Rugby League Today: Hastings on possible NRL return, Warrington accused of lying & new kits
A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.
What’s on site
Warrington’s new recruit Matty Ashton is like a Ferrari, according to his coach Steve Price.
Newcastle Thunder will play Doncaster at the 2020 Magic Weekend, which is held at St James’ Park.
The second round draw for the 2020 Challenge Cup has been made. West Hull face a tough trip to Wigan St Patricks in a meeting of two of amateur rugby league’s most renowned clubs.
Hull KR have confirmed that Weller Hauraki will have surgery on his ankle in the coming days.
Warrington coach Steve Price admits he is a big fan of the work Toronto Wolfpack are doing.
What’s in the papers
Jason Robinson and Prince Harry will be friends reunited at today’s 2021 Rugby League World Cup draw, report The Sun.
Wigan new boy Jackson Hastings insists heading back to the NRL is not a certainty, report the Mirror.
Ian Lenagan has accused Super League rivals Warrington of lying following their claims Wigan tried to re-sign Anthony Gelling, report Wigan Today.
Shaun Lunt’s ripping in at Batley after putting nightmare 18 months to bed, report Yorkshire Evening Post.
Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook says Saints are champing at the bit to recreate last year’s title-winning season, report St Helens Star.
What’s on social
Well done to everyone involved.
#RLWC2021 are proud to become the first global sporting tournament to launch a Mental Fitness Charter.
Find out what the initiative includes and what RFL Patron, HRH, The Duke of Sussex, has to say on the charter ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/2TlYJPNWyi
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) January 16, 2020
A stunning kit from Super League newcomers Toronto!
Inaugural 2020 @SuperLeague white kit
→ https://t.co/zPeOHI7XZE pic.twitter.com/c8kqoU0X7Y
— Toronto Wolfpack (@TOwolfpack) January 15, 2020
But do clubs release too many kits?
? Our new alternative kit will be worn at this year’s Dacia Magic Weekend fixture against Warrington Wolves at Newcastle’s St James’ Park!
? The first team will wear the specially-designed hummel limited-edition shirt at other selected away games too. #WWRL pic.twitter.com/hzMdY1EaHy
— Wigan Warriors ?⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) January 15, 2020
What’s on TV/Radio
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.
The latest Howlin’ Hour podcast is available to download now. Toronto Wolfpack founder Eric Perez is a special guest on the show.
The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.
Birthdays
Former Great Britain and Wigan favourite Henderson Gill turns 59 today.
Also celebrating: Widnes chief executive Phil Finney (39), Samoa international Jarome Luai (23) and Australia international Cameron Murray (22).
Trivia
The Rugby League World Cup has been hosted in England five times so far (1969, 1970, 1995, 2000 & 2013).
