Rugby League Today: TV star slams Folau, clubs frustrated with Catalans & Kelly loses weight
A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.
What’s on site
Catalans have signed controversial character Israel Folau on a one-year deal.
Wigan have confirmed their round six game against Catalans on March 22 will now be Pride Day, with the Warriors looking to support the LGBTQ+ community.
Super League chief executive Robert Elstone is frustrated with Catalans signing controversial character Israel Folau.
Former dual-code international and Sky Sports presenter Brian Carney has slammed Catalans Dragons for the signing of Israel Folau.
Toronto Wolfpack’s round five clash with St Helens will now be played at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington.
What’s in the papers
Toronto ready to roll out red carpet for Harry and Meghan in Canada, report The Sun.
Albert Kelly loses weight – and his Hull FC No. 6 jersey – ahead of new Super League season, report The Yorkshire Post.
Richie Myler is settling into new role with Leeds, report Yorkshire Evening Post.
Super League 2020 team-by-team guide: storms set to accompany Folau, report The Guardian.
Tony Smith says Mose Masoe inspiration can help Hull KR prove the pundits wrong, report the Mirror.
What’s on social
Coronation Street favourite Antony Cotton has had his say on Catalans signing Israel Folau.
Nah. @IzzyFolau is a homophobic bigot. The @TheRFL and @DragonsOfficiel should be ashamed of themselves. https://t.co/sB5230JWJG
— Antony Cotton (@antonycotton) January 28, 2020
Keegan Hirst, who was the first professional rugby league player to come out as gay, is truly disappointed with the Dragons.
I’m shocked and disappointed at the signing of @IzzyFolau. Our great game is tasked with fighting against homophobia and standing up for the values it puts such high stock in. It shows none of the bravery, cameraderie or integrity @rfl expects from its players, staff and fans
— Keegan Hirst (@KeeganHirst) January 28, 2020
Just FYI, this has nothing to do with beliefs. It has everything to do with homophobia.
There are millions of people practicing their religion who are not homophobic.
Prejudice is prejudice and using religion, political beliefs or anything else to justify it is not ok.
— Keegan Hirst (@KeeganHirst) January 28, 2020
A reminder of why we fell in love with the game…
One of the greatest #SuperLeague games ??? It had everything!
And they launch the 2020 season on Thursday ? @WiganWarriorsRL v @WarringtonRLFC live on Sky Sports Arena pic.twitter.com/cwQktjWDPB
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) January 28, 2020
What’s on TV/Radio
Rugby AM – FreeSports (6pm)
Inside Super League – Sky Sports Arena (7pm)
Super League’s Out Of Your League podcast is back, featuring Sam Burgess.
Sky Sports’ Golden Point podcast is back, with Warrington chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick being a special guest.
Betfred have launched a magazine show called The Last Tackle on YouTube, hosted by Mark Pearson.
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!
The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.
The latest 5 Live Rugby League Podcast is out now, hosted by Dave Woods.
The latest Total Rugby League Show is available to download now, hosted by Ben Hughes.
The In Touch Show is out now by Betfred.
We’ve got some top video content coming soon (biased, we know).
Birthdays
Jamaica international Mo Agoro turns 27 today.
Also celebrating; ex-Harlequins and London Skolars prop David Williams (33), former Hull FC prop Josh Cordoba (36) and ex-Widnes hooker Robert Relf (49).
Trivia
Sonny Bill Williams will wear the number 21 in his first season in Super League.
