Rugby League Today: World Cup off, Austin move & Gale ban reduced
Blake Austin has arrived at Leeds
What’s on site
Blake Austin will hook up with his old mate Aidan Sezer after agreeing a one-year deal with Leeds for 2022.
The latest gossip column is online, with murmurs about an NRL import and doubts over the future of Luke Gale.
You can win some retro rugby league gear by following @loverugbyleague and @rugbyleaguegear on Twitter in our latest competition.
Kevin Brown is set to return for Salford – plus the rest of this weekend’s Super League squad news.
What’s on social
Here’s a World Cup legacy.
It's more than a 3G pitch, look closer. 🔎
A £262,000 CreatedBY grant helped to build a new pitch at @YorkStJohn, and will directly support the growth of the women's, girl's and disability game with help from @YorkKnightsRLFC.
Find out more: https://t.co/u0Mf4nqo7a pic.twitter.com/mfZCj34f6z
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) August 4, 2021
Lancashire.
Rugby League is taking me to places I never thought I’d go. On August 15 I will be proud to represent Lancashire against Yorkshire in the first ever @PDRLEngland Origin game. From Loftus to Lancashire, who’d have thought? https://t.co/iT03tW7PLZ
— Adam Hills (@adamhillscomedy) August 4, 2021
There must be businesses out there who want to do this sort of thing with rugby league.
This is brilliant sponsorship activation. Love the kid's instant rugby knowledge as well at his age, wow. https://t.co/8wD9j6mGpi
— James Gordon (@jdgsport) August 4, 2021
What’s in the papers
The confirmation that the 2021 World Cup is being postponed is due this morning, with a press conference scheduled. A board meeting on Wednesday night overran and meant a statement wasn’t possible. (Mail Online)
Dom Manfredi is set for an emotional farewell to Wigan, after his immediate retirement was confirmed last night. The winger had hoped to play on this year, but has been advised to hang up his boots on medical grounds. (Manchester Evening News)
Luke Gale has had his ban for making contact with a match official reduced, but will still sit out the clash with Castleford this weekend. (Yorkshire Live)
Birthdays
Leeds and Tonga centre Konrad Hurrell turns 30 today (August 5).
Also celebrating: Long-serving Catalans icon Thomas Bosc (38); Italy international Brenden Santi (28); Hull KR utility Dean Hadley (29)
What’s on TV/radio
10.50am – Live NRL: Newcastle Knights v Brisbane Broncos – Watch NRL
Trivia
Thomas Bosc is Catalans’ all-time highest points scorer, with 1374 points in 243 games, including 59 tries and 562 goals.