Rugby League Today: New York bid, Westwood facing ban & Brits Down Under

What’s on site

The RFL have revealed that a bid from New York and the relocation of Hemel Stags will be presented to Championship and League One clubs, who will help to decide the next steps.

Warrington’s Ben Westwood could be banned for up to five matches following his headbutt on Wigan’s Morgan Escare at the weekend.

Our new NRL feature looks at the raft of British players now plying their trade Down Under, including John Bateman, who made quite a stir on his Canberra debut.

St Helens prop Luke Thompson says he is flattered by comparisons to one of those Brits playing in the NRL, James Graham.

Widnes have granted temporary leave to big signing Anthony Gelling, but insist he will be back in time for their Championship game against Batley on April 7.

And after all the fuss about Shaun Edwards, Wigan released a statement to say, well, nothing really.

What’s on social

They’re the reigning Super League champions, but all doesn’t appear well at Wigan.

I’ve seen some cock-ups in this sport before, but Wigan not getting Shaun Edwards to sign a contract is right up there. That’s assuming Edwards’ version is correct. What a shambles. Why let Wane go? Why get Lam only for one year?

— RichdelaRiviere (@RichdelaRiviere) March 18, 2019

Get on the Try of the Week voting…

? Joel Tomkins – @hullkrofficial ?
? Joe Brown – @LondonSkolarsRL ?
? Tony Maurel – @TOXIII ✨
? Ryan Hampshire @WTrinityRL ?

? Vote for your Try of the Week in 'polls' on the #OURLEAGUE app now! pic.twitter.com/MqZjjL6RE0

— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) March 18, 2019

Salary cap? What salary cap?

The second rugby league “what does that even mean of the day..”. What does this even mean? pic.twitter.com/19165oE3l1

— Rod Studd (@Rod_Studd) March 18, 2019

What’s in the papers

Wakefield could dip in to the loan market to replace injured winger Tom Johnstone, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season, reports the Wakefield Express.

Seven bouncers have been charged following a fight outside a Manchester nightclub that left St Helens youngster Joe Sharratt with a serious head injury.

Don’t forget to check out the Paper Talk column for the news from this week’s trade papers.

Birthdays

Leeds and England winger Tom Briscoe turns 29 today.

Also celebrating: former Barrow half-back Liam Finch (34); ex-Warrington, Manly, Parramatta and Penrith winger Chris Hicks (42); Ireland international Apirana Pewhairangi (27).

What’s on TV/radio

1:00pm BBC TWO: Super League Show