Rugby League Today: Shearer backs Burrow & best wishes to Leuluai family
A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league…
What’s on site
Rugby Blood: former rugby league star Keith Mason launches new comic book.
St Helens winger Tommy Makinson has ban reduced on appeal.
Season over for Hull KR winger Ethan Ryan.
Wigan captain Tommy Leuluai ruled out for the season.
Plans for rugby league tournament in Toronto next summer.
What’s in the papers
Wakefield signing Samisoni Langi makes dramatic U-turn after Chris Chester sacking. (Yorkshire Live)
Alan Shearer leads calls for Rob Burrow award as rugby league legend nominated for NTA. (Mirror)
Ash Handley ‘honoured’ to captain Leeds: Winger could also take goal kicking role against Huddersfield. (Yorkshire Evening Post)
Scott Taylor discusses injury frustrations, the impact of a derby win and renewed World Cup ambitions. (Hull Daily Mail)
John Bateman promises fireworks in Wigan-St Helens derby. (Wigan Today)
What’s on social
Our best wishes go to the Leuluai family at this time.
The club are deeply saddened to learn that club legend and Hall of Fame member James Leuluai is suffering with the early stages of Alzheimer's/Dementia.
The club sends their best wishes to James and his family, and are in contact to offer their support in any way possible. pic.twitter.com/Zl5ZKAAQ0O
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) August 18, 2021
It was great to catch up with former St Helens and Huddersfield prop Keith Mason earlier this week.
📚 Former rugby league star Keith Mason has launched a brand new comic Rugby Blood, which he thinks has the potential to become a film! #rugbyleague https://t.co/sgCBoVTQSM pic.twitter.com/baHpGuZVrg
— Love Rugby League (@loverugbyleague) August 17, 2021
Vote now…
⚠️VOTE NOW⚠️
The fantastic @BBCBreakfast documentary with @Rob7Burrow has made the LIVE final of @OfficialNTAs thanks to your votes – NOW WE NEED HIM TO WIN IT!
You can vote free online at https://t.co/VZgwuwF364 OR by phone on 0905 647 2021, T&C's apply pic.twitter.com/YCecH9Y395— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) August 17, 2021
What’s on TV/Radio
NRL Try Time – Sky Sports Arena (7pm)
Birthdays
Former Tonga, Hull and Bradford favourite Tevita Vaikona turns 47 today (August 18).
Also celebrating; Toulouse winger Jy Hitchcox (32), former Scotland international Harvey Burnett (26), Sheffield prop Tyler Dickinson (25), Samoa international Brian To’o (23) and Wigan and Ireland prop Liam Byrne (22).
Trivia
Hull KR captain Shaun Kenny-Dowall has not missed a game since joining the club from Newcastle Knights ahead of the 2020 season.