Rugby League Today: Catalans eye Folau, Wigan and Warrington at loggerheads & Hudgell blasts Toronto
A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.
What’s on site
The 2020 Challenge Cup third round draw has been made. The British Army have been handed home advantage against Ince Rose Bridge at their Aldershot base.
Hull FC forward Scott Taylor says it’s time for them to deliver a Super League Grand Final for their fans.
Matty Smith has found himself being a coach as well as a player at his new club Widnes.
Wakefield have signed prop Romain Navarrete on loan from Wigan, with the Warriors offering a new long-term deal to Ireland international Liam Byrne.
The latest paper talk is out now. St Helens are hopeful on retaining Luke Thompson, Niall Evalds is set for Salford stay and Batley are eying up a Hull FC playmaker.
What’s in the papers
Controversial cross-code rugby player Israel Folau is being heavily linked with a move to Catalans, report L’Independant.
Wigan and Warrington have cancelled a joint press conference “in lieu of the current climate between the two organisations”, report Warrington Guardian.
Hull KR chairman Neil Hudgell calls Toronto Wolfpack’s attempts to railroad Super League cynical and unacceptable, report Hull Live.
Shaun Edwards says “people in Wigan need to know the truth” about his u-turn, report Wigan Today.
Gareth Ellis refuses to rule out playing until 40 ahead of Super League kick-off, report the Mirror.
What’s on social
Extra spice on Thursday…
Wigan and Warrington cancel a planned joint press conference to preview their Super League opener citing the "current climate between the two organisations" ?
— James Gordon (@jdgsport) January 27, 2020
Twitter hasn’t taken well to the Folau-Catalans link…
What is with Catalans and wrong ‘uns? When will they ever learn? https://t.co/0eyBV5Ayzx
— No Helmets Required (@NoHelmetsReq) January 27, 2020
That Smith-Slater combo though…
BEST TRIES OF THE LAST DECADE – Billy Slater makes it look so easy ? pic.twitter.com/OtXAo2q8W3
— NRL (@NRL) January 26, 2020
What’s on TV/Radio
Tanya Arnold is joined by the stars of Super League to look ahead to the 2020 season in the first Super League Show of 2020.
Podcast: The Final Hooter 2020 #1 – we are back with a bang!
Episode 46: Love Rugby League Weekly, hosted by deputy editor Drew Darbyshire.
The latest Chasing Kangaroos – An International Rugby League podcast is available to download now.
The latest Howlin’ Hour podcast is available to download now. Toronto Wolfpack founder Eric Perez is a special guest on the show.
The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.
We’ve got some top video content coming soon (biased, we know).
Birthdays
Hull KR forward Elliot Minchella turns 24 today.
Also celebrating; New Zealand international Jordan Kahu (29), Tonga international Vai Toutai (27) and Italy international Nicholas Okladnikov (22).
Trivia
Leeds lead the way in the Super League era with eight Grand Final wins.
