RL Today: Wakefield duo injured, Wigan target title & shortened season for Super League?

A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.

What’s on site

Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip #208.

St Helens prop James Graham has confirmed he will retire at the end of the current Super League season.

Keighley have signed Papua New Guinea international Wellington Albert for the 2021 season.

Hull KR coach Tony Smith insists 2020 is not a write-off as Super League’s bottom side seek the boost of claiming local bragging rights in the Hull derby.

State of Origin: Predicted 17-man line-ups for Game I.

What’s in the papers

Wakefield duo Matty Ashurst and Tony Gigot ruled out for remainder of the Super League season, reports The Yorkshire Post.

Two out of three is the target says Wigan ace Oliver Gildart, reports Wigan Today.

Super League clubs to step up talks over shortening the season and extending play-offs, reports the Mirror.

Rugby league hailed for reaction to Rob Burrow documentary about life with MND, reports The Sun.

Leeds coach Richard Agar believes Super League has reached ‘tipping point’ with conclusion of season threatened, reports The Telegraph.

What’s on social

Salford’s new recruit Andy Ackers says he wants to win silverware with the Red Devils.

💪 “I want to win a few trophies if I can with Salford. I want to win trophies and the goal for every Super League player is playing for their country and that’s what I want to try and push for." #rugbyleague https://t.co/Z3kxirdJK2

— Love Rugby League (@loverugbyleague) October 28, 2020

James Graham is a legend of the game.

🅰️ 474 appearances
🏉 70 tries
🏆 1 x @SuperLeague Ring
🏆 3 x @TheChallengeCup
💪 Man of Steel
👊 Dally M Prop of the Year

What a career this man has had, but he has a job to finish with the Saints – starting this Friday in the 𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐁𝐘! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/pDP5ytbtv5

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) October 28, 2020

Respect is always good to see!

A fierce competitor and a legend of the game.

Congratulations to James Graham on a terrific career for club and country.

See you Friday. 👊#WWRL #SLStHWig https://t.co/EJmaD95F5I

— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) October 28, 2020

What’s on TV/Radio

LIVE SL: Leeds v Wakefield (Sky Sports Arena – 5:30pm)

LIVE SL: Hull KR v Hull FC (Sky Sports Main Event – 7:45pm)

Podcast: The Final Hooter 2020 #11 – Adrian Jackson and Dave Parkinson chat between home and a Widnes coffee shop and go through some of the current rugby league trends, stories, and rumours.

Sky Sports’ Golden Point podcast is available to download now.

The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.

The latest 5 Live Rugby League Podcast is out now, hosted by Dave Woods.

Birthdays

Ireland and Wigan prop Brad Singleton turns 28 today.

Also celebrating; Salford winger Ken Sio (30), Keighley centre Jake Webster (37) and Tonga international Kotoni Staggs (22).

Trivia

Ellery Hanley is the only player to win the Man of Steel award three times (1985, 1987 & 1989).

Listen to The Final Hooter podcast, featuring exclusive interviews, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on Apple Podcasts.