Rugby League Today: Betts return, Edwards mystery & Gelling’s gesture
What’s on site
There is further uncertainty over the Wigan coaching position with Shaun Edwards revealing he hasn’t signed a contract to join the Warriors for 2020, despite the club’s announcement to the contrary last year.
One of Edwards’ former team-mates is back in rugby league – ex-Widnes coach Denis Betts has been appointed as Director of Rugby at League One side Newcastle Thunder.
Wakefield winger Tom Johnstone has suffered a cruel injury blow which will rule him out for the rest of the season.
Adrian Lam says Wigan are back, despite their defeat to Warrington on Friday night which leaves them with just one win from their six games so far.
Catalans bounced back from their home humbling by Salford last week to win away at Hull KR on Sunday.
One Leeds fan ticked off his 46th rugby league ground recently – but how many rugby league grounds have you been to?
There is still time to enter our competition to win a signed England shirt, in partnership with Batchelors Mushy Peas.
What’s on social
Man of the people Anthony Gelling’s at it again…
Nice one Billy lad. Make sure you eat all your veggies so you can fill it out ?? https://t.co/JiMN4Mz9Xx
— Anthony Gelling (@AnthonyGelling) March 17, 2019
John Bateman’s already causing a stir in the NRL…
?????? pic.twitter.com/jALrc92qQ5
— Martin Robinson (@Martin_Robbo87) March 17, 2019
Are referees having too much of an impact on the game?
I’m not blaming referees on results but to me this year they are having far to much of an impact on the game. I’m not just talking about my own team from all the games I’ve seen. #RugbyLeague #SuperLeague #NewBeginnings
— sammo (@teale17) March 16, 2019
A social media faux pas from Salford on Friday…
Nice of Salford to copy & paste @wiganwarriorsrl's own tweet. Very thoughtful indeed. :-/ pic.twitter.com/E5yWvUuLKr
— Bilko (@wiganrlfans) March 15, 2019
This is a contender for tweet of the season…
Just seen Kiwi prop Kevin Proctor looking at property in the hull area
Wonder if @hullfcofficial after him pic.twitter.com/JhBEv9CWqx
— Lee Tucker (@Lee_T_FC_Fan) March 14, 2019
What’s in the papers
John Kear says Bradford should have beaten Widnes after a controversial try was disallowed in the dying minutes, reports the Telegraph & Argus.
Barrow have completed the re-signing of Australian prop Alec Susino, after fans rallied round to raise funds for his return, reports the North West Evening Mail.
Hull Live report on yet more injury woe for Hull KR, who lost three players to knocks during Sunday’s defeat to Catalans.
Birthdays
The late Kato Ottio, who tragically passed away the day before he was due to move to Widnes, would have been 25 today.
Former Widnes back-rower Tom Olbison, now at Toronto, is 28; New Zealand international and NRL all star Adam Blair is 33; ex-Castleford, Catalans and Canterbury Bulldogs half-back Brent Sherwin is 41; Jamahl Lolesi, who left his role as assistant at St Helens at the end of last year, is 38.
What’s on TV/radio
10:45pm Sky Sports Arena: Super League Full Time
11:20pm BBC One North England: Super League Show