Rugby League Today: Cup final squads, World Cup organisers bullish & coach concern over stoppages

James Gordon

What’s on site

The squads have been announced for the Challenge Cup final this weekend, with Theo Fages and Matty Lees in for St Helens and 12 returnees for Castleford.

World Cup organisers have confirmed the tournament will definitely go ahead this year, and with all 21 nations expected to compete, despite noise from Down Under to the contrary.

Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis has returned to York on loan in time for Saturday’s 1895 Cup final.

Warrington have handed new deals to six youngsters, including Josh Thewlis and Connor Wrench.

Hull KR have signed Dewsbury prop Tom Garratt on a two-year deal from 2022.

What’s on social

Cup final feels.

Fingers crossed…

There’s no stopping him!

Kammy knows where it’s at.

We shouldn’t lose touch with our heritage.

What’s in the papers

Wigan coach Adrian Lam has questioned the number of stoppages in Super League games for apparent injuries. He told Wigan Today: “I understand we want to protect our players and we’re all for that – but I felt during the whole year, not only at the weekend, some teams are taking advantage of that. I’m nervous as a coach where the game is going in this area.”

Niall Evalds is hoping to make it third time lucky, following Grand Final and Challenge Cup final defeats with Salford in recent years, when he lines up for Castleford at Wembley. He told the Yorkshire Post: “Last year, it was a weird occasion with a massive stadium like Wembley and just about 20 people in there. It was strange. You don’t quite get that big-game feel the same.”

Birthdays

St Helens powerhouse Apollo Perelini celebrates his 53rd birthday today (July 15).

Also celebrating: Australia winger Wendell Sailor (48); Thomas and Macgraff’s uncle Phillip Leuluai (45); Hull favourite and current Doncaster coach Richard Horne (40); controversial winger Justin Carney (34); Hull winger Bureta Faraimo (32); the man who took Hull to the Super League Grand Final in 2006 Peter Sharp (68)

What’s on TV/radio

9am – Live NRL: Gold Coast Titans v Parramatta Eels – Watch NRL

11am – Live NRL: Manly Sea Eagles v St George-Illawarra Dragons – Sky Sports Arena / Watch NRL

6.15pm – Live Super League: Catalans v Leeds – Sky Sports Arena

Trivia

Only two players in the Challenge Cup final squads have won the trophy before – James Roby and Liam Watts.

Features Adrian Lam

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