Rugby League Today: Hastings new deal, England Knights squad confirmed, Holbrook and Hill interviews
We have exclusive interviews with St Helens coach Justin Holbrook and Warrington captain Chris Hill on site.
What’s on site
Jack Hughes has been named skipper of the England Knights squad, which includes four players from Warrington and Leeds.
Jackson Hastings has signed a contract extension with Salford for the 2019 season.
Tony Gigot, Morgan Escare and Theo Fages have all been named in a strong France squad for their autumn internationals.
Toulouse centre Gavin Marguerite has signed a new one-year deal with the Championship club.
Whitehaven have appointed former Workington boss Gary Charlton as their new head coach.
The latest ‘off the record’ feature is out now. Will Leigh forfeit the Championship Shield final? Who is next in line for the Widnes job? Which Wales international is joining London? Find out in Ray Mour’s gossip column.
Wigan will welcome back Sean O’Loughlin, Ben Flower, Tommy Leuluai and Sam Tomkins on Friday, but Castleford will be without Jake Trueman. The 19-man squads have been revealed.
Tim Sheens has confirmed that Hull KR have signed Jimmy Keinhorst, Weller Hauraki and Ryan Lannon for 2019.
Sheffield have announced that USA star Corey Makelim will remain at the club next season, along with six other players.
Warrington captain Chris Hill admits they are happy to go into the semi-finals as underdogs against League Leaders’ Shield winners St Helens.
Leigh have confirmed they only have nine fit players but are poised to play the Championship Shield final to avoid a misconduct charge.
Scotland international Frankie Mariano has signed a new one-year deal with Doncaster.
Justin Holbrook said he is really enjoying his time in England so far and is very proud to have seven of his players in the 2018 Super League Dream Team.
What’s on site
Sean O’Loughlin urges Wigan to use emotion surrounding Shaun Wane’s imminent exit, report the Mirror.
John Bateman ready to defy his size and tackle rugby league’s monsters head on, report The Sun.
Why Wigan forward Joe Greenwood was ‘gutted’ at first when he took England call, report Wigan Today.
Can Warrington harness ‘spirit of 2012’ at St Helens? Report Warrington Guardian.
Finishes catch the eye, but Tommy Makinson’s set starters are like gold dust to Saints, report St Helens Star.
Lee Radford on Scott Taylor’s England omission and call-ups for Hull FC players, report Hull Daily Mail.
Hull KR’s Chris Atkin talks England Knights tour of Papua New Guinea after selection, report Hull Daily Mail.
Five memorable Ryan Hall moments for Leeds, report Yorkshire Evening Post.
What’s on social
Jonny Lomax dares to dream.
2010 ?
2011 ?
2014 ?
2018 ❓Can @Saints1890 @Lomax_1990 return to Old Trafford and claim a winners medal on 13 October? pic.twitter.com/PCRQkaRZez
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) October 3, 2018
A great announcement!
? @JackoHastings' message for the @SalfordDevils fans… pic.twitter.com/EF8Qwj8Ae7
— Salford Red Devils (@SalfordDevils) October 3, 2018
A strong Knights squad.
? Squad Announcement
Jack Hughes to captain England Knights squad in Papua New Guinea
Read more ? https://t.co/ZI5cfAPg2o pic.twitter.com/M4eUHhCpel
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 3, 2018
Get yourself down to the DW on Friday – it is going to be a cracker.
?⚪️ @OliverGildart3 knows the score ?
Who's coming down to give a MASSIVE home send off to Shaun Wane and the @WiganWarriorsRL? pic.twitter.com/GQ33WKn3Kf
— Wigan Warriors ?⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) October 3, 2018
What’s on TV/Radio
LIVE SL SF: St Helens v Warrington Wolves – 7.30pm, Sky Sports Arena & Main Event
Rugby League Masterclass: Ben Westwood – 10.00pm & 10.30pm, Sky Sports Arena
SL SF Highlights: St Helens v Warrington Wolves – 11.45pm, Sky Sports Arena
5 Live Rugby League, 7.00pm – 5 Live Sports Extra
The latest Super League Pod is available to download now, in association with Love Rugby League.
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 Final Hooter podcast by Love Rugby League’s Dave Parkinson and Adrian Jackson is now available to download.