Rugby League Today: Austin stands by gouging claim, Hull KR’s recruitment gamble & Wigan injury updates
A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.
What’s on site
Wigan kicked off the 2020 Super League season in eventful fashion with a hard-fought 16-10 win over 12-man Warrington. We’ve also discussed three talking points from the match.
Deputy editor Drew Darbyshire has written an opinion piece on Warrington’s debutant Matty Ashton. The Wolves have got a gem on their hands.
Love Rugby League writers have made their Super League predictions for 2020. Hull KR are at the bottom of the predicted tables.
Salford coach Ian Watson has signed a new two-year contract with the club.
The popular French round-up is on site. League leaders Avignon were downed by Lezignan, while Lyon picked up their second win of the season.
What’s in the papers
Warrington half-back Blake Austin stood by his eye gouging claims after the final hooter, report Warrington Guardian.
Lachlan Coote on dream season, Woolf’s coaching and being back in England, report St Helens Star.
Super League boss Robert Elstone says attracting younger fans is key to ensuring Super League has long-term future, report The Yorkshire Post.
Wigan coach Adrian Lam provides injury update on Sam Powell and George Burgess, report Wigan Today.
Neil Hudgell Q&A as Hull KR owner talks recruitment gamble, aims, franchises, lack of players, report Hull Live.
What’s on social
George Burgess doesn’t bounce off many people…
Big Ben bouncing! ? Big Ben bruising! ?
Big @BMMasila11 with the first try of 2020 #SuperLeague for @WarringtonRLFC pic.twitter.com/ATssUiMB38
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) January 31, 2020
Good tweeting from Wigan.
The poet. The poem. pic.twitter.com/Fx5vwscKPA
— Wigan Warriors ?⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) January 30, 2020
A nice gesture.
? '25 years we've been listening to this rubbish'
? 'Rugby League's Cannon and Ball'
? 'Two of the very best people'
♥️ @TheJackDearden & @TheTrevorHunt ♥️
The moment @WiganWarriorsRL Kris Radlinski handed these two a gift for their loyal service… pic.twitter.com/4tx75pZABY
— BBC RM Sport (@BBCRMsport) January 30, 2020
What’s on TV/Radio
St Helens v Salford – Sky Sports Arena & Sky Sports Mix (7:45pm)
Matty Smith on Israel Folau, life in Catalans and Saints or Wigan? The first episode of The Last Tackle is out now.
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 #2 – Super League season launch
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.
Birthdays
Former Bradford centre Adrian Purtell turns 35 today.
Also celebrating; ex-Warrington and London hooker Dave Highton (40), former London forward Filimone Lolohea (41) and Greece international Tyrone Taukamo (21).
Trivia
Super League is celebrating a quarter of a century this year, with it being the competition’s 25th year.
