Rugby League Today: Exiles revival, Saints duo attract interest & Kear’s new deal

Drew Darbyshire

A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.

What’s on site

Top 13 players to never win the Man of Steel award.

Wakefield centre Ryan Atkins is our latest guest on My Set of Six. He talks David Solomona, Warrington’s Challenge Cup triumph in 2010 and his favourite away ground.

Shaun Wane is hoping to set up a “high quality” match for England before the end of the year and has not ruled out taking on an Exiles team or one of the home nations.

Discussions have already been opened on the potential for England hosting Australia in a three-match Ashes series from 2022 onwards.

Top 13 players to have never played in State of Origin.

What’s in the papers

St Helens face battle to hang onto highly-rated pack duo as rival clubs circle, reports the Mirror.

Wigan would welcome John Bateman back if he decides to cut short his NRL career to return to Super League, reports Wigan Today.

Bradford coach John Kear has signed a two-year contract extension with the Bulls, reports The Telegraph & Argus.

‘I can’t see many negatives to an Exiles revival’ – Scott Taylor on England plans and Shaun Wane, reports Hull Live.

Leeds winger Tom Briscoe reckons an Exiles fixture would be ideal preparation for England ahead of the 2021 World Cup, reports The Yorkshire Post.

What’s on social

Cameron Smith has shaved his beard!

Just look at the passion on show…

Round four of the NRL gets underway tomorrow!

What’s on TV/Radio

Former Super League and NRL forward Keith Mason is this week’s guest on The Last Tackle. He talks about his switch to the NRL at 20 as well as his new rugby comic – Rugby Blood.

Super League’s Out Of Your League podcast is back, featuring Jon Wilkin and Mark Flanagan.

Sky Sports’ Golden Point podcast is available to download now.

Podcast: The Final Hooter #4 – featuring rugby league royalty Ellery Hanley.

The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.

The latest 5 Live Rugby League Podcast is out now, hosted by Dave Woods.

Birthdays

Canterbury Bulldogs coach Dean Pay turns 51 today.

Also celebrating; Keighley hooker Kyle Kesik (31), Widnes utility Jack Owens (26) and former Scotland international Mick Nanyn (38).

Trivia

Australia and Queensland legend Cameron Smith is the only player to have made more than 400 NRL appearances, with all of them being for Melbourne.

Watch our Last Tackle podcast, featuring a guest, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on YouTube.

Listen to The Final Hooter podcast, featuring exclusive interviews, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on Apple Podcasts.

More on site

My Set of Six: with Wakefield centre Ryan Atkins featuring David Solomona & Challenge Cup triumph

My Set of Six: with Saints centre Mark Percival featuring Jamie Lyon & Matt Gidley

Features Barrow Raiders

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