RL Today: Hodgson returns to Super League, Murdoch-Masila’s farewell & South of England XIII

A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.

What’s on site

Hull have appointed 2009 Man of Steel winner Brett Hodgson as their new head coach.

Five talking points ahead of Grand Final clash between St Helens and Wigan.

Battle at back, playmaking duel & grunt up front: Key battles ahead of Grand Final.

Wigan captain Sean O’Loughlin has recalled feeling out of his depth at the very start of his career as he prepares to bring down the curtain on it.

A “South of England” representative side should play a warm up fixture against one of the World Cup 2021 participants in Bristol, says All Golds CEO Joe David.

What’s in the papers

Adam Pearson explains why Brett Hodgson ticks all the boxes for Hull FC, reports Hull Live.

Paul Brearley re-joins Halifax on one-year deal, reports Halifax Courier.

Zak Hardaker primed to repay Wigan’s faith with Grand Final redemption, reports The Guardian.

Ben Murdoch-Masila says goodbye to Super League, reports Warrington Guardian.

Wakefield sign Newcastle playmaker Mason Lino, reports The Yorkshire Post.

What’s on social

Wakefield have signed Samoa international Mason Lino.

🤝 WELCOME, Mason Lino!

NRL halfback joins Trinity on a three-year deal ahead of 2021.

Read in full: https://t.co/aRuXUVNmOM pic.twitter.com/wcXrMljgLF

— Wakefield Trinity (@WTrinityRL) November 25, 2020

Brett Hodgson has returned to Super League – as a coach!

📖 𝘼 𝙉𝙀𝙒 𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝘽𝙀𝙂𝙄𝙉𝙎…

⚫⚪ #WelcomeBrett pic.twitter.com/U1h2NN9lkx

— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) November 25, 2020

A brilliant Grand Final promo…

Through adversity comes strength 💪

With belief, you can be unstoppable 🏆

The 2020 @Betfred Super League #GrandFinal, @WiganWarriorsRL v @Saints1890, live on Sky Sports this Friday from 7pm #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/MMMABpkM9N

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) November 25, 2020

What’s on TV/Radio

Podcast: The Final Hooter 2020 #14 – Grand Final preview, Sean O’Loughlin & more.

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

Great Britain, Widnes and Wigan great Joe Lydon turns 57 today.

Also celebrating; former Wakefield favourite Sam Obst (40), Bradford’s new recruit Aaron Murphy (32) and Dewsbury outside back Joe Wardill (23).

Trivia

New Hull coach Brett Hodgson made 350 club appearances during his career for Western Suburbs, Parramatta Eels, Wests Tigers, Huddersfield and Warrington between 1997-2013.