Rugby League Today: Cooper receives huge praise, Swinton sign Salford centre & Lam on Field

Drew Darbyshire

A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.

What’s on site

Castleford 10-12 Warrington: Late Matty Ashton try steals it for new Super League leaders.

Hull FC 26-23 Wakefield: Adam Swift’s 100th career try helps Hull to win.

Wigan coach Adrian Lam says it will be difficult to accept if a team finishes top of the Super League after playing fewer matches than their rivals.

Rugby Football League chairman Simon Johnson says the sport is “doing everything in its power” to deliver a Super League Grand Final in 2020.

The RFL explored every option to try and organise a women’s season but ultimately, there wasn’t enough time to host a coherent competition according to its head of growth, Tom Brindle.

What’s in the papers

Hull FC hang on for victory against Wakefield but play-offs look out of reach, reports The Guardian.

Former Warrington forward Ben Harrison has signed a one-year deal with Barrow, reports North West Evening Mail.

Swinton make Salford centre latest signing for 2021, reports Manchester Evening News.

Warrington coach Steve Price believes Mike Cooper’s display against Castleford was among the best he has ever seen from a prop forward, reports Warrington Guardian.

Wigan coach Adrian Lam admits Jai Field could be an asset for Wigan next season, reports Wigan Today.

What’s on social

Mose Masoe is truly inspiring.

A stunning pass from Benji Marshall…

Wigan have been boosted by the return of captain Sean O’Loughlin for Saturday’s trip to Catalans.

What’s on TV/Radio

NRL Tonight – Watch NRL (7:30am)

LIVE NRL: Canterbury Bulldogs v Manly Sea Eagles – Watch NRL (9am)

LIVE NRL: Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels – Sky Sports Arena (10:55am)

LIVE SL: St Helens v Hull KR – Sky Sports Arena (6pm)

LIVE SL: Leeds Rhinos v Huddersfield Giants – Sky Sports Arena (8:15pm)

Podcast: The Final Hooter #9 – Two rounds of Super League, Hull, Salford and Andy Grundy.

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

The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.

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

Birthdays

Warrington legend Brent Grose turns 41 today.

Also celebrating; Canberra Raiders favourite Jarrod Croker (30) and Leigh centre Iain Thornley (29).

Trivia

On this day in 2001, St Helens forward Sonny Nickle was handed a six-month ban for a challenge that broke the jaw of Leeds hooker Robbie Mears. The punishment was changed to nine games following an appeal.

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