Podcast: Chris Thorman interview plus the good, the bad and the ugly

Chris Thorman is this week’s guest as he talks to us about the potential for Super League in Cumbria, his own experience of the NRL and the ‘no d**khead’ policy at Workington.

Also, Love Rugby League editor James Gordon and Josh McAllister knock about the talking points from the weekend’s games, and give their good, bad and ugly of the week.

Thorman has a better view than most on attempts to grow the game beyond its traditional heartlands.

He’s a Geordie that went to the NRL, played for a club that was merged during the infamous Huddersfield-Sheffield years and tasted rugby league in the capital with London Broncos.

PREVIOUS POD: Discussion on the disciplinary and big interview with Ryan Brierley

The Good

Every week in the podcast, we talk about what’s good, bad and ugly from the week in rugby league.

We’ve plumped for the return of the reserves as this week’s good.

Hull KR’s Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e turned out for Hull KR’s reserves less than 24 hours after making his Super League debut against Castleford.

Featherstone’s Tom Holmes played for Leeds reserves in their win over Bradford, alongside the likes of Jack Broadbent and Jack Sinfield.

It’s the first time the reserves competition has been played since before the pandemic.

Reserves has long been a matter of debate in rugby league, and its return in an organised competition form back in 2019 was welcomed.

The Bad

Tough one for Hull KR this week, who have seen a stomach bug upset their camp.

Dean Hadley sat out the game against Castleford as a result, and coach Tony Smith estimates maybe at least six others could be affected and miss their game with St Helens.

The Ugly

Unfortunately, there seems to be an increasing amount of fan trouble.

After Castleford’s own team coach was targeted at Warrington recently, one of their fans got in trouble at Hull KR over the weekend.

While at Leigh on Monday, two young Widnes fans entered the pitch at full time – and two pint pots were also thrown on to the pitch during the match.

The clubs don’t need the fines and other punishment that come from these incidents from their own so-called fans.

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