RL Today: Super League fixture under threat & Powell backs Wane decision

Josh McAllister 01 Mar 2023 7:00 AM

Wakefield Trinity, Super League. PA Images

Super League fixture under threat

Wakefield’s Super League fixture against Huddersfield this Friday is under threat due to their new pitch. (inews)

The club’s pitch left seven Catalans players requiring antibiotics due to infected leg wounds following their opening round match.

And Wakefield are set to have an inspection on their new hybrid pitch which will determine if Friday’s clash with Huddersfield can go ahead, reports i.

Powell backs Wane decision

Warrington boss Daryl Powell has backed England’s decision to re-sign Shaun Wane as head coach leading through to the 2025 World Cup. (Examiner Live)

The new contract was announced on Tuesday for Wan e, who led England to the semi-finals at the delayed 2021 World Cup.

“Shaun was the standout candidate and he deserves the opportunity to carry on in his job,” Powell told Examiner Live.

Hull KR’s injury boost

Head coach Willie Peters is hopeful three players will return for Hull KR’s home match against Leigh this Friday. (Hull Daily Mail)

Ryan Hall, Rhys Kennedy, Lachlan Coote and Matty Storton all missed last Thursday’s win over Salford at the AJ Bell Stadium. And Peters is hopeful that the former trio could make their returns at Craven Park this week.

Martin welcomes new disciplinary system

Leeds back-rower Rhyse Martin has welcomed the new disciplinary rules that has seen just one Super League player cop a ban so far in 2023. (Yorkshire Evening Post)

Only Grade C offences and above will lead to an automatic ban this year. Hull’s Scott Taylor became the first player to receive a ban following Round Two’s win over the Rhinos.

Must-read Roby interview

James Roby’s latest interview with Donald McRae on The Guardian is a must-read for all rugby league fans.

Roby, 37, is currently in his 20th and potential final season with St Helens after agreeing to a one-year extension last August.

Thankful Taylor on testimonial

Scott Taylor has been awarded a 12-month testimonial by the Rugby Football League.

The forward surpassed 300 career appearances in 2022, and was awarded the feat on Monday – also celebrating his 32nd birthday, as well as being handed the one-match ban all on the same day.

As I turn 32 today I would like to make a birthday announcement….#TagTestimonial pic.twitter.com/zuGhI7sJVL

— Scott Taylor (@ScottTagTaylor) February 27, 2023

Birthdays

Back-to-back NRL Premiership winning Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary turns 53 today (March 1).

Also celebrating: Hull KR boss Willie Peters (44), ex-France international Sebastien Planas (39), ex-NRL forward Anthony Tupou (40), Keighley’s Kyle Trout (32), Swinton’s Kenny Baker (31), Italy star Nathan Brown (30), Leeds and Papua New Guinea back-rower Rhyse Martin (30), Wakefield forward Kelepi Tanginoa (29), Sheffield half-back Cory Aston (28) and France international Benjamin Jullien (28).