Rugby League Today: Inspirational Burrow and Masoe, COVID hits cup final & O’Connor does his dad proud

James Gordon

Jarrod O’Connor (33) of Leeds Rhinos kicks the conversion

What’s on site

Warrington eventually proved too strong for a young Leeds side, but a flurry of late scores added gloss to the scoreline that perhaps didn’t reflect the Rhinos efforts.

Marc Sneyd moved in to the top 10 goalkickers in Super League history, kicking the decisive penalty as Hull beat Huddersfield 18-16.

A penalty also decided the first match of the day, as Hull KR edged out Salford 24-22, in a game that came after some midday drama – with Salford reporting two positive coronavirus tests and a subsequent kick-off delay.

Former Hull KR forward Joe Wardill is making a comeback with Dewsbury, 18 months after hanging up his boots. We caught up with him to discuss his return.

What’s on social

The most heart-breaking, inspirational and tearful programme there’s probably ever been.

Speaking of inspirational.

Nice to see this on Sky Sports, as Terry O’Connor gives insight to watching his son Jarrod play Super League.

Some gold on Twitter at times.

What’s in the papers

The Guardian looks at the biggest change for rugby league in 2020, the set restart. Writer Nick Tedeschi says “The introduction of the set restart has changed rugby league to its very core… (it’s) faster in a team’s ability to build momentum”

The Mirror has a piece on the Rob Burrow documentary, and the tear-jerking moments throughout. Burrow’s wife Lindsey said: “One of the first things Rob said to me was, ‘Thank God it’s me and not the kids.’ That’s all he was bothered about.”

Tough for any Salford fan to be missing the Challenge Cup final, but particularly for these super fans who have raised extraordinary amounts for the club over the years, reports Gary Carter in The Sun.

Birthdays

Wigan’s Salford-bound winger Joe Burgess turns 26 today (October 14)

Also celebrating: former St Helens utility Jason Hooper (43); ex-Widnes and Wigan half Jules O’Neill (48); former Leeds and Papua New Guinea winger Marcus Bai (48); tough Cumbrian forward Simon Knox (48).

What’s on TV/radio

6pm – Rugby AM – FreeSports

Trivia

Jarrod O’Connor scored two points against Warrington last night – his dad, Terry, managed to score four points against the Wolves in his whole Super League career – one try in 19 matches, though he only finished on the losing side four times.

Features Jarrod O'Connor

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