Rugby League Today: Super 8s ditched, Hetherington angry, Wood out of retirement

Drew Darbyshire

There has been some huge news within the last 24 hours.

What’s on site

The Super 8s will be ditched at the end of the season, with a return to a one-up, one-down structure from 2019.

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington has blasted Super League officials following the unveiling of Robert Elstone as the new Super League chief.

Tom Briscoe has signed a new two-year deal with Leeds, keeping him at the Rhinos until at least the end of the 2020 season.

New Zealand veteran Simon Mannering has hung up his boots from playing international rugby league. Ben Matulino and Russell Packer have also announced their retirements.

The latest ‘have your say’ feature is out now. Who is the most unfortunate player to be left out of England’s squad for Denver?

Leigh owner Derek Beaumont has been fined £7,500 having been found guilty of breaching the Rugby Football League’s operational rules.

Ed Chamberlain and Greg Burke could make their debuts for Salford on Thursday, while Tom Gilmore could return for Widnes. The 19-man squads have been announced.

Ukraine have named their train-on squad ahead of their defence of their European Championship C crown.

Former St Helens star Phil Vievers collected a special award as recognition for his efforts to raise awareness of the pressure on local NHS services.

The latest ‘life after league’ feature is out now. We caught up with Wales international David Mills to reflect on his career.

Paul Wood has come out of retirement to join Whitehaven and will play for free.

What’s in the papers

Super League decides to scrap controversial Super 8 format, report The Guardian.

Hull FC ace Jake Connor reveals getting England call left him silent, report The Sun.

Ian Lenagan reveals the radical change that Super League needs, report Wigan Today.

Super League set to scrap Super 8s format from 2019, report Warrington Guardian.

McManus gives backing to new Super League CEO Robert Elstone, report St Helens Star.

Best still to come from Wakefield says Danny Kirmond, report Yorkshire Evening Post.

Garry Schofield set for Headingley return, report Yorkshire Evening Post.

Adam Pearson and Neil Hudgell back new Super League CEO Robert Elstone to deliver change, report Hull Daily Mail.

Elliot Wallis reveals shock after signing long-term Hull KR deal, report Hull Daily Mail.

What’s on social

Wigan have found a replacement for Joel Tomkins!

Not a bad start to your Super League career…

This is a must watch.

What’s on TV/Radio

The latest ‘Sport at Six’ podcast by BBC Radio Manchester’s Jack Dearden and Trevor Hunt is available to download now.

The latest Rugby League show on Proper Sport is available to download now.

The latest Whippets and Flat Caps podcast is available to download now, presented by Jon Wilkin and Mark Flanagan.

The latest 5 Live Rugby League podcast is available to download now, presented by Dave Woods.

The latest Rugby League on talkSPORT 2 podcast is available to download now.

The Final Hooter podcast by Love Rugby League’s Dave Parkinson and Adrian Jackson is now available to download.

Features Adam Pearson

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