Rugby League Today: GB tickets, latest gossip, Parcell hope & Ah Van gesture
What’s on site
Tickets are now on sale for the Great Britain Lions tour in New Zealand – are you heading Down Under?
Ben Westwood and Mark Minichiello both announced that they would retire at the end of the season.
Check out all the latest rugby league gossip in the Off the Record column.
Patrick Ah Van has told well wishers looking to support him following his injury at the weekend that he would prefer the money to go straight to Widnes.
Justin Holbrook has confirmed he will leave St Helens to join Gold Coast Titans at the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Gareth Widdop says the calibre of players going from NRL to Super League can only be good for progress.
What’s on social
The 2021 World Cup team are already doing great things…
?️ "It's going to be the biggest and best one yet." Don't take our word for it, just ask #RLWC2021 ambassador, Kevin Sinfield!
You could win an exclusive RLWC2021 goody bag, including a ball signed by Kevin, simply enter our prize draw here: https://t.co/U5b8Bw4Vyp pic.twitter.com/hETulP9Tcz
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) July 31, 2019
This practice needs to stop.
For @WiganWarriorsRL fans making the effort to travel to Hull on a rearranged Thursday night @hullfcofficial are going thank you by slapping a penalty on your ticket cost when paying on the gate ?
— Alex Tyrer Graham (@AlexG6) July 31, 2019
An interesting comparison of Rochdale’s fortunes since they changed coach.
Sacking coaches is never always the answer!Here’s an example of why it’s not!
Check this out from re attendances: Both have coached 5 home games. Averages attendances under each coach:
Forster 877
Calland 537
340 OFF the attendance. Say £10 on average £3400 a game, 5 games £17k pic.twitter.com/vAlOtzLWGr— Graeme Taylor (@G18EME) July 30, 2019
Huddersfield may be battling relegation, but with their crop of youngsters, they may just be a few shrewd signings away from progress…
? ‘We’ve spoken to Aidan, but it hasn’t gone too much further than that.’
? @Giantsrl coach Simon Woolford confirms discussions with Canberra half-back Aidan Sezer and reveals possible sticking point.
#️⃣ #giantsrl pic.twitter.com/RvE27SI8M7
— West Yorkshire Sport (@WYSdaily) July 30, 2019
Name us a better press box couple. We’ll wait.
What a journey it’s been! So proud of Gaz’s determination. We’ve come a long way since that dark Tuesday of November 10, 2015 when the surgeons told us all to prepare for the worst. Never give up no matter what people say. You’re stronger than you will ever think ? https://t.co/F4ZN01sNIP
— Gemma Carter (@Gemma_L_Carter) July 30, 2019
Sponsorship isn’t cheap, mind.
Least he’s just saved £40k in cash payments #silverlinings ?
— Rob Parker (@robparker1981) July 28, 2019
What’s in the papers
Jamie Shaul has spoken to The Mirror about Hull’s disappointment in the Challenge Cup and how they want to make up for that by reaching Old Trafford.
The latest update on Matt Parcell in Hull Live may provide some encouragement to Hull KR fans, as they continue their fight against relegation this weekend.
Birthdays
Veteran forward Jamie Jones-Buchanan celebrates his 38th birthday today.
Also celebrating: Salford hooker Logan Tomkins (28); Wales international Ben Morris (22); former New Zealand international Nathan Fien (40).
What’s on TV/radio
5pm – Rugby League Back Chat – FreeSports
7pm – Live Super League: Hull v Wigan – Sky Sports Arena
Trivia
Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Gareth Ellis and Ben Westwood are the only three players left playing in Super League that also played in the 20th century.