RL Today: Manfredi injury blow, Welsby keen to learn & Leigh linked with Peats

A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.

What’s on site

“No-one knew what league was” – Irish prodigy Ronan Michael on spreading rugby league gospel in his hometown.

Dream XIII of players who have represented Ireland.

Barrie McDermott on: His love for Ireland, 2000 World Cup & hopes for growth.

Leigh bring in four loan players from Super League clubs.

Tim Sheens to coach Combined Nations All Stars.

What’s in the papers

Leigh close in on State of Origin hooker Nathan Peats as Super League side plot major signing, reports Manchester Evening News.

Dom Manfredi injury blow – what are Wigan’s wing options? reports Wigan Today.

The remarkable rugby league story of Ireland international Ronan Michael, reports the Mirror.

Super League transfers: new signings who could shape the season, reports The Guardian.

Jack Welsby learning from Saints team-mates but pushing for a place, reports St Helens Star.

What’s on social

It will be good to see Ireland’s Call sung again at the World Cup this autumn.

🍀𝐼𝑅𝐸𝐿𝐴𝑁𝐷'𝑆 𝐶𝐴𝐿𝐿!🍀

🇮🇪Relive @IrelandRL's epic 2000 Rugby League World Cup quarter-final clash with @England_RL next week – This rendition of 'Ireland's Call' is worth tuning in for in itself!🎶

🗓️Thurs, March 24
⏲️1am
📺Sky Sports Arena
#⃣ #RugbyLeagueTakeover pic.twitter.com/EAcEtKPIxv

— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) March 17, 2021

It is good to see just how passionate people are to play for their country.

☘️ "Playing for #Ireland is an opportunity I'll always be grateful for and never forget"

Stars of past and present Brian Carney, Tyrone McCarthy and Ronan Michael talk about what it means to play for @irelandrl, the Wolfhounds' hopes at #RLWC2021 and much more.#StPatricksDay pic.twitter.com/LTrJDO4pyW

— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) March 17, 2021

Leeds winger Ash Handley has been ruled out for six weeks.

Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Richard Agar has confirmed winger Ash Handley will be sidelined for six weeks with a knee injury
➡ More https://t.co/TDkC3A52gs pic.twitter.com/bbz9rDo42M

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) March 17, 2021

What’s on TV/Radio

NRL Tonight – Fox League (7:30am)

Thursday Night League – Fox League (8am)

LIVE NRL: Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm (9am) – Sky Sports Arena & Watch NRL

Late Show with Matty Johns – Fox League (10:45am)

Games from the French Elite Championship are being streamed live every weekend.

The Final Hooter podcast: Newcastle Thunder’s ambitions, Eamon O’Carroll on coaching & Jack Cogger chats Huddersfield.

The Final Hooter podcast: Adrian Lam reflects, Steve Price’s 2021 hopes & Warrington duo pay tribute to Chris Hill.

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

Former France international Maxime Greseque turns 40 today.

Also celebrating; former Ireland prop Paul Southern (45), ex-Ireland international Wayne Kerr (37), Canberra Raiders half-back Sam Williams (30), Batley’s Anthony Bowman (29), former Wigan full-back Jack Murphy (29), Italy international Nathan Milone (27) and Fiji international Joe Lovodua (23).

Trivia

Ronan Michael became the first Ireland-born player to play in Super League since Brian Carney (11 years) when he made his debut for Huddersfield last season.

Subscribe to The Final Hooter on Apple Podcasts and get involved with the free-to-play Fantasy Rugby League 2021.

Rugby League Nostalgia is here! Get involved with Love Rugby League’s new group on Facebook to share all your rugby league nostalgia and celebrate the rich heritage of our sport.