The good, the bad & the ugly: Halifax mascot, Hamlin ban, Tupou injury

Drew Darbyshire

We’ve gone through the highs and lows over the last seven days in rugby league.

The good

A video has gone viral of a 44-year-old mascot at the Rochdale Hornets-Halifax game on Sunday!

Mark Wadsworth was celebrating his stag do and got to walk onto the Crown Oil Arena pitch with his favourite player, Scott Murrell.

Journalist Matthew Shaw has had over 700 retweets and 3.5k likes on the video of the mascot walking out of the tunnel with Murrell. It makes absolutely superb viewing.

The story of the week, rugby league needs more of this!

The bad

Wigan Warriors have confirmed that Gabe Hamlin has been provisionally suspended following a UK anti-doping violation.

The 22-year-old is unavailable for selection during his suspension period and the club have confirmed that he is temporarily on the way back to his native Australia.

More details have yet to be announced, and we don’t know entirely yet what drug(s) he has been suspended for.

It’s a huge blow for the Warriors, who are currently struggling with a number of off-field issues. Hamlin could well have ruined his professional career.

The ugly

Wakefield Trinity have been dealt a huge injury blow, with star centre Bill Tupou being ruled out for three months with a groin injury.

The Tonga international sustained the injury in their win over Salford Red Devils over a week ago and it’s a massive concern for Chris Chester’s side.

Tupou has built up a ferocious centre-wing combination with Tom Johnstone in recent seasons, but Johnstone is also out for the season. It’s a huge shame the Wakefield faithful won’t get chance to see that dazzling partnership again this year.

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