Rugby League Today: Hetherington on failed expansion, financial impact of coronavirus & NRL targets May 21

Drew Darbyshire

A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.

What’s on site

Wigan forward Willie Isa would be willing to play two or three games a week but wants a mini pre-season before action gets back underway.

Manchester Evening News reporter Tom Bramwell is the latest guest on My Set of Six. He talks Salford’s journey to the Grand Final and the ‘Clash of the Codes’ matches.

Continuing our six tackles feature series on the NRL, we’ve selected six of the greatest hookers who have played in the competition.

Hull MP Karl Turner has started a petition to chancellor Rishi Sunak to help save the sport during the coronavirus crisis. To sign the petition, click here.

We’ve got an update on how Toronto players are keeping motivated in lockdown, and some of the Wolfpack stars have given tips on exercising from home.

What’s in the papers

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington says failure to spread the game as widely as hoped has been Super League’s major weakness, reports Yorkshire Evening Post.

Chev Walker on the prison guard who helped inspire his rugby league redemption, reports the Mirror.

Barrow chairman Steve Neale says the impact of the coronavirus on the Raiders could be felt for years, reports North West Evening Mail.

The ARL Commission is tomorrow expected to sign off on the return of the NRL competition from as early as May 21, reports The Sydney Morning Herald.

“I wish I joined earlier” – Richard Swain on his Hull FC days, goosebumps moment, Lee Radford sacking and infamous team meeting, reports Hull Live.

What’s on social

Super League’s underrated 17, as voted for by you!

Retro Wire!

A very good gesture from Salford.

What’s on TV/Radio

Fox League LIVE – Fox League (8am)

Rugby AM – FreeSports (6pm)

Former Super League and NRL forward Keith Mason is this week’s guest on The Last Tackle. He talks about his switch to the NRL at 20 as well as his new rugby comic – Rugby Blood.

Super League’s Out Of Your League podcast is back, featuring Jon Wilkin and Mark Flanagan.

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

Tanya Arnold hosts the Super League Show.

Podcast: The Final Hooter #4 – featuring rugby league royalty Ellery Hanley.

The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.

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

Birthdays

Former Great Britain and Widnes centre Andy Currier turns 54 today.

Also celebrating; ex-Australia and Ireland prop Brett White (38), former New Zealand international Sam Rapira (33) and Workington forward Danny Tickle (37).

Trivia

The lowest ever Super League Grand Final attendance came in 1998, when 43,533 saw Wigan beat Leeds 10-4 at Old Trafford.

Watch our Last Tackle podcast, featuring a guest, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on YouTube.

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