Rugby League Today: York’s push for Super League boosted, more from Elstone & coach birthdays
What’s on site
York have pulled off another eye-catching signing with the capture of forward Adam Cuthbertson from Leeds on a one-year deal.
Only one international match will take place in the northern hemisphere in 2020, and it was at the weekend when Netherlands beat Germany to lift the Griffin Cup.
The pathway of Welsh rugby league is evident with the news that Hull FC have signed Jermarie Chatham from Torfaen Tigers.
It was a busy end to the week for Super League, not least the news that Toronto have been asked to re-submit their bid for 2021. Here’s how we saw the Morning After.
Super League chief Robert Elstone said the initial bid from Toronto was “disappointing” and that they should feel fortunate to have a second chance to put it right.
St Helens remain favourites to win Super League with sponsors Betfred.
What’s on social
Special.
The @nzwarriors perform the Haka for Adam Blair 😍#NRLWarriorsManly pic.twitter.com/f4fFIa93XP
— NRL (@NRL) September 27, 2020
Good to see a nice guy doing well.
Probably on brink of being best coach in pro rugby league – @GCTitans Justin Holbrook. He has a successful lower grade record and achieved great success at St Helens, winning 80% of his games and breaking records along the way. #goldcoast #goldcoasttitans #sthelens pic.twitter.com/ZosetLNWgd
— rugbyleaguecoach.com.au 🏉 (@rlcoachonthenet) September 27, 2020
Well said.
This is the growth and expansion our game needs. New stadium in an historic university city, ambitious owners, big-name quality signings. Now go and get tickets in the hands of students and future business-leaders. Allez les Knights!
❤💛 https://t.co/coLeP5rpTU— Catalan Media 🇲🇫 (@catalanmedia) September 27, 2020
Sad and concerning news.
Just seen on LinkedIn about a rugby league development officer being made redundant by a Super League club foundation. And so it begins 😩😢
— James Gordon (@jdgsport) September 24, 2020
What’s in the papers
Robert Elstone says Toronto getting messages of support from the likes of NBA champions Toronto Raptors is not enough to convince him that they are worthy of a place in Super League, reports The Sun.
NRL player Curtis Scott has been awarded $100k after being on the wrong end of an aggressive police incident, reports The Guardian.
A nice story in the Warrington Guardian about a fan who has thanked the Wolves for playing in Super League during the coronavirus pandemic. She said: “Thank you for helping me a pensioner with Parkinson’s to face each day as I look forward to seeing you guys play.”
Birthdays
Halifax coach Simon Grix turns 35 today (September 28).
Also celebrating: Dewsbury coach Lee Greenwood (40); Australia, Queensland and Brisbane great Shane Webcke (46).
What’s on TV/radio
11.40pm – Super League Show – BBC One (north only)
Trivia
The predecessor to the City Knights, York Wasps, were formed in 1868 and although initially didn’t turn to rugby league at the time of the Northern Union split, they decided to switch in 1898 and were first admitted to the RFL in 1901.