Rugby League Today: Wigan get their points back, playing catch up and Barrie McDermott on the podcast
Photo courtesy of Richard Long
What’s on site
Apologies for the technical problems which prevented us from posting stories for large parts of Wednesday – there’s plenty to catch up with on the site.
The big news of the day was Wigan getting their two points back on appeal following their deduction for a salary cap breach.
Barrie McDermott is the special guest on the latest Final Hooter podcast.
Castleford had less success with their own appeal, against Grant Millington’s two match ban, which was upheld.
There continues to be player movement in the lower leagues, Whitehaven bringing in an amateur star, Toronto making a loan signing from Hull and Keighley signing a Dewsbury forward on loan.
Keep an eye out for Off the Record on the site today.
What’s on social
It’s fair to say the Wigan decision has received a mixed reaction.
Polite reminder that Wigan got their 2 league points back from an *independent* sports panel.
That means it was nothing to do with the RFL, for those who still struggle to understand what independent means.#RugbyLeague
— Gavin Wilson (@GavWilson) March 6, 2019
No surprise the appeal got the points back. Being punished points for a minor breach because of dire errors made by previous ownership over 10 years ago wasn't right. The points should have been suspended from the start.
— Bilko (@wiganrlfans) March 6, 2019
Give it a go…
Try Wheelchair Rugby League for FREE this weekend!
More: https://t.co/biKh2fTzMW pic.twitter.com/1LtY5zHC0o
— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) March 6, 2019
What’s in the papers
Wigan chairman Ian Lenegan says the salary cap should be reviewed, in Wigan Today, following their successful appeal to their two point deduction.
Warrington’s marquee man Blake Austin brought £20,000 worth of trainers over to the UK with him, reports The Mirror.
In his latest Yorkshire Post column, Peter Smith wonders the curse of the Super 8s may hit champions Wigan, and also says it’s only a matter of time before a so-called smaller club wins the Grand Final.
Meanwhile, on Sky Sports, Brian Carney says the speculation linking George Williams to the NRL is distracting champions Wigan.
Birthdays
Decorated former Australia and New South Wales forward Brent Kite is 38 today.
Also celebrating: Jamaica international Omari Caro (28); former Hull, London and Castleford utility Peter Lupton (37)
What’s on TV/radio
5:00pm – FreeSports: Rugby League Back Chat
7:00pm – Sky Sports Arena: Live Super League Warrington Wolves v Castleford Tigers
Trivia
Four clubs still play on the same grounds as they did when rugby league was formed as the Northern Union in 1895 – Batley, Leeds, Wakefield and Widnes.
