Rugby League Today: Hastings ends speculation, Harrowell killed by virus & make Leeds great again

A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.

What’s on site

Two games will be broadcast live by the BBC and the RFL’s Our League app in the first round of the 2020 Challenge Cup.

Former Salford, North Wales, Dewsbury, Rochdale and Leigh forward Toby Adamson is our first guest on the rugby league trainer, in partnership with Heaven ‘N’ Health. He tells us why pre-season training is crucial.

How has your club recruited in the off-season? We have given a verdict on how each Super League club has gone about their business ahead of 2020.

Former Salford, Halifax, Dewsbury, Oldham, Rochdale and Leigh forward Luke Adamson is our sixth guest on the rugby league diet, in partnership Heaven ‘N’ Health. He explains how players put on size in pre-season.

How well do you know Aidan Sezer? Test out your knowledge on Huddersfield’s marquee man.

What’s in the papers

Rugby league star Natalie Harrowell killed by virus had already wrapped her kids’ Christmas gifts, report the Mirror.

Footballer Gemma Bonner and Wigan star Willie Isa interview on an improbable sporting romance, sharing injury hurt and Samoan culture, report The Telegraph.

Grand Final winner Liam Sutcliffe says it is time to make Leeds great again, report Yorkshire Evening Post.

Hull FC owner Adam Pearson discusses salary cap, marquee players, Toronto Wolfpack and 2020 hopes, report Hull Live.

Wigan prop Ben Flower admits he felt let down after losing his No. 10 shirt for next season, report Wigan Today.

What’s on social

Jackson Hastings has ended speculation on his future…

And @JackoHastings Instagram story should end any of the latest rumblings and rumours… #wiganwarriors pic.twitter.com/mU2Yzfgju7

— Phil Wilkinson (@PWilkinsonWIG) December 15, 2019

There were a couple of tributes to rugby league at last night’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

‘A beautiful soul is never forgotten’ ? https://t.co/vlrvBWYz5r

— Matt Diskin (@mattdiskin) December 15, 2019

Warrington getting a shoutout on The Last Leg last week.

If you are from #Warrington, love #rugbyleague or just have a heart that beats❤️ watch this epic@adamhillscomedy joined @WarringtonRLFC to play @PDRLEngland. With a bunch of brave, strong & sometimes pained hero's he helped win a World ? Titlehttps://t.co/QfEy7vYaOO pic.twitter.com/s0iVZWgLq7

— Ian McClure (@saferstaffings1) December 15, 2019

What’s on TV/Radio

The latest Love Rugby League Lunch Hour was recorded on Thursday.

Podcast: The Final Hooter International #2 – full-time report and analysis by Love Rugby League.

Episode 46: Love Rugby League Weekly, hosted by deputy editor Drew Darbyshire.

The latest Chasing Kangaroos – An International Rugby League podcast is available to download now.

Birthdays

Wales international Sion Jones turns 22 today.

Also celebrating: France international Romain Puso (22), former Ireland international James Mendeika (28) and Halifax forward William Calcott (22).

Trivia

England have never played Scotland or Ireland in a one-off test match.