Rugby League Today: Hill on red card, Watson wanted keep Bennett & Wane hailed by Smith
A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.
What’s on site
Warrington full-back Stefan Ratchford has signed a new deal until the end of 2022.
Ray Mour’s ‘off the record’ rumours and gossip column is live. How much is Israel Folau on at Catalans? What is the latest on Ben Murdoch-Masila’s future? Who is Hull KR’s star man? Find out in the rumour mill.
Catalans’ controversial recruit Israel Folau says he will look to embrace the French culture after arriving in Perpignan.
Catalans chairman Bernard Guasch was absent at a meeting of Super League clubs in Salford, where the big discussion was his signing of Israel Folau.
The Super League board has voted to put measures in place to ensure they stop controversial signings after Israel Folau’s signing at Catalans.
What’s in the papers
Warrington prop Chris Hill provides unique insight in to red card tackle and ban, report the Mirror.
Ian Watson is open to becoming new England boss Shaun Wane’s assistant – even though he feels Wayne Bennett should have stayed, report The Sun.
Super League clubs agree rules to veto signings following Israel Folau furore, report The Guardian.
Passion of new England coach Shaun Wane hailed by Hull KR boss Tony Smith, report The Yorkshire Po
Kristian Woolf knows plenty about Warrington big man Ben Murdoch-Masila, report St Helens Star.
What’s on social
It won’t be the first time Rob Burrow has inspired someone in sport because of their size.
Great stuff mate, use your size to your advantage! The big ones hate tackling the littler ones, hey @RLBarrieMc10 https://t.co/9YwZJXgXnP
— Rob Burrow (@Rob7Burrow) February 5, 2020
A sign of things to come?
The NRL's proposed "captain's challenge" will be trialled in marquee All Stars fixture on Feb 22 after being provisionally approved by the ARL Commission. Captains will be allowed one unsuccessful challenge per game and must involve a structured restart of play such as a scrum
— Ian Laybourn (@ILaybourn) February 6, 2020
This is great insight!
? Sin Bin | Episode 1
?️ @Rod_Studd and Paul Cullen of the Match Review Panel discuss incidents from this past weekend, including an altercation that was put on report between @WiganWarriorsRL and @WarringtonRLFC.
Watch on #OURLEAGUE ? https://t.co/7Pca4LmhhC pic.twitter.com/SIHq6WXTq2
— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) February 5, 2020
What’s on TV/Radio
Former referee Ian Smith on abuse, why he quit and what it’s like being a full-time official. The second episode of The Last Tackle is out now.
Matty Smith on Israel Folau, life in Catalans and Saints or Wigan? The first episode of The Last Tackle is out now.
Super League’s Out Of Your League podcast is back, featuring St Helens forward Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook.
Sky Sports’ Golden Point podcast is back, featuring Danny McGuire and Barrie McDermott.
Betfred have launched a magazine show called The Last Tackle on YouTube, hosted by Mark Pearson.
Tanya Arnold hosts the first Super League Show of 2020.
Podcast: The Final Hooter 2020 #2 – Super League season launch.
The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.
The latest 5 Live Rugby League Podcast is out now, hosted by Dave Woods.
The latest Total Rugby League Show is available to download now, hosted by Ben Hughes.
The In Touch Show is out now by Betfred.
Birthdays
Former Leeds coach Dave Furner turns 49 today.
Also celebrating; Australia favourite Danny Buderus (42), Wales international Elliott Jenkins (21) and Widnes legend David Hulme (56).
Trivia
Israel Folau’s last game of rugby league came in 2010 for Brisbane Broncos. He could play his first game in a decade on Sunday when Catalans travel to Wakefield.
Watch our Last Tackle podcast, featuring a guest, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2GCG8P8
