Rugby League Today: Famous reunions, gossip and NRL on TV
Thursday seems to have come around quick again – not that we’re complaining. Rugby is back on the box tonight and we’ll also have a man at Huddersfield.
What’s on site
With Danny McGuire returning to face Leeds tonight, we’ve had a look at six other interesting returns to face a former club.
A bit of news that a lot of you have been waiting for, the NRL is going to be back on Sky Sports and they have confirmed their first few weeks of live games. Some fans are frustrated at there being just two games, compared to the previous coverage by Premier Sports, but we’re assured that a live streaming service for all games will be available in the UK.
The parachute payment afforded to Leigh following their relegation from Super League received some criticism, and owner Derek Beaumont has attempted to explain it.
On the subject of money, Fiji’s international stars are boycotting future matches due to not being paid prize money from the World Cup. Captain Kevin Naiqama highlighted a number of “unprofessional” actions from the country’s governing body.
We’ve got match previews for tonight’s two games, including the 19-man squads – Leeds v Hull KR and Huddersfield v Warrington.
What’s in the papers
With Hull (and Wigan) Down Under, the Hull Daily Mail have got you covered with the all the latest – including Mark Minichiello beating a local in a prawn peeling contest. As you do.
In his column in the Liverpool Echo, former St Helens captain Jon Wilkin talks about eye-opening Ben Barba and looks ahead to their trip to Catalans this weekend. He also tips Widnes to surprise a few people this season.
And elsewhere, Castleford captain Michael Shenton says they are good enough to bounce back from their opening day hammering at St Helens, when they face Widnes this Sunday.
What’s on social
Far be it from us to engage in banter, but there’s an interesting literary debate going on over on the Rugby League Banter Page. What side of the fence do you sit on?
If you want to pass some time today, try on the official Super League’s quiz on Australians…
QUIZ TIME ❓⏰
Australia hosts its first Betfred Super League game on Saturday as @WiganWarriorsRL face @hullfcofficial ?? #SuperLeagueonTour
How well do you know your SL Aussies? ? https://t.co/qj9aUbQmOx pic.twitter.com/Msq1NN9MMd
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 7, 2018
This might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there is a massive surge in eSports and particularly YouTube gamers. One of them is having a go at taking Bradford back to the top of Super League on PC game Rugby League Team Manager 2018.
Rugby League Team Manager 2018 | Bradford Bulls | Episode Three: New Signings & Challenge Cup 1st Round | https://t.co/Q7ljyvc1Bw
— HanMister Younger (@HanMisterY) February 7, 2018
What’s on TV
19.00 – Live commentary, Leeds v Hull KR, BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra (Dave Woods & Brian Noble)
19.30 – Live Super League, Leeds v Hull KR, Sky Sports Arena & Sky Sports Mix (Eddie Hemmings, Brian Carney, Phil Clarke, Barrie McDermott, Terry O’Connor & Jon Wells)