Rugby League Today: World Cup set to be postponed leading to Lancashire v Yorkshire calls
What’s on site
Sam Tomkins says he plans to settle in France once his playing days are over, and that all players should do more to consider what they will do after they stop playing.
Former St Helens and Toronto forward Jake Emmitt has signed for League 1 leaders Barrow.
Featherstone have been deducted two points in the Championship following a COVID breach earlier in the season.
A raft of bans have been dished out, including four from Wigan’s win over Leigh.
What’s on social
With the postponement of the World Cup imminent, Chris Hill has a suggestion.
Bring Lancashire v Yorkshire back all the England players playing against each other with also the lads on the fringe of the main squad can be looked at. 🌹 🤷🏼♂️ https://t.co/OGTWkw5DgL
— Chris Hill (@Chrishilly1987) August 3, 2021
Have to agree with this one.
Good! So it should be. Ridiculous trying to force it this year. This decision should have been made months ago when it was evident challenges of the current climate were so blatant. Hopefully @TheRFL can focus on supporting the domestic competitions for the rest of the year. https://t.co/Ktao9eTDgC
— Alex Tyrer Graham (@AlexG6) August 3, 2021
It’s not been a great few weeks for the officials.
A two game ban for this from Luke Gale, you’re having a laugh aren’t you @TheRFL?
He brushes past Chris Kendall to have a bit of a laugh with George Williams.
The game is dead if this is worthy of a ban.#LeedsRhinos #RugbyLeague #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/em0j2WIzIs
— Nick Hayward (@n1ckhay) August 3, 2021
What’s in the papers
With the World Cup set to be shelved for the time being, discussions are starting over what will happen next. The Guardian reports that the Super League season may be extended, while arranging international matches for England is another likely option.
World Cup bosses will demand answers over the actions of the NRL, who after forcing the hand of Australia and New Zealand to pull out, then arranged their new women’s season to clash with the tournament. The Mirror says “World Cup bosses feel they provided solutions for every possible Covid-19 query, only to be rebuked without consultation.”
Wigan and Catalans are interested in St George-Illawarra half-back Corey Norman, according to Manchester Evening News.
The future looks bright for St Helens, with the Star reporting on how youngsters Jack Welsby and Lewis Dodd more than played their part in Monday night’s win over Hull FC.
Birthdays
Salford powerhouse Pauli Pauli turns 27 today (August 4).
Also celebrating: former St Helens back-rower Sia Soliola (35); Batley utility Lucas Walshaw (29); Terry Campese (37)
What’s on TV/radio
8.30am – Super League Show – BBC Two
7pm – NRL Try Time – Sky Sports Arena
Trivia