Rugby League Today: Sheens gone, no to Folau and six Championship targets

James Gordon

What’s on site

After a bizarre week, Hull KR have finally confirmed the departure of coach Tim Sheens.

There’s plenty of gossip in this week’s Off the Record, including the likely identity of the new Hull KR coach and the future of Anthony Gelling and Kallum Watkins.

Meanwhile, we’ve looked at six Championship players who may be ready to step up to Super League.

Read our match report on the first State of Origin game, as Queensland prevailed against New South Wales.

Leeds have confirmed the signing of Huddersfield forward Alex Mellor from next season.

What’s on social

Stuart Pearce doing his bit to spread the word at the Portugal v Switzerland Nations League football match last night.

If you’ve not seen this already from the NRL, it has a tremendous message.

Hard to disagree with Barrie Mac on this one…

What’s in the papers

Huddersfield coach Simon Woolford says they will miss Alex Mellor, but that they made him a fair offer to stay and he remains committed to their cause for the remainder of 2019, reports the Yorkshire Post.

Wigan Today reveal that Wigan coach Adrian Lam has gone back to Australia due to a family bereavement, but will be back for their Super League clash with Hull KR on Sunday.

London boss Danny Ward tells The Mirror that he is happy with where the Broncos are at, and has backed them to defy the odds and avoid relegation from Super League.

Disgraced rugby union star Israel Folau will not be allowed to resurrect his career in the NRL, chairman Peter Beattie has reiterated following speculation linking the multi-code player with a return to rugby league.

Birthdays

Scotland international winger or full-back Matty Russell, now with Toronto Wolfpack, is 26 today.

Also celebrating: Wales international Connor Farrer (24); France international Bastien Ader (28); visa troubled Darcy Lussick (30); ex-Ireland hooker Rory Kostjasyn (32)

What’s on TV/radio

8.15pm – Rugby League Back Chat – FreeSports

Trivia

The Wales Rugby League was formed in 1995 and recognised as the governing body of rugby league in Wales by the RFL, BARLA and Welsh Sports Council.