Rugby League Advent #7 – Challenge Cup, Toronto squad & paper talk
7 – The number of sponsors that the Challenge Cup has had
With the news yesterday detailing the set up of this year’s Challenge Cup, the presence of its first Serbian team in the shape of Red Star Belgrade, and the surprise withdrawal of Toronto Wolfpack, it’s fitting that today’s advent relates to the game’s oldest competition.
Check out our recent feature detailing the sponsors the Challenge Cup has had in its history.
What’s on site
Here are all the details about the Challenge Cup, with the first round draw to take place next week.
You’ve had your say on whether there should be a mid-season international in 2019.
Who remembers the LoveRugbyLeague.com Stadium?! Check out our latest feature on 13 years of Love RL.
It’s the final Final Hooter podcast of the calendar year, with Dave and Adrian.
We’ve had a look at how Toronto’s squad is shaping up for 2019.
What’s on social
Toronto have been left frustrated at not being able to participate in the Challenge Cup.
Toronto wanted to play in the Challenge Cup, but didn't want to pay the amount requested to cover the apparent loss of them being in the final. Toulouse didn't want to participate full stop (per last year). Both now have two of the three weekends prior to the Easter weekend off.
— James Gordon (@jdgsport) December 6, 2018
A puzzler from the England account
Plenty of Rugby League stars started out in the England Academy squad
Can you name these three players? ? pic.twitter.com/1ANbQm0W2u
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) December 5, 2018
Wigan have been down in Milton Keynes during pre-season.
?? Thanks for choosing MKRUFC as your base this week @WiganWarriorsRL ?⚪️, a great few days!
Good luck for rest of your preseason ????
Looking forward to seeing you win some more ?#whyiplay #rugbyleague #rugby#mkrufc pic.twitter.com/00h6LzqSPt
— Milton Keynes Rugby Club (@officialmkrufc) December 6, 2018
What’s in the papers
The bouncers involved in the disgraceful attack on St Helens academy player Joe Sharratt have been sacked, reports Sky News.
The Yorkshire Post report that Leeds have handed a trial to former Hull KR and Bradford forward James Donaldson.
After a busy end to last week with a glut of signings, Leigh are still chasing at least another six papers according to the Leigh Journal.
Hull KR’s Craven Park home has been closed completely following last week’s incident where a floodlight collapsed, reports Hull Live.
