reports Yorkshire Live. He said: “A lot of people have already written us off but we don’t see it like that. The spirit we have in camp here is good and if we win these (next) three (games) we’re in with a chance.”

Tim Sheens has praised new Warrington signing Peter Mata’utia, reports the Warrington Guardian, and even considered playing the centre at loose forward in the Combined Nations All Stars win over England.

Salford have come to the aid of local community club Salford City Roosters after a container storing a number of vital items at the club was set on fire, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Birthdays

Wakefield’s Super League Dream Team centre Bill Tupou turns 31 today (July 2).

Also celebrating: Wigan’s England international Liam Farrell (31); France international Jason Baitieri (32); recently departed Leigh coach John Duffy (41); former Great Britain, Widnes and Leeds full-back Alan Tait (57).

What’s on TV/radio

9am – Live NRL: NZ Warriors v St George-Illawarra – Watch NRL

10.50am – Live NRL: Penrith v Parramatta – Sky Sports Arena

Fans in the UK and beyond can once again watch every NRL game live and on demand in 2021 through the WatchNRL service.

Trivia

Alan Tait won successive Harry Sunderland Trophies in 1989 and 1990 – a feat only repeated by Andy Farrell (1996 and 1997)

Features Leeds Rhinos